Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

I love the way the Bible is connected. Pay attention as you read, don’t be afraid to make notes, and you will find all sorts of parallels that paint an incredible picture. Today’s reading is a great example.

2 Timothy 1:7 is our main reading. If you haven’t read it yet, pause and do that now. Then go read Romans 8:15 and John 14:17.

Did you notice all the parallels? Each verse talks about struggles we all face as we walk through life. In John 14, Jesus talks about uncertainty and the need for help. Has anybody ever felt like they could use a little help figuring things out? To the church in Rome, Paul addresses the idea of fear specifically around the slavery that sin can cause. Sin never satisfies in only leads to unfulfilled desires. Then as he writes to his young protege in 2 Timothy 1, Paul presses in on confidence. That little voice in the back of everyone’s mind that says you’ll never be good enough.

Side note: In 2 Timothy 1:7 some translations use the word “fear” and some use “timidity.” Both are good translations. In the original Greek language, however, Romans 8:15 and 2 Timothy 1:7 use completely different words for what is translated as “fear” in English. Because of that, I lean toward the idea of “timidity” to better describe what Paul is talking about in 2 Timothy 1:7, a lack of confidence.

Nevertheless, in all the things that keep us from living out the purpose that God has made us for the answer is the same; The Holy Spirit. Notice how the Spirit of God is described in all these verses.

The spirit of truth is a helper or advocate.

The spirit of adoption calls us children of God.

The spirit of love, power, and self-control gives confidence.

What a list! Jesus followers or not, I’m willing to bet if we asked any person if they wanted more truth, belonging, love, power, or self-control in their life the answer would be “absolutely.” Who doesn't need that in their life?

So much of life is spent in pursuit of those very things. Self-discovery journeys to try and find “my truth.” Relationship after relationship pursues love and belonging, endless hours of work to achieve and rise through the ranks to gain authority and power. Self-help gurus make a lot of money convincing us they know the secret to developing more self-control.

Yet God’s Word is abundantly clear. His presence is where we find everything our heart really longs for.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflections:

• Look back at the list of things we see given through the Spirit of God. Truth, belonging, love, power, self-control. What are you looking for the most in life right now?
  
• Where are you trying to create or manufacture that feeling rather than finding it in the presence of God?
  
• What are you doing to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in your life?