Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

This was recommended to me by a friend, and I am so glad I purchased it. Max Lucado does a great job of connecting to the symptoms and experiences of anxiety/worry as well as giving scriptural applications for overcoming. It was a super easy/enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to others.

On point. Max is biblical but sounds like the guy next door over a BBQ. He has a few zingers that made me laugh out loud. Not often in my life do I read something and think "Oh my gosh! This is exactly how I've been feeling." He nails it in a simple way. I loved this book so much, I bought it for a family member.

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 Anxious for Nothing Study Guide: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World. In addition to this book, I bought 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!

Exactly what I needed. A great reminder that there is always something to worry about, but there is a way to overcome worry when worry overcomes me

Max brings me closer to God and I thank He and him.for it. Anxious? God is your answer to a tranquil life.

Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado provided valuable insight that applied to me in 2 different ways as to where my anxiety comes from. This book is a gem & was amazing & easy to read. I’ll cite the 2 areas in my review in hopes it allows you to realize the value in owning this book. I realized through therapy I’m a control freak. If things are not within my control I don’t know what to do besides get anxious. Mr. Lucado describes this topic in a simple but understanding way in hopes the reader can benefit by reading how to relinquish the mindset of needing to have everything in your control. He actually explains this is the most common reason why people have anxiety. We can’t control everything therefore we become anxious about the particular thing & it stirs up anxiety in general. Most things we may fear in our thoughts of having control of things actually don’t even occur. The second piece is unresolved guilt. This resonates with me. The guilt we can’t let go of from the past can create anxiety on a daily basis which becomes disabling. He thoroughly explains these 2 scenarios & ways to break free from them. He makes references to scriptures throughout the entire book which is very uplifting. This book is full of resources of how to actually be anxious for nothing. It’s easier said than done but reading this book can be the starting point. I enjoyed it so much I purchased the Audible version. It’s a joy to listen to. I own many books by Max Lucado. This is one of my favorites. The price is low & the knowledge gained is huge. I highly recommend!

Bought this for a family member. He seems to really enjoy the biblical applications.

Great book. The book was definitely better than I thought it would be. I loved it.I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in the fact that it's advertised as 240 pages, but the book ends on p.152 as seen in my photo. After that, you have questions for reflection, written by someone else on pages 153 to p.199. And then all the scriptures that were already written in the book, are written again on pages 201 to p. 218. Then the end notes from p. 219 to the end of the book. There was also plenty of 'fluff filler' in the first 152 pages where a whole page was taken up and something that was already written was placed there (like 1 important sentence taking up a whole page) It's just not necessary. You get about 130 pages of Max's writing, but it was misleading to say a 240 page book. I hate to say this about a christian writer/pastor, but I I just want to be honest because it should be said and also for the next readers.*I still highly recommend it.