Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado: Read It or Skip It?
“It is not God’s will that you lead a life of perpetual anxiety.”
Can I tell you how many times I breathed deeply after reading what Max Lucado wrote in his 2017 book, Anxious for Nothing? …it was a lot.
Anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember. I had a panic attack in 2nd grade, which was so bad that I have a vivid memory of my mom sitting reading Chocolate Fever by Roald Dahl to me at urgent care on her birthday (sorry mom, but also thank you for taking care of me). So naturally, I’m drawn to Bible verses and quotes and resources that remind me of how to combat my anxiety. Lucado’s book is one such resource. And now that I’ve finally finished it, after way too long sitting on my shelf, I want to tell you about it.
Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World
The premise of the book is that it’s a “roadmap for coping with and healing from anxiety” (source). It’s based on the ever-popular passage about anxiety, Philippians 4:4-8. An entire book on just four Bible verses? Seems like you wouldn’t have much to talk about. But the way Lucado unpacks these four verses is engaging and affirming and very much worth a whole book. Especially considering how prevalent anxiety is and how much we all need Jesus’ peace.
The book is broken into four sections, each with a few chapters narrowing down how we can apply Paul’s words from Philippians 4:4-8. It also includes a lengthy (about 50 pages) section with reflection questions, prayers, and meditations that follow along with each chapter. I confess I didn’t get to around to reading these because I already have so many other Bible studies and devotionals in the queue… 😅
Before we get into the book, read through Philippians 4:4-8 with me in case you need a refresher:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
PHILIPPIANS 4:4-8
Overall Summary
Max Lucado’s writing feels like you’re reading a letter from from a wise, non-judgmental friend. The structure of Anxious for Nothing and the depth of material make it accessible to both new and seasoned Christians. In the back, he even includes scripture quotes for all of the Bible verses mentioned in each chapter.
I appreciated how Lucado broke down each part of the key verses. I felt like I could focus on the meaning and application of each section. The chapters I resonated most with (which I can tell from how much I underlined!) were in the second section, “Asking God for Help”. This section covers the second half of Philippians 4:6, “let your requests be made known to God.” So it’s basically a section on prayer. Sometimes I forget just how much God wants to hear from me and just how deeply important it is that I am in constant communication with him. Reading Lucado’s application of this part of the verses was enriching.
The book has definite strengths in being true to scripture, easily digestible, and pacing that kept me engaged. The only weakness I’d note is that it feels a little basic if you’re more mature in your faith, but sometimes going back to basics can be a good thing!
My Thoughts: Read It or Skip It?
I would absolutely read it! It was easy to read and refreshing for my anxious heart. It had just the right amount of sound theology, personal stories, and relatable applications.
Anxious for Nothing gave me a lot to think about. Am I really coming to God with my worries? Am I praising him and trusting him for the outcomes of my prayers? Am I relying on who God is and what he has promised to do? I underlined way too many quotes to share with you, but I do want to encourage you with some of my favorites:
The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional. (8)
Not one bad deed has deducted from my salvation. No good deed, if there are any, has enhanced it. My salvation has nothing to do with my work and everything to do with the finished work of Christ on the cross. (45)
Peace happens when people pray. (82)
Is God sovereign over your circumstances? Is he mightier than your problem? Does he have answers to your questions? According to the Bible, the answer is yes, yes, and yes. (147)
Closing Prayer
Even if you don’t end up reading Anxious for Nothing, I hope this post inspired you with some truths about anxiety and how Jesus wants us to bring all those thoughts captive to him. Let’s pray.
Dear Jesus,
We thank you that you are sovereign over all things.
You are bigger than our problems.
You offer peace in place of our fears.
You have conquered death and offer us abundant life.
Take our anxious thoughts captive and give us your incredible peace.
Teach us to rely on your faithfulness.
Help us to seek you as a source of calm in a chaotic world.
We love you.
Amen.
Praying with you and for you friends,
Susannah
