Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14, NKJV
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NKJV)
It is almost impossible to live life without encountering stress, fear, anxiety, and worry. But all of the above—the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit—are needed for us to be consistently successful in overcoming stress, fear, anxiety, and worry in our lives.
Thankfully, avenues of escape are provided through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We have previously shown one way of doing this:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV).
Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit gives us additional ammunition to overcome these common emotional obstacles.
We have access to the Lord by the Spirit who imparts life to our mortal body. This is why it is so necessary for us to be living in union with the Holy Spirit. We need to be filled with and controlled by him. Only by him do we have access to the “weaponry” needed to live victoriously in this world.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5, NKJV)
“The Spirit battles for the control of our mind: So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:6, NLT)
These verses tell us the Spirit will enable us to enjoy both life and peace as we allow him to control our minds. His revelations enable us to tear down the things that exalt themselves against God and lead us astray from the purposes God wants us to pursue.
The Spirit also gives us the power of Christ to overcome the lures of the world and the flesh.
“For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NLT)
No wonder Paul had this to say: “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2, ESV). The sins of stress, fear, anxiety, and worry can be overcome as we live in union with the Holy Spirit.
Today, ask yourself:
When I am stressed, fearful, worried, or anxious, do I ask the Holy Spirit to take away these deadly thoughts and emotions? Do I soak my heart in Scripture when fearful thoughts disrupt my life?
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