The pressures of modern life can be staggering. Coping with competition, financial stress, mounting family demands, tragedies, unscrupulous individuals and threats of violence or war has become increasingly challenging. Many people now struggle to maintain emotional stability due to this overwhelming barrage of difficulties. It affects every age group. Even Christians are succumbing to the perplexing situations they encounter daily.
More Christians are facing emotional challenges than ever before. But does this mean we must yield to the pressures of our circumstances? Must we be victims of our fast-paced and demanding society? I say no! We, who have been born again, carry the Spirit of God within us. We have a living hope, an anchor for our souls. We have the Bible — God’s Word — which offers the guidance and encouragement we need to endure the tensions and temptations of life.
I want to study how to manage worry. My mother used to say, “Son, I know I am not supposed to worry, but I can’t help it.” I think we can all relate to her answer.
I would like us to explore the vast resources available to believers and how we can effectively utilize them. Worry is one of the most widespread and crippling emotions. No one is immune to it. Experts tell us that worry originates not from the outside but from within.
It’s not your job, your schedule, your commitments or other people that produce worry. We all have said, “He worries me to death!” Actually, they can make you weary, but not cause worry. Instead, it is how you respond to external pressures that leads to anxiety. It’s not the action, but our reaction.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I am happy to share with you that last Sunday’s service was truly inspiring. The integration of Moses and Joselyn Rico into our Ebenezer community through the ‘Silas Connection’ program has deeply enriched our Sunday worship. It is a blessing to have Moses leading the service and Joselyn accompanying us with her talent on the piano.
As you know, since Ebenezer’s inception, the responsibility for the entire service has fallen on me, leading and preaching each Sunday. We acknowledge that we still have some work to do in this area, and we need more committed musicians as well as people capable of training others in the music ministry. We continue to pray fervently that God will send to our congregation brothers gifted with these musical talents.
“On the other hand, we continue to make progress in our series of studies on the book of Proverbs. It is wonderful to hear how God is speaking to the lives of our brothers through these teachings and how they feel compelled to make significant changes.
“In relation to changes, we ask for your prayers for our next workshop, ‘Deep Changes’, which will be held during the months of June and July. We are excited to share that last Sunday we had the registration of nine brothers, who are already acquiring the main book of the workshop. In this space, we will explore the reasons and deep motivations for change. I already sense the enthusiasm in those who have begun to read the material, and it is evident that God is touching their lives in a special way. We certainly have a lot of work ahead of us.
“We deeply appreciate your continued support and prayers for our ministry, to God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a wonderful week at Faith Chapel! Although several were away traveling and a few were sick, we still had a good turnout and enjoyed a great time of worship with two first-time visitors.
“Our Wednesday night youth program is going well, and we are planning to start adult Sunday School in the next few weeks, probably the first or second Sunday in June. For those who may attend, Sunday School will begin at 9 a.m., with the adults in the Sanctuary and the kids in the fellowship hall (until we finish the classrooms). The worship service will still be at 10 a.m. We have selected our teachers and are evaluating the materials. It will be a much-needed addition to our work here, as we make disciples and grow in the Word.
“We thank you all for your prayers and support! We thank the Lord for each of you and your willingness and faithfulness to help plant new churches. Please continue to pray for us and this community!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “This week, Faith Journey was blessed by a powerful presentation from our Kids’ Ministry. After two months of preparation, our young ones shared what they had learned about the seven days of creation, bringing the Scripture to life with heart and enthusiasm.
“We began the evening with one of our sweet children opening us up with a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving. She thanked God for so many blessings and at one point said, ‘Thank you… Just thank you.’ It was a truly sincere moment from a child’s perspective to realize that we are grateful for everything God has done in our lives. Then each child shared about one of the days of creation, explaining what God made and reflecting on the beauty and purpose of His design. Their hard work and dedication were evident, not just in their words but in their servant hearts.
“After their presentations, the children served our group lemonade and pizza, learning through action what it means to serve like Christ. Following this, the children presented their teacher with a vase of spring flowers in appreciation for her time, love and leadership over the past months. It was a beautiful reminder of the impact a godly mentor can have on young hearts.
“The night continued with a sweet celebration. One of our beloved ladies had a birthday, and we honored her with what we call a Wisdom Party. We spoke on Proverbs 31, and she shared her journey, testifying to the Lord’s faithfulness in her life and offering wisdom and encouragement to the younger women. Other women in the congregation then spoke blessings over her, expressing how she had influenced their lives and served as a living example of faith and perseverance. It was a great time of mutual encouragement, and the Spirit of God moved through our fellowship.
“By the end of the night, our hearts were full. We were reminded once again of the beauty of being part of the family of God, where each generation builds up the next, and Christ’s love is shown through service, celebration and shared wisdom. It was truly a night to remember, and we give God all the glory for the work He is doing in the lives of our children and adults of Faith Journey.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings sisters and brothers in Christ. This month, we celebrate the Christian home and emphasize the roles within it, such as maintaining a family altar.
“We met on Wednesday to eat together for Iris’s birthday. Even though it was in the middle of the week, a very good number of attendees were present. We sang, celebrated and enjoyed tacos together.
“On Thursday, we met with our Springdale small group to pray together and learn about discipleship.
“On Saturday, Patty and a group of sisters attended a Spring Tea at the location of Cornerstone Baptist Church, our mother church, where they spent a very special time.
“On Sunday, despite the strong storm with rain and hail, the brothers and sisters attended, and we had a very beautiful time of collective worship. They heard the sermon, ‘The Marks of a True Man — Restoring Biblical Masculinity.’ Men were challenged to demonstrate what biblical masculinity looks like in our society, following our prototype, Christ.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes “This week, I was reminded of my first big ministry lesson. In high school, I had the chance to lead Sunday worship services at Millwood State Park. I prepared a sermon, recruited two friends for music, put up flyers, and that first Sunday, five people came — my parents, the musicians and me.
Afterward, my dad said something that’s stuck with me ever since: “If you want this to work, go meet people.” That Saturday, I went from campsite to campsite across the park, having dozens of conversations and sampling way too many desserts. The next morning, 44 people showed up. A bluegrass band even volunteered to play. That day, I learned that preaching the truth matters, but ministry hinges on relationships.
“That same principle showed up again this week. One of our groups only had one new person, but it led to a rich, meaningful time in the Word. That one person was the niece of the group leader. I reminded them how awesome it is that they get to disciple their niece.
“In our other group, I had a deep follow-up conversation with one of the guys who rarely shares about his life. This conversation came from the Bible Study that had just ended. I love to preach and teach, but the most transformation happens in the personal relationships and the random conversations.”
