A Time for Receiving the Tremendous Gift of Peace
by Ruth Hawkey
What a tremendous encouraging word this verse from the second letter to Timothy is, especially at such a time as this, when there seems to be a great amount of fear around, ready to pounce at any moment like a cat with a mouse! And even if we are not feeling particularly fearful, then watching or listening to the news certainly has the ability to stir up any dormant fear.
For example, there is the fear of catching coronavirus; the fear of losing our jobs; the fear of what might happen in the future either to ourselves, our families, or our friends. Our imagination can begin to run riot, if we give it free rein.
However, this verse helps us to rein in our fears, as we focus on our Heavenly Father rather than on the fear itself. It is interesting to note that Paul suggests that God counteracts fear with power, love and with a ‘sound mind.’
My first observation was: “I wonder why it is love that replaces fear?” Could it be that, if we are so settled in the knowledge that God loves us, then nothing can frighten us, because He is in charge and is continually looking out for us as a good father would. If so, then it follows that my mind will stop dithering between fear and faith and become settled and ‘sound.’
So, it seems to me that I have a choice to make. Am I going to choose to love God and trust in Him, whatever circumstances I find myself in, or am I going to be tossed around in fear? (Of course, the choosing might have to be done a number of times, until my mind takes a firm hold of His truth.)
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). So, I encourage you to receive His gift of peace as we walk through this time. ‘I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears’ (Psalm 34:4). Perhaps you would like to pray the following prayer, naming any specific fears you have.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You today and I ask that You set me free from my fears. Will you please fill me with Your love so that my mind may be set upon You, as I choose to trust You for my future. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Ruth Hawkey has had the privilege of working alongside Ellel Ministries from the very beginning. She and her husband Joe helped to begin the work in both Glyndley Manor and Canada. She has written a number of books including Healing Emotional Wounds, Healing the Human Spirit, Generational Blessing and Generational Sin, and Praying for Children. She and her husband also helped to develop prayer ministry teams in the local church.
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