Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

I've been struggling with anxiety for a long time. Over the past year or so, I've turned more to religion to help me with everything in life because I get so much more from living life this way than anything else. I love to read and occasionally browse through some of the new releases and best sellers in Christian and Inspiration books. I saw this one and it looked like exactly what I needed to read. Since some of my friends like to read the same books I do, I opted to buy the hardcover version since I find some books more enjoyable to read in that format and they are so easy and convenient to lend out to others!

Anxious for Nothing is an 11-chapter book written to help you achieve a sense of calm while battling anxiety. It is mostly centered around Philippians 4:4-8, which contains the "most underlined passage in the Bible" and provides the "be anxious for nothing" theme in this book. These verses are mentioned many times and interpreted and analyzed for us to apply in our daily lives. A number of other verses are mentioned as well which help to support Max Lucado's writing. There are some facts included about anxiety and the "meat" of the book mostly discusses how you can turn to God with your anxiety.

In addition to the 11 chapters, there are questions for reflection for each chapter. The first section of the reflection questions is "Confront the Chaos," which asks questions to help you define, identify, and ponder some of the ideas discussed in the book. Next is "Choose Calm," which is more of an analysis and critical thinking section. These questions prompt you to dig deep. The final section is "Meditation," which is generally a prayer to sum up what you've just reflected upon. The final section of the book contains all of the Scriptures broken down by the chapters in the book and where they are located in the book. They also show which translation of the Bible was used.The book has a total of 222 pages.

I had been reading a different book when a friend shared that she was reading this book. I already had purchased it and decided to abandon the other book in favor of this one. I'm so glad I did! I haven't yet done the reflection questions although I've read some of the Scriptures at the back of the book. I took about three days to read the 11 chapters since I also took notes and wanted to ponder what I'd read. I felt like this book was speaking to me because I could relate to much of what was in it. I actually felt more calm while I was reading it because it's written with a calming tone, which I really enjoyed.

The other thing I really liked about this book is that I had participated in a Bible study this past summer that was based on the first chapter of Philippians. We also referred to other chapters in Philippians so I already knew the background of Paul's circumstances and how he was content with them. That experience allowed me to achieve a deeper understanding of finding calm during bouts of anxiety so I would recommend at least familiarizing yourself with Philippians at some point.

I've only read this book one time and I already gathered some knowledge and wisdom to use when I start to get anxious. I'm glad I bought this book because I will be going back through it many more times to do the reflection questions and to just study it again. I'm also considering getting [[ASIN:0310087317 Anxious for Nothing Study Guide: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World]]. In addition to this book, I bought [[ASIN:1400207495 Less Fret, More Faith: An 11-Week Action Plan to Overcome Anxiety]] in hopes that will help as well. I have a friend who already wants to borrow this book and others who are very interested in it as well! If you struggle with anxiety and want a Christian-based book to read, I very highly recommend this one. I'm glad I bought it because I will read it many times and, if you are like me, you will probably want your own copy too. I really enjoyed Max Lucado's writing and plan to check out some of his other books!

I’m sure this book would be great for some people, but as someone who truly suffers with anxiety/depression, the overarching theme of just “trust God” doesn’t cut it. I prefer books with more practical suggests about how I can come to the conclusion myself to always trust God and be comfortable living with that.

Typical Lucado, Biblically on point

Wonderful book. I have read it many times in the middle of the night when I could not sleep. It gave me the perfect peace of Jesus.

This book is full of encouraging the reader with truths which are often overlooked or not known about. The author is a skillful writer who shares from his own experiences.

Really great book. Refer to it often! Even if you have just a little anxiety you should get this, it helps even if your in the moment, it helps allot!

This book was such a blessing to me this year! After having somewhat of a tough year, I began having panic attacks (seemingly out of the blue). This book helps "normalize" what I was experiencing, as it was easy to think I was either going crazy, or that I was the only one battling such thoughts and moments of panic. I love that this book offered practical tips on how to battle anxiety, and gave scripture after scripture to supplement (that I could later look up, or write down and memorize). This is only my second book to read by Max Lucado, but I will be reading more (and likely reading this one again!). I found it so helpful to pick this up and read another chapter when I was feeling anxious. Max is also a great storyteller and has a way of relating to exactly what you're going through, providing encouragement and hope.

Love the way Max Lucado writes it is so easy to read and understand the word.

Everything he writes, is great, easy reading. And I like to read it again and again!

Excellent book!!! Would highly recommend it with the study guide!!!