“My favourite verse is in John 14:27. I tell it to myself every time I feel troubled. There are lots of troubles in life! Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

“Lately, I have been having trouble with my eyes. The doctor said that if I didn’t have cataracts done I would go blind … so I had surgery on both of my eyes at the end of last year. They’re now better. I can sort of see, but it’s a strain. It’s still a bit blurry. And I live on my own, so there are many things to be anxious about – bills to be paid, the car to run, shopping to do, places to go.

“I know I can’t always control those external things. That’s why I repeat that verse to myself. It’s always in the back of my mind. It gives me calm.

“It reminds me of God’s faithfulness and the hope and peace that I have, in him.”

Jan’s story is part of Eternity’s Faith Stories series, compiled by Naomi Reed. Click here for more Faith Stories.