The summer months are often quiet ones. There may be fêtes and BBQs but also it’s the peak holiday period, the schools are closed, and the villages seem to drowse in the sunshine. But behind all those closed front doors all sorts of dramas are being acted out. Children are preparing for new classes, new schools, and waiting nervously for the exam results on which their future education rests. Parents coping with stressed teens are trying to convince the 15 year old that they really do still want to go on a family holiday to granny’s. Older folk are wondering what the future holds for them. Outwardly all is peaceful- masking inner turmoil? That sounds like life to me!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes, as I glide along like a swan, serene and stately, my little legs are going nineteen to the dozen out of sight. Sometimes I feel very hard pressed with the task in hand as well as the extra things to do, and the emotional and spiritual requests I am asked to meet in other people. I guess for everyone life seems very hard indeed from time to time. Each of us has worries – health, employment, family, money, education, friendships and relationships. Sometimes we don’t know which way to turn.

I often encounter people at points of crisis, when they are really “up against it”. Funerals are particularly difficult for people (obviously) and they may well feel at their wits’ end. On those occasions I use some wonderful sentences of scripture which remind us that, although life is tough, we are never abandoned nor on our own. You know the Footprints poem – “Where were you, God, when I needed you? That, my precious child, is when I was carrying you.”

So hear these sentences of scripture whilst you’re not in trouble and take on board some spiritual food and armour:

• I will never fail you nor forsake you, says the Lord.
• Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you.
• I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, principalities or powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• The steadfast love of the lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness.

I hope you have a peaceful, sunny and joy-filled summer. Remember every day that God loves you without condition and without end, and he’s always there for you whatever problems you have to face.