"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” ~ Psalm 9:1

The season of Lent is an invitation. For forty days, we intentionally slow down, clear space, and allow God to search our hearts. Lent reminds us of what Christ did for us on the cross and how He will continue to be present and faithful to us throughout our lives. Today, let’s spend some time focusing on gratitude for our Savior. Gratitude is a powerful doorway into Lent. Before sacrifice. Before fasting. Before repentance. There is remembrance.

Today, during our pause for Lent, take a moment to notice all the distractions around you: Television noise, kids arguing, traffic, schedules, bills, to-do lists, social media, the news, deadlines, worries, fears, things breaking, etc. From the moment we get up and set our foot on the ground, distractions start swarming around us, pulling us out of the present moment and away from the meaningful purpose of today. Today is not something we are supposed to survive. It is something we are to receive.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let’s reflect on the power of outside influence.

In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks, “Am I now seeking the approval of people, or of God?” This question is more than rhetorical—it calls for self-examination. Lent creates space to examine what quietly competes with God for authority in our lives. Most of us do not intentionally drift. We begin to measure ourselves by applause, affirmation, reputation, or acceptance. When others’ opinions begin to shape our identity or decisions, our focus subtly shifts from obedience to image management. Lent is a chance to refocus. It helps us notice what draws us away from God, such as wanting approval, praise, or a good reputation. Most of us don’t mean to turn away from God, but sometimes we care too much about what others think that we lose focus on God.

Today in our Lenten journey, we are going to a deep and tender place — the place of fear. Fear is one of the strongest spiritual strongholds we carry. It quietly shapes our decisions, limits our obedience, and shrinks our faith.

In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord speaks directly into fear

Today in our Lenten walk, we turn our attention inward—to the place where peace is most often lost and most deeply restored: the mind.

So much of our unrest begins in the mind. Unchecked thoughts can steal our peace, distort reality, and slowly pull our focus away from the Lord. Scripture reminds us that perfect peace is not found in perfect circumstances, but in a mind that is anchored—stayed—on God.

On this day of Lent, let’s search ourselves for awareness of things in our lives that we need to surrender to our Lord.

Colossians reminds us that Christ precedes every circumstance and sustains every outcome. The situation you are facing is not outside His authority. The area of life you fear may fall apart is, in truth, being held together by Him. God cannot move in our circumstances unless we surrender them and give Him space to help and guide us.

Surrender is an act of trust.

Today, we search ourselves to be aware of our controlling tendency. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us to give up control and move into surrender and trust in the Lord.

Today, we practice the beauty of stillness. Often, the first thing silence reveals is how noisy our inner world truly is. This awareness reminds us that intimacy with God grows in spaces where distraction decreases.

Lent is not primarily about what we give up; it is about what we make space for.

As we enter this first week of Lent, we begin not with striving, but with awareness. Today, we gently lean into the light of God’s presence and allow Him to reveal what is truly happening in our hearts. In Psalms 51, David prays a prayer of repentance—not polished, not defensive, but deeply aware. Notice his posture. David does not minimize his sin. He does not blame others. He appeals to God’s mercy. He asks for a clean heart, not just changed circumstances.

Dear Christian Mentor,

As we enter into Lent, my pastor encouraged us to fast during this season. Can you please explain to me what it means to fast and why it is something we should do as Christians?

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?