Give Me the Power of a Sound Mind
A Reflection on 2 Timothy 1:7 and Romans 12:2
Give me the power of a sound mind—not clouded by fear,
Not tossed by every wind of doubt, not trembling at what I hear.
For You have not given a spirit of fear, but of power and of love,
And of a mind that is disciplined, clear, and fixed on things above.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
A sound mind—calm in the storm, steady in the fray,
Not ruled by panic or anxiety, not led by feelings astray.
It thinks on what is true and noble, just and pure and kind,
And in the chaos of this world, it leaves confusion behind.
Power—not of brute force, but of self-control,
The grip of grace upon my thoughts, the healing of my soul.
When memories haunt or worries race, when lies begin to shout,
The power of a sound mind declares, “Peace, be still,” without a doubt.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (Romans 12:2, ESV)
So I ask for this gift—not for my own glory’s sake,
But to make wise decisions, to follow in Your wake.
To distinguish truth from error, light from shadowed lies,
To see with clarity Your will behind the hidden skies.
Renew my mind by Your Spirit, wash it in Your Word.
Let every anxious thought be stilled, every lie be heard
And answered by Your promises, which are yes and amen.
Give me the power of a sound mind—again and yet again.
Amen.