God does not give spirit of fear, but power and sound mind.

Here is a poem built upon that powerful and comforting truth from scripture.

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Not Fear, But This

The spirit given is not one of fear, That crouching shadow,that insistent lie That whispers of the danger lurking near, And pulls the curtain over heaven's sky.

It is not His. That cold and grasping hand Does not descend from Your great,loving throne. It is a phantom in a foreign land, A voice that seeks to claim me as its own.

For God has given not a timid spirit, But power—the very breath that moved the deep, To stand where I am tempted to disinherit The promises You covenant to keep.

And love—that casts out fear with perfect grace, A fierce affection,steadfast and divine, That finds me in my most forgotten place And whispers,"You are Mine. Forever Mine."

And a sound mind—a clarity, a peace, A anchored thought amidst the rising tide. A blessed,holy, mental release, Where truth and trust and calmness now reside.

So I reject the fear I did not earn, This borrowed burden I was never meant to hold. And to the gift of God I gladly turn— His power,love, and mind, a courage bold.

I am not given fear. I am set free. For what flows from the Father's heart to me Is strength to stand,a love that makes me whole, And Christ's own peace restoring my soul.

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The Key Scripture (2 Timothy 1:7)

The entire poem is a reflection on this single, powerful verse:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (NKJV)

Other translations use phrases like:

· "power, love, and self-discipline" (NIV)

· "power and love and self-control" (ESV)

The poem weaves together these translations to explore the full, rich gift God gives us in place of fear. It is a declaration that fear is an impostor, and our true inheritance is strength, love, and clarity from God Himself.