Anxiety, worry, fear and stress are common responses to the problems we face. But when we consider the Biblical commands–“Be anxious for nothing,” (Phil. 4:6) “Casting all your cares upon Him,” (1 Peter 5:7) “Do not worry about your life” (Matt.6:25)—it is sad that so many of us still respond to life’s trials and circumstances this way.

This book gave a helpful overview of anxiety that clearly showed why anxiety is sin and gave great Biblical instruction for putting on qualities to counteract it(i.e.: contentment and gratitude). On a side note–though it was very easy to read, I noticed that it didn’t sound very much like John MacArthur’s other books or even how he speaks. The book is simpy an adaptation from sermon transcripts and was not edited by his usual editor, so it reads different, but is still definitely worth a read!

George Muller said, “Where faith begins, anxiety ends; where anxiety begins, faith ends.” This pointed statement is a good summation of MacArthur’s approach to anxiety as well. He definitely teaches that anxiety is a spiritual issue of the heart as one stands before God not just as some describe it as an uncontrollable attack or a reaction their circumstances forced them into. I was convicted by his explanation that anxiety is simply distrust in God’s power and care. He gave a great example of the Israelites and how they complained against God while they were in the wilderness because they doubted He would bring them to the promised land. The silly thing is that all the while they were witnessing miracles and wonders. We can so easily trap ourselves into a tunnel vision and forget just who our God is!

Below I have listed some points that I found to be encouraging in attacking anxiety in my own life.

React to problems with thankful prayer. Paul said, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) What MacArthur says about this is very helpful because I can sometimes come to God very upset about my circumstance and almost accusatory instead of thankful for the opportunity to come to Him and to be sharpened and grow. MacArthur writes:

Put away grumbling and be content. When we question or criticize how God is working things out in our lives it will only breed more worry and anxiety over what is to come. MacArthur writes about this “emotional bellyaching” and warns us not to debate God.

“We start arguing with God about why things are the way
they are or why we have to do what we’re supposed to do.
We think we have a better idea than God about the job,
marriage, church, home or any other situation we’re in.
We are living in a fallen world. It isn’t always going to be
the way we like it, and the people around us aren’t always
going to be the way we’d like them to be. When we complain
about them we are positioning ourselves for His judgment.

James warned, “Do not complain, brethren, against another,

that you yourselves may not be judged; behold the Judge is
standing right at the door. (James 5:9) God is always in
earshot of our complaints.”
p. 118

Remember whose Name I bear. We should never act in such a way that would be inconsistent with who we are. We must not forget who our heavenly Father is. This quote was a good reminder for me:

Temporary cures for our anxiety, stree or worry should not suffice. Instead we can hold fast to the truth of God’s promises to us and trust Him. Anxiety is not something that we should struggle with because God gives us the power to overcome it!

A few years ago I wrote a brief article on the subject of anxiety and how to overcome it. Just click this link if you would like to read more! “Be Anxious For Nothing: Living Free From the Control of Circumstances.”