2 Timothy 1.7
“The Lord did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.”
We have more to learn from the life of Elijah, but I wanted to pause in the midst of the story to focus on the mind of faith vs the mind of fear. This is the core issue for Elijah and for us. We need to make a decision every day about whether we will live by faith or live by fear.
Fear distorts how we see, disrupts how we feel, and limits what we do. It diminishes our thinking and produces poor decisions. Faith expands and widens our perspective. It clarifies our thinking and produces wise decisions.
The mind of fear fixates on problems and perceived threats. Fear distorts how we see, disrupts how we feel, and limits what we do. It diminishes our thinking and produces poor decisions. Fear doesn’t trust; it worries. This was the case with Elijah. He was fixated on Jezebel rather than trusting God.
By contrast, the mind of faith expands and widens our perspective. It clarifies our thinking and produces wise decisions. The mind of faith focuses on God’s presence, power, and principles. And it prays. Let’s consider each of those areas of focus:
The mind of faith focuses on God’s presence.
It recognizes that God is not distant or disconnected; He is here. When we operate by faith we see the events and situations of life with the realization that God is with us. Indeed, the name Immanuel that is used of Jesus means “God with us.”
“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 20.1)
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26.3)
The mind of faith focuses on God’s power.
It recognizes that our power is limited, but the Lord’s power is limitless. When we operate by faith we tap into and trust the power of God.
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12.2)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1.7)
The mind of faith focuses on God’s principles.
It seeks to understand and follow the truth of the word of God.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119.15-16)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 199.105)
The mind of faith prays.
Continuously. Fervently. Boldly.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34.4).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5.6-7)
May we cultivate a mind of faith that focuses on God’s presence, power, and principles, and that prays continuously and boldly.
Here is a great worship song about faith vs fear.
Chris Tomlin – Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) (Live In Nashville 2022)
The Lord is calling.
