2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
This single verse has been the one that gives me peace in the middle of the night when my mind wanders and just can’t seem to find the “off” switch. It is the verse that reminds me God provides soundness of mind.
Yet there is so much more because this verse leads directly into our need for God’s mercy and grace; our need of a Savior, Jesus Christ; our need of the Holy Spirit within us; and our responsibility to share that same gospel with others. Let the Bible (from the written words of apostle Paul) speak for itself:
2 Timothy 1:7-14 7For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline [sound mind]. 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Our peace of mind during sleepless nights or troubled days comes from knowing God had a plan long before the creation of the world—that He would create humankind; that they would have freedom of choice to choose or reject Him; but that His only Son would be the Savior for those who would choose to honor and serve Him. God would give his people His Holy Spirit to dwell within them, leading them, guiding them, comforting them. And that Holy Spirit would be a Spirit of truth in the midst of confusion, power to proclaim the gospel unashamedly, love and compassion for others, self-discipline to accomplish what we ought, and soundness of mind when peace is needed in the midst of anxiety. All this was known and planned by a loving Heavenly Father. And I, with Paul, am convinced that He is able to guard what we have entrusted to him until the day Jesus Christ returns to claim us as his own.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
I am overwhelmed with your mercy and grace—that you would love us so much to give us the means of salvation through your only Son. Forgive us for our failures, inadequacies, and sins. Thank you for your Spirit who dwells within us, giving us boldness to share the gospel message with others. May we serve you where you have place us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional Soundness of Mind appeared first at Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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