January 2026 is showing signs of trouble already. I’m writing against a background of wind-howls as Storm Goretti is trying hard to blow Cornwall across to Belgium! Rain has been thundering down all evening, bins are being battered into the lamp-posts, and only a few miles away snow is falling sideways in blizzard conditions.
Freak high tides are expected tonight, with waves overtopping the sea wall at Littlehampton.
My photo was taken the morning after a prior storm: I was amazed at how the sea defences withstood the brute force of Storm Ciaran. How strong is that wood? A few planks have been damaged; the seaweed and shellfish must have had a rough night. But it stands.
These wooden breakwaters are the first stage of our defence: higher up the beach is a huge volume of shingle stones, then concrete wall along the promenade. The risk of damage was considered by the engineers- then they installed the strongest wood and stone they could to absorb the forces of wind and wave.
I have just been reading the instructions of St Paul to the Early Church; then as now, this world is full of trouble. Physical peril from natural forces, opposition from those who hate God and His People… it’s a dangerous life! Have a read and apply this wisdom in 2026. We need to be strong.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Living Translation)
"The Whole Armor of God"
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
The Reflectionary 