Welcome to The Turnaround’s 52 Days of Prayer!
Insight
In the middle of Timothy’s busy, hussle, bustle, and anxious life, Paul reminds him that God gives those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, His spirit. He shares with him that God does not give us a spirit of fear, which is the spirit of our enemy, but instead gives us His spirit, the spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.
His explosive dynamite-like power in the hands of someone who loves with a sound mind is incredibly good. Power in the hands of someone who hates with no self discipline is incredibly destructive. God has entrusted you with His power. Ask for it and you will receive it. Then, it is your responsibility to steward it wisely, selflessly, generously, and confidently.
His love is shepherding, sacrificial, and endless. You might think the opposite of love is hate, but actually, it is fear. There is no fear in love, and love drives out all fear. When we choose fear we are choosing against love. When we choose love we are choosing against fear. You might ask, “where is fear crowding out love in my life and love crowding out fear in my life?” Remember: perfect love drives out all fear. Philippians reminds us to not be anxious about anything; bring it to Him and He brings peace. Bringing any situation to Him in our prayers is our first line of offense, not our last line of defense.
Having a sound mind requires discipline, steadfastness, self control, and wisdom. All of those strengths are needed to take our thoughts captive. Often, we can lose focus and feel like we have a shaky foundation that’s falling apart. We put focus on the changing circumstances that are around us. Our fears or securities are placed on our current finances, leaders, cultural norms and the like. But, our God never changes. Finally, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, if excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things. Don’t view God through our circumstances but our circumstances through God. Take every thought captive, for we are moving in the direction of our biggest and most frequent thoughts. God’s word is the truth, is powerful, and renews. The Truth will set you free. Ask for His help and Think on these things.
Turnaround Questions
What are thoughts that you need to take captive? What areas do you need to be reminded of Jesus’s love? Who can you remind of his love?
Prayer
Thank you Lord for giving me your spirit, not of fear but of power, love, and of a sound mind. Today help me not to live in fear for you are with me. Today help me be strengthened with all power according to your glorious might. Today help me carry the spirit of love because I know you and you are love. Today help me live for you with a sound mind as you transform my mind by conforming me to you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Live with Power, Love and a sound mind today. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
