Lent 2021: A Story to Live BySample

At the foot

Reflection:

Anxiety attaches itself easily, doesn’t it? And it’s very good at breeding. In a recent survey, 65 per cent of those questioned admitted to feeling more anxious than usual.

Fear is natural. It stops us getting run over by a bus. But fears are very good at growing. And growing out of proportion.

Martin Luther said this: ‘You can’t stop the birds flying over your head, but you can stop them nesting in your hair’. Is fear nesting in your hair today?

I love this advice from Peter. He got to hear Jesus’ teaching on anxiety and fear first hand. ‘Do not fear’ is one of Jesus’ most repeated advice. ‘Don’t worry’. ‘Don’t be anxious’.

Jesus is here. He is inviting you to cast your anxiety and fear on him today. 

Allow some time of stillness. Allow your fears to surface in the presence of Jesus. He looks on you kindly. With compassion. He cares for you.

Prayer: 

Jesus, I name my fears in your presence…. I cast all my anxiety on you – both my personal fears and the great issues of the world, such as poverty. It’s such a comfort that you care for us. Amen.

Author: Jill Duff

Jill is the Bishop of Lancaster.