“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Exercise faith.”—JOHN 14:1. Faith is intangible for most, what exactly is it?

2. Why was that day so crucial, and what helped the disciples?

2 You have good reason to view that day as the most crucial in history, affecting the whole future of mankind. The sacrificial death of the Leader, Jesus, fulfilled many ancient prophecies and provided the basis for everlasting life to those believing in him. (Isaiah 53:5-7; John 3:16) But the apostles, stunned and bewildered by the traumatic events of that night, became confused and fearful for a time. Peter even disowned Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-75) However, after the faithful apostles received the promised helper, holy spirit, they became bold and untroubled. (John 14:16, 17) Thus, when Peter and John experienced tough opposition and were put in custody, they prayed to God for help in speaking his word “with all boldness.” Their prayer was answered.—Acts 4:1-3, 29-31.

3. Why are so many people deeply troubled today?

3 Today, we live in a world that is deeply troubled. The end of this old system of things is swiftly approaching. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Millions are personally affected or deeply disturbed by a serious breakdown in family life and moral standards, an alarming increase in strange diseases, political instability, unemployment, food shortages, terrorism, and the threat of nuclear war. Many hearts are troubled with a brooding fear of the future. As Jesus foretold, there is “anguish of nations . . . while men become faint out of fear and expectation o

4. What factors can cause Christians to suffer stress?

4 Even Christians can be seriously affected by such depressing factors. They may also face stress due to religious prejudice or opposition from relatives, neighbors, workmates, schoolmates, and governmental authorities. (Matthew 24:9) So how can we keep calm, untroubled, in these difficult times? How can we maintain peace of mind when the going gets tough? How can we face the future with confidence? What will help us to overcome the deep anxiety that is becoming commonplace? We are in the season when Jesus offered the counsel at John 14:1, so let us look closely at it.

How Can We Overcome Anxiety?

5. What encouraging exhortations do the Scriptures give us?

5 Having given loving encouragement ‘not to let their hearts be troubled,’ Jesus told his apostles: “Exercise faith in God, exercise faith also in me.” (John 14:1) The inspired Scriptures give us many similar exhortations: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you.” “Roll upon Jehovah your way, and rely upon him, and he himself will act.” (Psalm 55:22; 37:5) Paul gave the Philippians this crucial advice: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers.”—Philippians 4:6, 7.