IT seems that people are fearful about the start of a nuclear war, especially as the two main components appear mentally incapable of backing down!

There is the threat of misguided people bringing mayhem to the world's cities, unable to find a better way.

We are bombarded daily with harrowing crimes against children, with the perpetrators coming from every part of society.

Is it any wonder that fear seems to stalk us?

Just before Jesus was going to give His life for the world, he told His fearful disciples: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, NKJB).

This world cannot offer true peace, only God can.

Our three-year-old grandchild was staying with us and early one morning I heard her coming out of her room.

I got up to find her standing in the semi-darkness rooted to the spot.

She said to me: "Look granddad, a dog is looking at me and he is coming to get me."

When I turned on the light, she could then see a pile of clothes ready for the wash.

Fear makes us imagine the worst. It's only when we illuminate the problem that we can see clearly, and then our fears are lessened.

In the Bible we are told: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10, NKJB).

Mankind is stumbling and even groping blindly trying to find God, the same God who purposely made the heavens and the earth that man might search for Him and even find Him; to do so is like turning on the light and dispelling the darkness. For as we come to see God, we come to know His ways, understand His nature and become wise in the love and peace He alone can give to us.

May the great God whom I serve and protects me and my loved ones also protect you and yours and bring you ever closer to the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.