Isn’t God’s timing remarkable? In the midst of a high-stress news cycle … from hurricanes and natural disasters, to North Korea’s impending war, to even the daily struggles of managing one’s own life … Max Lucado’s newest message is titled, Anxious for Nothing.
In Max’s signature way, he comes alongside the reader like a longtime friend. Whether the soul needs a nudge, a hug, or a dose truth, it’s all here. Max doesn’t preach or tell, but relates and shares.
He offers statements and Scriptures that reassure the Christians of their identity as a loved child of God, while expressing God’s identity as the Master of the universe. It’s a refresher on what a relationship with Christ really looks like, and a crisp look at the spiritual disciplines involved. Who of us doesn’t need that?
Drilling down the context behind Philippians 4, the application for today’s believer, and the stories of Christians who lived (and are currently living!) it out … Max makes a powerful case for a life of peace.
He outlines the difference between fear and anxiety.
“Anxiety and fear are cousins but not twins. Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one.” (tweet this)
He reminds us that a “contagious calm” life is possible.
“The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.” (tweet this)
He calls us to cling to Christ.
“Don’t load yourself down with lists. Don’t enhance your anxiety with the fear of not fulfilling them. Your goal is not to know every detail of the future. Your goal is to hold the hand of the One who does and never, ever let go.”
He clarifies what rejoicing in the Lord looks like.
“Is it possible for any person to maintain an uninterrupted spirit of gladness? No. This is not Paul’s challenge [in Philippians 4:4]. We are urged to ‘Rejoice in the Lord.’ This verse is a call, not to a feeling, but to a decision and a deeply rooted confidence that God exists, that He is in control, and that He is good.”
He addresses how unresolved guilt breeds anxiety.
“There’s a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror. Your future matters more than your past. God’s grace is greater than your sin. What you did was not good. But your God is good.”
In closing …
Max’s word are always so gripping. The following two quotes especially ministered to my soul, and my hope is that they do yours as well.
“Stabilize your soul with the sovereignty of God. He reigns supreme over every detail of the universe.” (tweet this)
“No problem is unsolvable. No life is irredeemable. No one’s fate is sealed. No one is unloved or unlovable.” (tweet this)
May we live each day in the fullness of that truth.
Don’tcha love that Max Lucado? Always exactly what our spirits, soul and heart need to hear. Thank you for sharing.
So beautifully stated, Patricia. I went from new to old–now enjoying “Cure for the Common Life” from 2005. Have you read that one? It’s AMAZING.