Timothy 2 1:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and of love and self-control." (Tim2 1:7)

I love this Bible verse.  It's one of the few I have actually memorized and it has pulled me through many a situation.  Whatever my fear - speaking in public, confronting a person I disagree with, setting a goal for myself - this verse reminds me that I am not alone.  I am not made to be timid or afraid.  When I set my sights on that which God wants from me, I know I have "a spirit of POWER and of LOVE and SELF-CONTROL."  It sometimes seems hard to believe, but I know it to be true.  For me, it's the first step of acknowledging my fear that helps me find the place where I set aside the fear and put my trust in God and His Spirit working within me.  There has been some talk of the fears people are discovering in this journey to Mind-Body-Spirit wellness.  Can you give your fears to God and trust in the Spirit He has given you?

I am reminded that I have a spirit of LOVE.  That I need to approach all situations and challenges with Love in my heart, not anger or even righteousness.  This applies to ourselves as well!  We must LOVE OURSELVES as we journey to wellness.  We must resist temptation out of love for ourselves and the body God gave us.  We must love ourselves enough to want what is best, not just what is easiest or most delicious.  LOVE leads us right into Self-Control.  When Self-Control comes from love it comes a little bit easier than when it comes from shame or guilt.