Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a 40-day journey toward Easter, and the first day of Lent. It invites us into a deep season of remembrance and repentance.

• Examine your heart honestly. Where is there selfishness, pride, greed, control, bitterness, or anger?

• Lay down self-reliance.

• Return to dependence on Christ.

Dear Christian Mentor,

I don’t like change. When life throws unexpected changes my way, or when I know a life change is about to happen to me, I start to panic and want to freeze. I can be very negative when walking through a life change that has just happened, and can’t see anything positive. How can I lean into faith instead of worry when life is changing and everything feels unsettled?

Dear Christian Mentor,

"When it rains, it pours." I have found myself saying this to my husband occasionally throughout our marriage. Sometimes, life can be complicated and, at times, feel overwhelming. Marriages have good seasons and tough seasons; our kids experience growth spurts and growing pains; our careers have moments of success and stress; and our finances go up and then go down. Where do I turn when life feels overwhelming and I don’t have the strength to handle it on my own?

Dear Christian Mentor,

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that keeps you up at night? It's the one that makes your thoughts spiral into worst-case scenarios. The situation you've been praying about for what feels like an eternity, and you start to wonder if God even hears your prayers or if it's even worth praying about anymore. What can I do when I’ve been waiting on God for a long time and begin to wonder if He hears my prayers?

Dear Christian Mentor,

I constantly battle negative thoughts about myself. These thoughts about myself can cause me to give up when things aren’t going well or when I feel like I am failing. Worry can lead me to try to control situations or people so that nothing bad happens. Fear can paralyze me, keeping me from trying something new or pursuing opportunities God may be placing before me. When I allow my thoughts to spiral into negativity, I am letting my thoughts—not God—lead and guide my decisions and choices.

Dear Christian Mentor,

At times, I find myself in situations that seem overwhelming. I think if I had more money, a better career, connections, or were younger, I could fix this situation, and things would be better. “How do I shift from trusting what I can see and control to truly trusting God when my circumstances feel overwhelming?”

Dear Christian Mentor,

I have wrestled with self-doubt for many years. I grew up with the misconception that if I tried my hardest, everything I set my mind to would work out. If I were unsuccessful, it must have been because I did something wrong. How do I rest in the truth that God sees and values me when I still feel unnoticed, unsuccessful, or not enough by the world’s standards? 

Dear Christian Mentor,

This last year has been full of sadness, and I feel broken. Over this last year, someone I loved very much passed away. I lost my job, which forced me to relocate, and I am now having difficulty finding good friends in my new town. I know the Lord cares for me, but I am struggling with the deep hurt and loneliness I am feeling.  

Dear Christian Mentor,

I am at a point of exhaustion. Balancing my kids' schedule, marriage, career, and everyday responsibilities has become a constant struggle, leaving me little time to breathe. I am always stressed, anxious, and irritable. I keep telling myself this is just a phase and things will eventually ease, but my burden feels overwhelming. How do I find rest when my schedule doesn't slow down every day?

Dear Christian Mentor,

I have been praying about a difficult season that feels like forever, but I don’t feel God is listening. I pray and wait patiently, but I don’t feel God’s comfort or guidance on what to do. I am up all night with my thoughts and can only see the hardship before me. I am at a loss for words and don’t know what to pray anymore. What do I pray when it seems I have expressed my all to God?

Dear Christian Mentor,

I am struggling with anxiety and worry. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6 not to be anxious about anything, but I always feel anxious. My anxiety makes me feel fearful, worried, and panicked. I often think of worst-case scenarios, which keep me up at night. As a result, I wonder if I am not a strong Christian or if I lack faith because of my anxiety. I feel like God might be disappointed in me because I struggle to trust Him.