“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, love, and sound discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NASB
I looked up the definition of timid. Not that I didn’t know what it meant. But I was looking for a richer definition than the word or two going through my head.
timid – lacking self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed, timorous, shy – Dictionary.com
Timid – my new middle name. Ok, let’s be honest, lately it’s more like my first name.
Then I went to my favorite app – Biblehub.org – for the Greek word and definition. Deilia. Isn’t that pretty? I actually threw it together with my last name just to see how it looked. The definition certainly fit: cowardice, timidity, reticence. And really and truly, it flowed nicely with my last name. But is that REALLY the name I want?
NO. It’s a weak and fearful name! Do I want to be a cowardly fearful Deilia? Do I really want to be the one with the pounding heart sitting in the emergency room in the middle of the night so certain my life is about to end? Or the one who finds herself wanting to climb out of her skin far too often because of the fear crawling through her body? I think not.
And anyway, my Bible tells me that that is not my God-given name at all.
Dunamis Agape Sophronismos — THAT’S my name! And doesn’t that just sound strong?
So look at this scripture again. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, love, and sound discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NASB Check out the Greek for those bold words:
Dunamis – miraculous power, might, strength, ability
Agape – love, goodwill
Sophronismos – self-control, self-discipline, prudence; aptly acting out God’s will by doing what He calls sound reasoning
When I am feeling lost in my lack of ability and when I am so afraid my heart is about to pound its way out of my chest, I need to remember what my name is. God has given me His miraculous power and ability, love, self-control, and His sensible nature. I just need to take hold of it! Then, what in the world would be able to turn me back into cowardly fearful Deilia?