Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World
by Max Lucado
Written and published three years before the Corona Virus pandemic, Anxious for Nothing reads like it was penned for these desperate times. Author Max Lucado, by his own admission, is not perfect; he has experienced many of the same problems you have. You will enjoy his writing style which is simultaneously down to earth and exquisite in his turn of phrase. This book is filled with Scriptures that will encourage you during life’s difficult times. In it you will find examples from Lucado’s life and encounters with others in the form of anecdotes that illustrate Biblical principles. There are many references to the wisdom and guidance found in the book of Philippians in the New Testament, but Max’s wording makes them easy to remember. He shares them as practical steps that will lead to a life with more calm and less chaos.
If I had to choose one book I would encourage everyone to read this year, it would be Anxious for Nothing. I usually include in my blog posts three memorable lines from the books I review. Never have I had a harder time including only three. Having heard Lucado’s online video study of this book, I can mentally hear him patiently, enthusiastically, and with understanding encouraging his readers. I can see the twinkle in his eyes as he shares one of his “secrets”: “God’s anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude.” I am grateful for the opportunity to share this book with you.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Christian, Nonfiction, Self-Help
Notes: Included at the end of the book are “Questions for Reflection” which could be used for individual or group study. There is also a useful guide that includes, by chapter, the Scriptures that are referenced by Lucado in the text. It would be very handy to use it to bring to mind God’s promises and truths as you are working through your personal times of chaos and daily struggles.
Publication: September 12, 2017—Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
The Lord is near! You are not alone. You may feel alone. You may think you are alone. But there is never a moment in which you face life without help. God is near.
Find a promise that fits your problem, and build your prayer around it. These prayers of faith touch the heart of God and activate the angels of heaven. Miracles are set into motion.
No more “if only.” It is the petri dish in which anxiety thrives. Replace your “if only” with “already.” Look what you already have. Treat each anxious thought with a grateful one, and prepare yourself for a new day of joy.
education pathways 
Lovely quotes… I am hoping and praying for a cure so that the world crisis can end. I hope the gods are listening (we have many gods in my culture)
I keep waiting to hear God’s voice, but I think my fear and stress is making it difficult to hear it, at the moment.
Have a lovely weekend. Keep safe.
Yesterday after a very, very long time I uttered my shlokas (prayers) it felt peaceful.
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Shalini, I know this pandemic has stolen your peace as it has for so many. We are all affected differently by it depending on our own circumstances and those around us. I am glad you found a time of peace yesterday.
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keep seeking God and you will find Him Shalini……
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This does sound like a wonderful book Linda, thank you!
Jenna
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Even though, I think, you have been a model for how to survive the pandemic mentally—with creativity and surrounded by family in a happy place, this crisis has probably affected you in ways others don’t see. I don’t think any of us will be the same when we emerge, for better or for worse depending on the person.
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I have been wanting to read this and I think you convinced me to buy it! Great review!
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I think you’ll like it. I just went to your blog and really liked several of your Dollar Tree ideas. You have a new follower!
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Thank you! 😀
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I’m going to add it to my list thank you for sharing with me!!!!
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You are welcome. I hope you enjoy it!
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When you told me you were reading this one Linda, I downloaded it, but have not read it yet. I think it is time. Wonderful review! I need some peace right now and I am a bit frightened about the reopening and how it is going to affect family, friends and myself.
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I hope it is one that helps you find peace during these troubled times. Another good one by Lucado for these times is You’ll Get Through This which focuses on the story of Joseph which is one of my favorites to draw on when surrounded by things meant for evil. We can be assured that God will work them for good.
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Joseph has always been one of my favourite stories in the bible. It was the one I always picked when it was my turn to pick the bedtime story that my father would read to us. One of my few memories I have of him as he died when I was only 8. I will have to see if I can find that one, we might have it in the church library.
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It is my favorite Old Testament story. I understand about the connection with your dad. What a special memory for you.
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thanks for sharing this info with us….will certainly consider
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