Finding Rest

This past week and even today, I have had unrest in my soul that I can’t even put into words. Circumstances and issues just seem to keep flying in my face and there seems to be no rest from them.

I have had many a break down and have gone through a good share of Kleenex. I find myself in a panic. Anxiety builds up. My husband was right when he told me I paralyze myself, because I allow all of the “stuff” to overwhelm me, instead of just moving, even if it means baby-steps.

Finding RestI need rest. Life just seems to be crushing me and wearing me out. I am in a daily battle just to keep my eyes and heart focused on the Lord. There has to be some light.

Well, there is. God always has a way of bringing me back to Him. I was reading Matthew 11 today, and was reminded in verse 28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Boy how I needed that. It was a reminder that no matter what happens or doesn’t happen, God is always there.

Are you weary? Are you burdened? Guess who can give you the rest you so desperately need? GOD can and will. He’s waiting.

Anxious for Nothing

Anxious for Nothing by John MacArthur

Anxious for Nothing by John MacArthur

I have always enjoyed John MacArthur’s books and this book was no different. In times of instability, many of us are struggling with anxiety. We grab onto the dooms day reports and we find ourselves getting depressed or angry or maybe both at all that is happening in our country and world.

Daily we read or hear of another person compromising their values or continuing on in their lack thereof. It can be just a “lot” overwhelming. Even as a Christian who knows that God is completely in control, I find myself fighting the feelings of despair. This book has helped me bring my focus back to what is important—my Lord Jesus Christ and the Word.

God cares about all that is going on in my life and the lives of all of us. He does care what is going on in America and the rest of the world. He is loving and he is just. He is also very specific on how we must deal with anxiety. He never intended for us to make it on our own.

John MacArthur turns us back to scripture in a very clear and precise way. He doesn’t mess around. The book is all about God’s clear Word on anxiety and applying it to our lives. It’s not about “psycho-babble” or “feel-good” philosophies. It is just straight forward guidance from the Bible.

For me, Anxious for Nothing was a breath of fresh air. With my degree in psychology, I have heard my fair share of modern psychologies take on anxiety. All other approaches will come up short, but God gave us all we need in the Bible to deal with life. Praise God!

Anxious for Nothing is ideal for individuals and/or groups. My small group went through the book together and had some wonderful discussions. Mr. MacArthur has given a great guide in the back of the book, where you will find discussion questions, prayer, and homework for both the individual and group. I now plan on rereading the book just by myself, so I can dig even more into what God has to say to me. It is well worth the time.

Anxious for Nothing is a must read for all. I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from having their lives pointed back to the Bible.