Fear makes us weak

At the end of every year, Danes pause for a few minutes to hear a New Year’s message from their queen. This year’s message included Queen Margethe’s somber reflections on terrorism at home and abroad -- including the attack last February in Copenhagen’s synagogue, in which two people were killed.

Despite the challenges, she told her country, “our reaction must not become a crippling fear. Fear makes us weak.”

If that sounds familiar, think of all the biblical warnings to not be afraid. From Isaiah and Joshua to the words of Jesus himself, we’re reminded: Be not afraid.

Be not afraid, because God is doing great new things in Denmark. Worship leaders are seeing a resurgence in genuinely Danish praise music. Attendance is up at Bible colleges. New urban church plants are growing as never before. Believers are reaching out to neighbors and immigrants. Christians are bolder than ever in sharing their faith.

Despite the challenges of a world prone to violence and fear, there is good reason to be excited about what God is doing in 2016. As the queen said at the end of her talk, “Gud bevare Danmark!”

God save Denmark.

PRAY for the Holy Spirit to move in new ways through His church in Denmark, filling Danes with compassion for the lost and hurting.

PRAY for protection and wisdom for Christian leaders.

PRAY that believers would be obedient to God’s leading as they face the challenges of a culture that is far, far from God.

PRAY for new energy in the church and for genuine revival in Denmark!