Anxiety, worry, tension and fear are emotions that alert us of our need to solve the problems we are facing. When under stress, you may be concerned or troubled with distressing thoughts of real and, sometimes, magnified problems.

When relying on your own strength, rather than upon God and His Word, you are not equipped to effectively deal with the challenges that come your way. It could be you are allowing your carnal nature to persuade you that God is unable to handle the situation.

So instead of leaning on your own understanding, learn to tap into God's supernatural strength and power. The Bible instructs you to cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:25-27).

"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field...will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:28-33).

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6).

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

"So we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6).

Unchecked, these emotions of anxiety, worry, tension and fear will prevent you from maturing in the Lord (Luke 8:14). Don't give in to them nor to self-pity. Your faith and the corresponding strength to face problems are built up by reading and meditating on the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Christ said in Matthew 6:33 to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all other good things shall be yours as well. Worry and frustration over the cares of this life won't change things. Only your Heavenly Father, who knows your every need, can intervene and supply your needs according to His promises.

Replace your worry and tension with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Jesus is here right now to take your worries and your cares. He is your Source of strength (Philippians 4:13). Take Him at His Word. Affirm daily that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Practice the principle of praise. As you praise God, He will honour your praise and minister to your need.

Thank God that you can "cast all your cares upon Him." Then give all your problems to Him right now. Pray for the complete peace of God to be upon you. Praise Him for meeting your needs.

Read What To Do About Worry by Jay Adams; Prison To Praise and other books by Merlin Carothers; and Worry Free Living by Dr. Frank Minirth, Dr. Paul Meier and Don Hawkins.

Other ministry pamphlets are available upon request: FINANCES, GUIDANCE, HOPE, PEACE, PRAISE, PRAYER, PRINCIPLE OF AGREEMENT, HOUSEHOLD SALVATIONS, and FAITH.

You may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you or write to:
The Crossroads Centre
P.O. Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7R 4M2

Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily "100 Huntley Street" telecast and the 24-hour-a-day telephone ministry lines are there for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this.

God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more.