VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that you are well. Farmers, your prayers for rain were finally answered!

This week I would like to focus on serenity. I know that many of You will be on holiday and so I think that serenity is a good topic for us all to dwell on.

What does the Bible say about peace and serenity?

Ephesians 6:10-18 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, …

James 3:17-18 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

There is peace to be had from even the most fraught of situations. As the lucky among You sit on Your deckchairs, enjoy the moment. For those of You working or sat at home dealing with A Level results or stress at work, look for those moments of serenity between the storms. They exist and We are being told to look out for them – the worldly problems are just that and We will one day see them as mere straw.

God Bless You all. Have a great week to come.

O God and Heavenly Father, Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.