As I sit and write this article on a beautiful hot summer’s day, it is hard to imagine that all of us are going to be faced with challenging times this autumn and winter. Current forecasts from the Bank of England, the cost of energy supplies, and grim warnings from charities helping those in poverty are becoming louder. The war in Ukraine shows no sign of peace and there have been unsettling reports of tensions in Bosnia. On top of that, this hot weather is causing problems for farmers, transport and is a worrying indication of global warming and if that is not enough, I wonder how Covid is going to affect us in the cold months.
Overall, the picture is not very rosy, in fact if you are about to stop reading, I don’t blame you!
Interestingly, the times during which Jesus lived were just as troubled with wars, rumours of wars, disease, famine, and violence.
Jesus told his disciples in Luke 12 that though things looked bleak, they were not to be afraid. Someone once counted the times, ‘Do not be afraid,’ has been uttered in the Bible and was surprised it was 365. Yes, that is one for every day of the year. God, it seems, does not want us to be overwhelmed in anxious times.
Well you could say, ‘All well and good, but how is my electricity bill going to be paid?’ ‘How am I going to feed my family?’
If you need help with energy bills, please visit Encompass, a website that can help which is set up by Torridge District Council – https://www.bpag-encompass.org.uk/household-fund-application-form
Christians Against Poverty, which help with managing finances – 0800 3280006 – at Holy Trinity Church, Barnstaple.
361 Energy who can help with in-home energy visits to offer practical energy saving solutions – 01271 599361 or email: info@361energy.org
Torrington Foodbank. Contact Shirley Beer on 01805 623887 or 01805 623175
Times are hard. Please know that despite this we can all know the peace and strength of Jesus Christ simply by letting him into our lives.
God bless, Susan