Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

The command to not fear is all throughout Scripture. From Israel going into battle completely outnumbered, to the wind and the waves of a storm about to capsize a boat. Do not fear. Do not be afraid.

But that’s a lot easier said than done.

The reality is that fear is a powerful motivator. Our fears of the unknown or what could be keep us up at night. Our fears often lead us to take action in an attempt to minimize the likelihood of our fears becoming reality. Nothing motivates us quite like fear.

But often that backfires. The fear a boy has that a girl may not notice him leads him to go a little over the top. She notices him, but not in a good way. The fear of losing your job leads you to work more and more till you wake up and it’s taken a toll on your marriage and family. The fear of losing your health leads you to stress about your diet and fitness, and the stress ends up causing more health issues than anything else.

Paul reminds Timothy: you have not been given a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control. We are not alone. We have the Spirit of God within us. The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead. The Spirit of God who hovered over the deep before creation itself. The Spirit of God who conquers all.

So why do we still fear?

I wish it were that easy. To simply not fear. But there are too many things in this world that take our attention and focus off God and cause us to fear.

We are coming up on another heated election. Here in Virginia, there are three proposed state constitutional amendments. One side is passionately trying to pass these out of fear of what could happen in the future. The other side is passionately against these out of fear of what could happen from going down this road.

Fear is driving much of both.

If you’re in Virginia, I encourage you to be informed about these proposed amendments. But do not fear. Do not be driven by fear. Do not give in to either side’s fear of what could happen if we do or do not approve these amendments.

Instead of fear, trust. Trust that God has a plan. Trust that He has protected His people throughout time, regardless of the righteousness or unrighteousness of the laws or government. Trust that God sees the hurting and the broken. Trust that He sees the marginalized and discarded. Trust that He loves those you love far more than you ever could. Trust that He will work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Try one of these to practice trust:

1. Read more Scripture than news to be reminded of the truth and the might of God.
2. Brainstorm ways God uses hardship to bring good (as seen in Scripture and in your life).
3. Practice small steps of obedience to the Word of God and see how God provides.

Whether it’s voting this year or next, negative national news headlines, or stress at work or home, trust God. For He has not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-control. Find ways to practice leaning in and trusting God more!