During my young adult years, I may have appeared outgoing and confident on the surface. However, the truth was that I was trapped in a prison of fear, which held me captive until I reached the age of twenty-eight. I’m not referring to the normal, healthy fear that prevents you from stepping into oncoming traffic. I’m talking about an overwhelming and gut-wrenching anxiety that hindered me from fully experiencing life. I was afraid of causing harm to others and being hurt myself. I feared the possibility of never finding love or feeling deserving of it. The fear of one more terrible event pushing me over the edge and driving me into madness consumed me. Thus, the first challenge that God tasked me with was conquering this fear. I can still vividly recall the trembling in my body as I stood in our apartment, quietly reciting this scripture for the very first time: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.”
The Word of God is His sincere promise to those who believe.
"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control."2 Timothy 1:7
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“…For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2