In this fallen world there are plenty of reasons to be scared. The words, the actions, of others can wound – the uncertainty of life can feel deeply unsettling – the news from across the globe can be utterly heartbreaking. And the church often feels no safer.
Accusations, disappointments, scandals, opposition, hurt, heresy and decisions to be made, all weigh heavily on our hearts. No wonder fear is such a dominant feature of our modern lives.
We all know fear feels horrible. Most of us wish it would just go away. But while we are all deeply aware that fear makes for a miserable companion, many of us allow it to be our defining guide. We hate it, but we let it nudge us to live in the shadow of its tyranny rather than in the light of Jesus’ care.
