Fear is not from God

Tozer’s devotional today is titled “No Fear!” He is going to describe the nature of the Holy Spirit and that we have no reason to fear Him, an important truth. However, this morning these two words jumped out of their context and calmed my heart.

In about four hours, a heart specialist who also has a master’s degree in electrical engineering is going to laser the part of my heart that controls the way it beats. For years, this ‘node’ or whatever it is called, has been rebellious and both upper chambers beat too fast and out of sync. The past year has been a struggle, yet even with the assurance that all that will change, fear keeps clawing around the edges.

When the disciples feared Jesus would leave them, He said, “Let not your hearts be troubled” in John 14:1 and repeats it in verse 27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

I hear Him giving me the same assurance. No matter what happens in that procedure this morning, He will be with me.

Tozer says that no one should be afraid of Jesus. “He is the epitome of love, kindliness, geniality, warm attractiveness and sweetness.” He adds that is exactly what the Holy Spirit is, for He is the Spirit of the Father and the Son. The Bible says that because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, I have God’s fullness. He has given me the very same Spirit that dwelt in Him.

Certainly I interfere with Him at times. Fear comes in, or self-effort, or doubt, or just plain orneriness. Yet the patience of God puts up with my nonsense and continues His work of producing fruitfulness — even in me . . .

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22–26)

This goes beyond “no fear” because it takes my focus off me by giving me ways to demonstrate my love for God by loving others. The loftiness of doing that on a day like today actually boosts my confidence in Christ. He would never ask me to live like that if He was not prepared to help me do it!

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Jesus, even though You say “Don’t fear” I’ve this little knot in my stomach. I know that You can untie it. Thank You for the reminder that You are not only with me but have given me Your Spirit of love that drives out fear.

NOTE: My doctor had a difficult case ahead of me. About 3:30 the head nurse of the department told me I would be bumped until who knows when. Then his phone rang; the problem was being resolved quicker than expected. In about an hour, I was on the table. The procedure took a little less than an hour. The node resisted and had to be zapped a few times, but now my heart is beating properly. I feel normal — for the first time in years. I’m grateful to the Lord for working this out, to the doctor for going the extra mile, for the staff who did the same, and for my hubby who never left my side (except they would not let him scrub in) and for many opportunities to be kind to those who showed me such kindness. After a short time of recovery, they let me come home, for which I am also grateful. Love You, Jesus.