We have a laugh in our home, at my mother-in-law's expense, about her care, or lack of it, towards her indoor plants.

They survive, but do not thrive, due to a lack of care and watering.

We bought some end of season pot plants from the garden centre recently; they were pot-bound. The roots had grown through the holes in the bottom of the pot, which had to be gently cut away, but in prising the roots out, some were damaged in the process.

I had an experience like being pot-bound.

I have seen God do wonderful things in my life and experienced His Love in many ways, but there has always been a dark thread running through my life which has been anxiety and worry; at times I felt it would cripple me.

Earlier this year I read 1 John 4, verse 18, which has changed my life: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears has not been made perfect in love."

It was the last part which did it for me, "The one who fears has not been made perfect in love."

I recognised my fear and had prayed about it many times. This verse changed the way I prayed. Before I had prayed that the spirit of fear and anxiety would be removed - now I began to pray that His love would be made perfect in me.

There are still times when I get a twinge of anxiety, but I straightaway pray for His love to be made perfect. I am more confident now and look on life with a different face.

Jesus says in John Ch 8:32, "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Some of God's truth is like seeds or fertiliser of great worth, but seeds have to be planted and fertiliser needs to be worked into the soil of our lives to be effective; it does not become anything just left in its packet or a box.

Ask yourself: "What spiritual condition am I in?"

Can you identify with the picture of a pot-bound plant or are you thriving in your journey with God.

Are you, like I was, caught up with fear or something else which has trapped your roots and turned you into a bonsai tree?

Being prised out of a pot hurts, there's root damage. The leaves wilt when it is replanted in the garden border, but then we will be able to grow to our full potential under God's care and love.

The Word by Nick Sutton, Neyland.

New Life Christian Fellowship meet in Kilgetty Community Centre, 10.45 am on Sundays.Please call if you want someone to talk to or pray for you, tel. 07788270871.