For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (1 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

OneWord 2012. When I thought about what “one word” I could choose for 2012, the word “fearless” flashed in my thoughts like a lightning bolt.

I know that I need to face some fears to go forward with some projects, plans, and dreams this year. And I think the title of Joyce Meyer’s book captures this principle well: Do it Afraid! Obeying God in the Face of Fear.

Fearless. So, what does “fearlessness” look like in the real world? Or rather, what does “fearlessness” NOT look like?

Flag. First Timothy 1:7 says, “… God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” So, if I find myself being controlled by fear and timidity, that's a big red flag—I’m not listening and obeying God’s Voice.

First Step. But how do we begin to walk in “power, love, and self-discipline”? I believe the first step is to confess my fears. James 5:16 says, “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]” (AMP).

Face Reality. Until we face reality, we cannot find the truth. And God’s Word promises us that we can “know the truth, and the truth will set (us) free” (John 8:32).

Photo/KarenJordan

What is your “One Word 2012”?