Keystones of Faith: Day 20 - Identifying and Overcoming Fears

 

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

Heavenly Father, I come to you with my fears, knowing, that you see and understand each one. Thank you for revealing to me the fears that are holding me back from fully embracing your plan for my life. Thank you for the power and courage to face those fears of failure, overcoming the anxiety and worry over feeling abandoned, and thanking you for giving me the wisdom and courage to face the unknown with faith and wisdom. Thank you for your unfailing love as I continue to trust in you, O Lord, where I have an assurance of faith that you have not given me a spirit of fear. Instead, I thank you for giving me power, authority, courage, love, grace, and a sound mind. May your grace empower me to continue progressing forward in faith as I let go of my fears and walk boldly in the freedom you have offered through your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

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? 

1. Is it the fear of failing once more?
2. The fear that I'll be alone?
3. 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:

1. Recall a moment when fear stopped you. What was it? How did you feel at the time?
2. 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). 
3. 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. 

Being an Impeccable and Authentic Christian Through Our Word

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash 

The word is not just a sound or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. You can speak. ... The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you.

~ Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements - Be Impeccable with Your Word, p. 26 ~

The Gospel of John opens up with this statement of declaration regarding Christ and his divine authority:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The He was with God in the beginning. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing made had being. ⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of mankind. 

John 1:1-4, CJB

In the Greek, the WORD is LOGOS, and it is the word that gives us the term Logic. We understand that Christ was with our Heavenly Father in the beginning. He is the voice of God. This is validated throughout the New Testament. Christ spoke with authority. As we are representatives ministering in the name of Christ, we too speak in authority on His behalf.

What does it mean to be impeccable with our words? How does this translate into us speaking with authority?

As One having authority

We look to Mark 1:21-28 regarding how Christ spoke:

They entered K'Far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching. They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself. In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted, "What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, "Be quite and come out of him!" Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him. They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, "What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!" And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil. 

This is compared to Matthew 7:28-29:

When Yeshua had finished saying these things the crowds were amazed at the way he taught, for he was not instructing them like their Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.

Christ was impeccable with his words. When he taught it was with authority and not as the religious leaders had taught. When he ministered, he ministered under the authority of God's divine power and grace. This is evidenced in the Great High Priestly prayer of John 17. Here, we see Christ praying to the Father and declaring the words he received from the father, he also given to the disciples. Through the word (logic and reason) we come to know:

• The Truth
• Sanctified through its power and instruction
• Creates fulfillment and joy in our lives
• Generates faith and belief
• Unifies us with God the Father and Jesus Christ
• Expresses divine love and grace through its power

How many of us understand the dangerous power of the Word of God? I hear this all the time in various conversations. Yet, what does it mean to believe on the Word of God? Most merely reference the word of God as it is associated with the Bible. They conclude that the Bible is the final authoritative word of God. However, do you fully understand what is being said?

This is not a passing expression (as many today have appeared to use). It is one of the most dangerous characteristics of being a Christian in today's social climate and divisiveness. Here is what Alastair Roberts writes in his blog article: As One Having Authority - Mark 1:28-29

One of the dangerous yet important characteristics of the Church’s ministry is its authoritative speech: authorized by Christ himself, the Church is to communicate Christ’s own authority, obliging and releasing people to act in line with it. The Church does not just dispense advice but declares the word of Christ which obliges us to follow and by which one day we will be judged. The authoritative word of Christ furnishes lost and disoriented people with truthful ways of life.

The powerful word of God is not limited to a collection of 66 books. Christ is referred to as the Living word of God. He spoke on authority and taught what the Father had gave Christ to teach. Through Christ, we also are the Living words of God. Through us, we speak the truth and minister as Christ ministered.

On one occasion, the Savior spoke this truth to His disciples:

Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.

John 14:12-14, CJB

Through our faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ, we are empowered to do the works of Christ, and even greater works. This includes mindful and sincere heartfelt prayer in asking for God's guidance, wisdom, intervention, and strength. All to further glorify the Father and Son.

It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we are able to speak as one having authority. To call all men unto repentance. To forgive those who have trespassed against us. To preach with authority against the many seeds of doubt and fear. Our very words are impeccable where it brings light of hope, love, and truth within the darkest regions of the human heart. It beckons us to be a light unto the world.

Christ meets the woman caught in adultery

Speaking without sin

One of the hallmarks of Christ's authority is captured in the scene where a woman is brought before him. She was caught in the act of adultery. As an attempt to trap the Savior, the religious leaders and crowd awaited his response as to the condemnation and judgment based upon the established law (John 8:3-11, CJB)

Being an authentic Christian and being impeccable with our word means we do so in a manner that is without sin. Here is how Ruiz explains the first agreement:

Now let us see what the word impeccability means. ... Impeccable comes from the Latin pecatus, which means "sin." The im ... means "without," so impeccable means "without sin."

Ruiz further explains that this is speaking without judgment or blame. Specifically, toward oneself. However, this also means that when we speak with authority, it is done in a manner where we are not speaking out of judgment, criticism, blame, or in being condescending toward others. Christ spoke with authority: First toward the crowd ready to cast stones at the woman, and secondly toward the woman when he called her to repentance and asked her to stand and go forth to sin no more.

Unfortunately, many Christians preach and minister in a manner that is contrary to the way Christ ministered. This is evidenced in their conversations and tactics in so-called preaching the gospel through a spirit of contention and condescension toward others.

Let us not confuse this powerful ability to speak with divine authority. Truth will come across with harshness toward those in need of salvation and redemption. Scripture is clear on this. Yet, we do not have the authority to judge or condemn someone - that is reserved for the Savior. We do have the authority to preach the Gospel, call all people unto repentance, and teach them all that the Savior has commanded through discipleship.

When we are impeccable (meaning, we are ministering without sin in our hearts) in our words we speak the truth and love of Christ into the lives of those who are:

• Despondent
• Feeling lost and abandoned
• Experiencing adversity and despair
• Overwhelmed and burdened
• Experiencing fear and doubt
• Lacking hope and faith
• discouraged, disappointed, and let down
• experiencing health issues
• suffering

This is accomplished through mindfulness. We are not judging them, criticizing them, or putting them down. Instead, we are meeting them where they presently are. Speaking truth in love and comfort. Being compassionate and empathetic. We are not using terms couched in cliches. Our words are authentic and genuine.

In essence, when we speak without sin, we are speaking in a manner that is not rejecting of another person. This begins with how we speak to ourselves and accepting who we are through Christ's divine authority and grace. Until we heal ourselves and come unto Christ and seek his Forgiveness, we are not able to speak with authority and without sin.

Words bring healing and restoration

Another characteristic of Christ's ability to speak with authority is through the healing of individuals. People were not only amazed that Christ taught with authority (unlike scribes and religious leaders); they were also amazed at the power of his words that brought healing and restoration. 

One of the most interesting accounts is the healing of the man with palsy (Mark 2:1-12, CJB)

As Christians, our words have the divine power and authority to heal and restore. As we have come to understand, we shall do the works of Christ, and even do greater works than he has done. This may raise the question as whether or not there are healings today as there were in the time of Christ. I even came across one comment regarding someone asking how come God does not restore an amputee's hand?

First, we must understand that we have come far along in the field of medical science. What we are able to do today, was not available during the First Century. In a manner of speaking, God has provided us the means to restore limbs to people. They may not be flesh and bone limbs, however, many have gone on to great success with artificial limbs. Furthermore, there is the exploration of medical science and robotics. Secondly, healing and restoration begins with faith. Each encounter we read about where Christ heals - stems from the faith of those around the individual, and the individual themselves in taking the necessary action and following Christ's authority and word.

When we speak, without sin, and have faith in Christ, our words bring healing and restoration to those who are broken and lost. Has the power to lift others out of despair. Bring comfort during times of sorrow and suffering.

The Apostle Paul instructs us on how we bring restoration and healing within our families, and communities (Romans 12:4-18, CJB)

Here, we understand that healing and restoration rests upon our faith. It also rests upon our ability to show love and affection toward one another. Through this, we show mercy, and are able to effectively serve the Lord through our words and deeds. It also means we continue with fervent prayer and maintain patience in times of adversity.

Being impeccable with our words requires us to minister to those in need. Through our words we bring healing and restoration. While this may not manifest in physical healing, it may very well reach into the depths of the soul and bring to pass healing and restoration of faith and hope. This is quite true during our time where we have seen significant changes in how we are living our lives out.

While it is true that there are many in our society seeking after wickedness as a means to bring happiness and joy into their lives. Our duty and obligation are to speak truth in love and grace to bring healing and restoration to those who have found themselves bound in misery.

Conclusion

We are definitely living in unprecedented times. How we minister is based on whether we are authentic and impeccable with our word. Exercising our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power to speak with great authority. Through genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power and authority to speak without sin. And through our genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have the power to speak healing and restoration in the lives of those darken by sin and transgression.

Therefore, let us emulate our Savior and harness the power and authority of God in speaking truth that sanctifies, calls people unto repentance, and motivates others to walk in faith and obedience to all that Christ has taught and commanded us.