“It’s hard to be brave,” said Piglet sniffing slightly, “when you’re a very small animal.”

Rabbit, who had begun to write very busily, looked up and said: “It’s because you are a very small animal that you will be Useful in the adventure before us.”  

Piglet was so excited at the idea of being Useful that he forgot to be frightened anymore.

— From A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh”

As you might know, I am very passionate about addressing our fears in worship. There are many songs we sing that talk about how our fears don’t stand a chance when faced with the reality of our God. When we come together to sing we remind ourselves again and again of this truth.

Have you ever considered how the very act of worship keeps us from falling into worry and fear? It’s not just that we’re proclaiming God’s victory over fear — it’s that the very activity of our proclamation makes it harder to be afraid. Our usefulness in worship helps us forget why we’re fearful in the first place.

There are so many things that are calling out for our fear. Money concerns, our children’s independence, the future of our country, our own guilt and shame. Whatever troubles you, these things are no match when it comes to our God. He provides, He protects, He knows the future and is quick to forgive the past.

I’m not suggesting we use worship as a distraction from fear. I’m suggesting our usefulness in worship disqualifies fear. Don’t miss the opportunity to be with those who can come alongside you on this journey.  Come and worship and do not be afraid!

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7