Hello and welcome to another episode of Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul. I am your host, Timothy R. Berman. My heart and passion are to encourage individuals who are struggling with addiction, desiring to come unto Christ, and live a more meaningful life that is with purpose and intent. One that is crucified with Christ so that we are able present ourselves as living sacrifices by being transformed with the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1-3).
Today, I want to discuss fear. A silent captor, a shadow that seems to linger in the heart of every person, especially those who are walking the rugged path of recovery. I know I have felt the gripping talons of fear throughout my life. That gnawing dread of failure, the cold grip of abandonment, the whispered lie that you'll never be free. Today, this devotional is all about confronting and overcoming our fears - not through our own strength, because it is only through the unshakable truth of God's word and strength.
Devotional - Identifying and Overcoming Fears
Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind"
Thought
In the midst of recovery, fear often looms large, casting shadows of doubt and uncertainty. Whether it is the fear of failing again, the fear of being abandoned by loved ones, or the fear of an unknown future; these anxieties may feel quite overwhelming. Yet, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to walk a different path - one where fear does not have the final say. Today, each of us are invited to let go of those fears that may be holding us back from growing in faith, growing in our relationships, and growing in Christ. We are called to overcome and conquer our fears.
The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, declares a simple and profound truth that resonates deeply with us: "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, ESV). This verse is a cornerstone for anyone wrestling with fear, especially for many of us in recovery. It reminds us how fear is not from God; instead, He equips us with power to overcome, love to sustain, and a sound mind to navigate our challenges.
We are called to embrace these divine gifts as we face our fears head on.
Reflection
Grace is the divine enablement that allows us to do what we cannot do on our own. When it comes to the deep-seated fears that may paralyze us in recovery - such as the dread of relapse, the worry of never being enough, or the terror of losing relationships - grace provides the strength to confront them. Identifying these fears is crucial; it's like shining a light into the dark corners of our hearts. By naming our fears, we take the first step toward freedom, allowing us to bring them before God. He promises to replace our spirit of fear with His spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
Recovery Focus
Take a moment to pause and reflect on your own journey. What specific fears are you wrestling with in your recovery? Is it the fear that your past will always define you? Or perhaps the fear that you'll never truly be free? Whatever they may be, I encourage you to list three fears that may be weighing heavily down upon your heart - perhaps the fear of failure, abandonment, or an uncertain future. writing them down is a powerful act of honesty before God and yourself. It's a step toward surrendering them to the One who is greater than any fear we may face. Bring these fears to the light. Bring them to God in thoughtful and mindful prayer, trusting Him to meet you there - and come as a believer and thanking Him for giving you the strength and power, and love to overcome those fears and not as a beggar pleading with Him to take away your fears.
Prayer
Devotional Message
Consider, for the moment, a woman - let's call her Sarah - who spent years battling addiction and co-dependency. She realizes a need for change and steps into the light of recovery. Yet it is even here, fear follows. She trembles at the thought of potential relapse - causing her to feel anxious and worried. Wonders if her family will ever see her as a whole person. Questions whether she has what it takes to press forward. Her story reflects our own beginning growing pains of recovery. The fear of coming into a room full of strangers. The anxiety. Worry, and the negative self-talk running away rapidly through our mind. However, there is hope: God has not left us defenseless against such fears.
2 Timothy 1:7 gives us a divine declaration and promise. Writing to his disciple Timothy, the Apostle Paul says:
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and a sound mind (KJV).
Now, one thing I like to do is check out how other translations render the same verse. This provides a robust understanding.
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSVUE): For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline
- English Standard Version (ESV): For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control
- Complete Jewish Study Bible (CJB): For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline
There appears to be this contrast between Fear - which is cowardice and timidity - to that of a sound mind, or self-control and discipline.
This is our anchor verse for today - a promise where fear is not our inheritance, rather, a strength of love that conquers it. What are your fears that have caused you to feel cowardice and timid when it comes to recovery? What fear is holding you back from receiving God's divine grace and favor in your own life?
2. Devotional Teaching on 2 Timothy 1:7
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy, a young leader facing trials that could have easily undone him. Fear was at his door - fear of inadequacy, fear of opposition. Yet the apostle reminds him, and us, that fear is not God's gift. It is a foreign spirit, an intruder in the soul of any believer. It is an intruder in the soul of those who are struggling with recovery or maintaining sobriety. what God given instead? Power - dunamis, the explosive might of His Spirit. Love - agape, the selfless force that casts out fear. And a sound mind - sophronismos, a disciplined clarity that sees through the fog of doubt.
Fear is not a mere feeling; it is a tyrant that seeks to rule where Christ alone ought to reign. Are you living as though fear has the final word? Or will you dare to claim the inheritance God has bestowed upon you - power to stand, love to endure, and a mind renewed by His truth?
Grace is not passive; it is the active presence of God enabling us to do what we are not capable of doing alone. In your own recovery, this grace is the very shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16). Taking up our shield of faith is our very spiritual duty to actively choose to trust God and rely on our faith to protect us from spiritual attacks. And fear comes with anxiety, worry, cowardice, timidity, and grips us with such tightness that it sometimes feels suffocating. These are spiritual attacks from the Enemy that we are to stand firm and defend with the shield of faith. And our ability to take up the shield of faith is by the enabling power, love, and Grace of God, almighty so that we are able to stand against every terror fear brings into our hearts and minds.
Consider, for a moment, the following: Every fear that grips you is a lie exposed by this verse. You are not powerless (except when working the steps and recognizing that you alone are powerless and need the help of God and are willing to give your heart, mind, and life over to His care); you are filled with His might. You are not unloved; you are held by His very own affection. You are not broken beyond repair. Instead, you are given a sound mind to walk in freedom because of Jesus Christ who lives through you - as a new creation.
3. Common Fears in Recovery
In my own personal recovery journey - I had to come to terms with how gripping fear was. And it came in many different ways. And maybe you identify with some of the ways fear has arisen in your own recovery journey. like haunting specters, each one threatening to derail the progress God has begun. What are these fears?
- Fear of Relapse: The haunting thought many have is relapse - to the point that it becomes self-fulling and sabotaging our recovery, inducing shame and guilt. It is that voice echoing - what if you fail again (or I fail again)?
- Fear of Abandonment: This was a very huge and difficult fear that I had to work through. the dread that those you love will turn away, leaving you isolated in your struggle. Or that they may not understand. Another fear correlating with this is coming to the realization of having to leave a toxic and codependent and abusive relationship - this fear typically reigns supreme in preventing healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration.
- Fear of the Unknown: The future seems to loom large and uncertain - "I don't think I will ever be sober." or "I don't think I will be able to do this." These are not uncommon. They are shared cries of many who struggle and seek healing.
Underlying all these fears though - is the greatest fear: The fear of one's inadequacy to do that which is required to overcome addiction, codependency, and engage in a meaningful and healthy recovery that leads toward a thriving and healthy sober lifestyle through Christ.
See, there is a significant cost related to recovery, much like a great and significant cost in following Christ. It is the cost of denying ourselves and taking up our cross on a day-to-day basis in order to come unto Christ and to take His yoke upon us (Matthew 16:23-26; Matthew 11:28-30). unaddressed, the impact these fears have on each of us become chains that hold us bound. Chains holding us captive. The fear of failure may paralyze action; the fear of abandonment may silence cries for help. However, identifying them is the first step to breaking free and shaking off those chains that hold us captive and bound.
And here is the remarkable thing about God, my friends - when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else. As Proverbs says, it is the fear of the Lord where we gain wisdom and courage (Proverbs 9:10).
4. Identifying Personal Fears - Practical Exercise
Now, let us turn inward. Lamentations 3:40 calls our attention to self-examination, same as 2 Corinthians 13:5, and Psalm 139:23-24. This requires one to quiet, or calm, the mind and heart before God. Ask yourself:
What fears are holding me captive in my recovery?
- Is it the fear of failing once more?
- The fear that I'll be alone?
- The fear that my future holds no hope?
Take a moment - maybe pause this video if you need to - and write down three fears that rise in your heart, mind, and soul regarding your recovery journey and your future. This is a time for you to be reflective, mindful, and honest before God. Remember, He already knows our hearts and minds before we come to Him. He is waiting for you to name them and bring them to Him.
Consider taking a moment to do the additional exercise:
- Recall a moment when fear stopped you. What was it? How did you feel at the time?
- What is it that you are dreading the most about tomorrow? How does the teaching of Christ help you find peace of mind where we are not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34).
- How might God's grace meet you in that fear?
Remember, this is a sacred moment between you and God. To name your specific fears is to purposely rob them of their secrecy, their power, and awful chains that have held you in bondage. You are not alone in this; share this with your sponsor, accountability group or partners; and know that God gives you power, authority, love, and a sound mind to overcome any and all fears.
Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Today, hopefully, we faced our fears head-on. We've seen they are not from God, and that He equips us with power, love, and a sound mind. Through His sovereign grace, we are able to identify what holds us back and release it into his hands.
Your own recovery path is not defined by fear; it is defined by God who empowers and strengthens you to overcome it. Faith is genuine and never knows where it is being led - however it loves and knows the One who is leading you. Kepp bringing your fears to Him and know that His grace is sufficient for you to carry you out each and every day.
I hope this message resonates with you today. Thank you for being here and being part of this community of believers where we are living a mindful crucified life through Jesus Christ - because He lives through us (Galatians 2:20). If it resonates with you, please give this a like, click that notification bell to be notified of more content from this channel, and subscribe. Drop your thoughts in the comment section and maybe consider sharing some of your thoughts on the questions today. And as always, if you feel led to and inspired to partner with me - consider making a one time or becoming a monthly partner with Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul by clicking the PayPal donation link in the description of today's message.
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Let us take a moment to pray. And if you have a prayer request - drop those in the comment section as well or send me an email with your request for prayer.
Heavenly Father, I come to you thanking you for your grace, love, power, and mercy. Today, we come to lay down our fears before you - to bare open our hearts and minds to you. I confess my fears and thank you for searching my heart and mind for any fears that may continue to hold me back, so I am able to bring them before you and lay them down at your throne. Thank you for shining your light into my heart and mind and giving me a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Thank you for filling me with your strength as I am weak. Your love when I feel alone and abandoned. And your clarity when I feel lost in my doubts and fears. I surrender these fears to You, trusting in your grace - knowing it is sufficient for me today. Thank you for leading me forward in my recovery as I continue to claim victory over my life, step-by-step, in Jesus' name, Amen.
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