Do not fear

On Sunday the young people did a great job of leading our service based on Deuteronomy 31:1-8, and thinking about God's desire for his people and for Joshua - that they are not afraid of what is to come, but instead put all their trust in God.

We offered our fears to God on pieces of paper and saw them burn up before our eyes - a visual representation of handing over those things that we worry about and then choosing not to have to worry about them any more - instead putting our trust in the God who has promised to be beside us.

And like so much of our new life as Christians this is probably going to be a daily struggle and choice. It is unlikely to be a once and for all choice - it would be great if it was. But for many of us I expect each day will bring its worries and we have to choose to trust God and ask him to graciously take away our fear.

There's a great story in the Old Testament about a man called Elisha. One day Elisha wakes up early and with his servant they look out and see that the city they are in is surrounded by enemy soldiers and chariots. The servant panics but Elisha tells him "don't be afraid - those who are with us are more than those who are with them". Then in response to Elisha's prayer God opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to see what Elisha can see - to catch a glimpse of the spiritual dimension. Then the servant looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around. You'll find the story in 2 Kings 6:8-23.