DAILY?READINGS: 2 Samuel 6; Nahum 1; Romans 13
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us a spirit or disposition of fear or cowardice that we should despair and let the flame of our devotion to Christ burn low in times of danger. Rather, God has given to us His “power” which is more than adequate for every need; His “love” which leads to noble deeds and does not shrink from sacrifice on behalf of others; and a “sound mind,” that is, a sane, well-balanced, disciplined mind that guides our power and applies intelligently the expression of our love. It is human to fear, but better to be like Isaiah of old who said, “I will trust and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2). —W. Ross Rainey
Who trusts in God, a strong abode, in Heav’n and earth possesses;
Who looks in love to Christ above, no fear his heart oppresses.—Joachim Magdeburg