Anxiety is at an all-time high, but there’s a prescription for dealing with it. Max Lucado invites listeners into a study of Philippians 4:6-7, where the Apostle Paul admonishes the followers of Christ, “Do not be anxious about anything….”
Philippians 4:6 encourages the believer to “be anxious for nothing”. As Lucado states, the Apostle Paul seems to leave little leeway here. “Be anxious of nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero.”
What’s he suggesting? That we should literally be anxious for absolutely nothing? Lucado says, “The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional. It’s the life of perpetual anxiety that Paul wants to address. Don’t let anything in life leave you perpetually in angst.”
Americans especially know about living in perpetual anxiety. According to one research program, anxiety-related issues are the number one mental health problem among women and are second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men. Stress-related ailments cost the nation $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity. And use of sedative drugs like Xanax and Valium have skyrocketed in the last 15 years. Even students are feeling it. One psychologist reports that the average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s.
“With his help you will learn to face the calamities of life. You’ll learn how to talk yourself off the ledge. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will learn to view bad news through the lens of sovereignty, to discern the lies of Satan and tell yourself the truth. You will manifest a gentleness that is evident to others. Anxiety comes with life. But it doesn’t have to dominate your life.”
In this five-session video Bible study, bestselling author Max Lucado explores God’s treatment plan for anxiety found in Philippians 4:4–8. As you follow this prescription – celebrating God’s goodness, asking for his help, leaving your concerns with him, and meditation on good things – you will experience God’s peace. This is a peace that “transcends all understanding” and will help you reframe the way you look at your fears.
While anxiety is a part of life, it doesn’t have to dominate your life. With God as your helper and his promises at your side, you can sleep better tonight and smile more tomorrow. You can talk yourself off the ledge and view bad news through the lens of God’s sovereignty. You can discover a life of calm and develop tools for combating the onslaught of anxiety.
The Anxious for Nothing Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions.
Sessions include:
- Rejoice in the Lord Always
- Let Your Gentleness Be Evident to All
- Present Your Requests to God
- The Peace of God Will Guard Your Heart
- Meditate on These Things
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Have you completed this study or working on it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
One Well Momma 