Anxiety: Finding the Better Story

31-Day Devotionals for Teenagers

by Liz Edrington

As a teenager, Liz felt overwhelmed by anxiety. Now that she's a mental health counselor, she wants to pass on what she's learned. With daily Scripture readings, breathing exercises, and additional mental-health resources, this little book offers you comfort and help in your anxiety. See how your anxiety fits into God's big story—and learn how Jesus can bring you peace.

In the 31-Day Devotionals for Teenagers series, adults who care about young people look at what the Bible has to say about the everyday issues you face. Through personal stories and relevant examples, they show that Jesus brings hope for every challenge.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian

96 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2023

About the author

Liz Edrington (B.S., University of Virginia, M.A., Reformed Theological Seminary) currently serves as the director of fellowship groups and young adults at North Shore Fellowship in Chattanooga, TN., and she teaches as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Covenant College. Liz served on the Steering Committee of Rooted: Advancing Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry for 10 years. She is the author of Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (P&R Publishing, 2023) and wrote a chapter in The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School (New Growth Press, 2021). Pickled things delight her, as does her snuggle beast, Bella the Dog.

Reviews

[Tegan V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great - for teenagers and adults alike! Each day has a breath phrase you can apply, and questions for reflection. Really a wonderfully, scripture focused, practical book.

[Donna Aiken · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed. Amidst the scriptures and practicality, the author treats anxiety as an unwanted houseguest that must be tolerated because it is there to stay. She speaks very little about sin and never mentions repentance. I cannot recommend this book because it is not redemptive and therefore gives no lasting hope. I also found it very disturbing that the author felt the need to state that she is a female who is attracted to men.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound, sincere, and sympathetic look at anxiety. There is help to be found in God’s Word and this devotional makes many helpful connections between the day-to-day effects of anxiety and the hopeful promises that come from our identity in Christ.

[Sylvia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz beautifully captures the grounding yet seemingly paradoxical truth that the unknowns that breed our anxiety point to a bigger story than our own and still the Author of that bigger, better story deeply cares about the small, unique complexities of anxiety we face day to day.

[Megan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great little devotional book. I think it is so helpful to have someone who has been in the middle of anxiety as a teen to have written this. It is heartfelt, practical and gives a lot of wisdom and specific help. I am looking forward to being able to pass it on to some teens.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good devotional for teens! Compared to the other devotionals in this series I didn't like the reflection questions as much which is why it did not get 5 stars.
Read and reviewed it for our church library.

[Kristen Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian teen needs this book. Also recommend gif parents, youth workers & counselors

[Kelly Boggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great devotional for teens and up. The author includes practices that help move through anxiety, personal stories of her struggles, scriptures, and education on anxiety itself. It's a 31 day devotional with breathing and affirmations, mindful questions/topics to ponder, and a challenge to keep a gratitude record daily.