Do you ever see a spider and feel a twinge of fear (or maybe it’s something bigger than a twinge), or perhaps you get a racing heart when you find yourself in the shadows without a torch. Most of us have a fear of at least something – it may be dogs (especially ones without a lead), or things that rustle in the hedgerow, or something deeper – like getting on a plane, or going for a swim on our own; but whatever it is, sometimes it’s useful to ask why?

There are good reasons to be afraid, anything that makes us vulnerable is a threat, and it’s good to ask questions in order to keep ourselves safe from harm. But what about that spider, or snake, or even the dark – is it really something frightening? If you take the time to really look at a spider, you see the wonder of God’s creation – from the tiny hairs that coat its legs, to its face, the joints on the legs and the shades of colour on its body – everything has a purpose and it’s hard not to be in awe of this amazing creature. And spiders themselves exist for a reason, they’re not there to make us afraid (although it’s good to have some caution if you live in a country with poisonous versions!), spiders form part of a larger cycle of creation, they help control pests, they are natural pollinators, and (sadly, for the spider) they are food for birds and lizards. The dark is just a wonder of the light (and the way our eyes are created), for nocturnal animals (another amazing part of God’s creation) the dark poses no problem at all – indeed they dislike the light!

So, this weekend, if we do have something we that makes us afraid, can we take the time to look at it differently? Can we reflect on why it is there – what wonderful part of God’s plan does this thing fulfil? If we recognise that we are all part of God’s creation, perhaps it will make us a little less afraid; and, even if it doesn’t, spending the weekend looking closely at all that God has gifted to us, is never a bad way to spend our time.

John 1:3 (ESV) All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.