Our eyes should be taken off self, removed from our own weakness and allowed to rest implicitly upon God's strength. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. That is the Divine cure for all fear, anxiety, and undue concern of soul, all of which are closely akin to doubt and unbelief. This is the Divine prescription for securing the peace which passeth all understanding, and keeps the heart and mind in quietness and peace. We need, also, to guard against unbelief as we would against an enemy.
Faith needs to be cultivated.
Paul's tribute to the Thessalonians was, that their faith grew exceedingly. Faith is increased by exercise, by being put into use. It is nourished by sore trials. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glow at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Prayer is absolutely dependent upon faith.