God has not given us a Spirit of fear. So why do we often find ourselves consumed by fear and anxiety? What is happening in our brains that leads us down this path of timidity and worry? Some insights from Jeffery Schwartz’s book, You Are Not Your Brain, can shed light on this matter.
According to Schwartz, there is a warning center in our brains. If we’re not aware of it, fear-based messages can overpower our thoughts and control our lives. But here’s the good news: we also have what Schwartz refers to as the “wise advocate” within our brains, which we can recognize as the Holy Spirit. This means that even when we are grappling with fearful thoughts, we are not alone in our struggle. God has given us His Spirit to transform our fear into power, love, and self-discipline.
The key is to develop the ability to sit with our deceptive brain messages, to recognize their faulty logic, and to refocus our attention on God. It’s not about denying or suppressing our thoughts, but rather about becoming aware of them and choosing to redirect our focus. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives.
Fear is a common struggle that many of us face. But by acknowledging the presence of God’s Spirit within us, we can find the strength and courage to overcome our fears. As the apostle Paul wrote, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). It’s a comforting reminder that we are not alone in our battles.
So, if you’re wrestling with fear today, take this opportunity to join us in refocusing on God. Allow His peace to wash over you as you surrender your anxious thoughts and embrace His power and love. Remember, fear may be a part of our human experience, but it doesn’t have to define us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can find the strength to face our fears and live with confidence and trust in God.
Note: This blog post explores the topic of fear and how we can find strength and peace through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as discussed in Jeffery Schwartz’s book “You Are Not Your Brain.” It aims to provide practical insights and encouragement for anyone struggling with fear and anxiety, emphasizing the evergreen nature of this topic.
Want to watch a full-length episode on this topic? Check out this video, or watch the whole series, Passage to Wisdom.
