"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7
In other bible version, sound mind is written as self-discipline.
I know that I have a sound mind, having a full revelation of His healing and power through this verse. Ever since the night I prayed for a sound, healed mind, I have been conscious of my thoughts, making sure that I am in control of what I think, and later on to what I do.
For some reason, though, for the past 2 weeks, I cannot think properly. It might have been because of exhaustion during the ministry week– physical, emotional, and spiritual burnout. Or it could just be I’m too lazy because of my hormonal cycle (thank God for healing me from irregular cycles). Another reason I thought of is because I’ve met with more friends than I should leading to more tiredness. Or it could be because I have ADHD (which I was assured that I don’t have haha).
However, does knowing the reason help with easing my tiredness and helping me to be able to think properly again?
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6
As Timothy was commanded to fan into flame the gift of God, so I should. More importantly when my fire is burning out. So knowing why I can’t think properly now will help me in the future on how to keep myself from having foggy mind.
God’s Healing
Wow, in the middle of writing this (I’m in our school’s library), I had an intimate conversation with an Ate (older sister). And now, wow. I think I’m all good again. Haha!
Through the conversation, I realized that it’s not that I’m physically tired because I already rested enough. It’s also not because I’m mentally tired because as I said, I couldn’t use my brain well for the past 2 weeks. And definitely not spiritually tired as the Lord is faithful in filling me everyday.
It turns out that my mind had been foggy, like I can’t get hold of or control it, was because I had an emotional burden. Or hurt. A few weeks ago, I wrote about being generous with my smile. I didn’t realize that the words of my brother had cut deep into my heart.
I just shrugged it off but eventually changed how I acted and expressed myself towards other people.
After I told Ate what the brother told me, I found myself crying unstoppable. And I thought, aha! This must be it. I kept it hidden, especially with all the requirements and busyness in our ministries. That, along with other feelings I dismissed must have been the reason I couldn’t take a hold of my thoughts.
Now, I feel free. Like I’m not caged anymore.
God’s healing of our hearts come through the form of confession and being honest with what we feel.
Encouragement
Fanning into flame the fire given to us is our responsibility. Not just that, we have to take care of our fire, making sure we guard or prevent it from dying down.
Having a sound mind is a gift, along with power and love. That means that we are able to follow God wherever He calls us and obey Him in whatever He wants us to do.
God didn’t give you the Spirit of fear. Instead, He has given you the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.