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Trade Your Cares for Calm: Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Do you want to overcome your anxiety? Do you want to be free from the worries that weigh you down? If you're trembling on a tightrope of fear and worry, get ready for the best trade your cares for God's calm. That's God's offer. Bestselling author Max Lucado understands what it's like to feel overwhelmed by anxiety. In Trade Your Cares for Calm , you'll learn how Imagine being able to walk away from worry, conquer the need to control, get rid of guilty, and end if-only thinking. Trade Your Cares for Calm
208 pages, Hardcover
Published December 26, 2017
421 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,418 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 21, 2021
A great spiritual book that lighten the hearts and calms the soul. Knowing that there is ONE mighty God that we can depend on, trust and let things be while staying calm as I know I had a strong backup. Max Lucado writes beautifully, and his words are good comfort and courage in times of dread and difficult situations. A great book to pick up for a morning read with a cup of coffee.
March 7, 2020
Great support and inspiration for the anxious believer. I just read You'll Get Through This by Lucado as well, and while different books, several chunks of it are repeated in this book. Not sure which was published first. Still great content despite some repetition.
June 23, 2018
I know that all that Mr. Lucado says in this book is true but those who have clinical depression and panic disorder will feel misunderstood by some of his approaches to stress and anxiety. It is not as simple for them to overcome these feelings as he might portray. Also, most of this offering is stuff that Lucado has already written and is repurposing here. I did find a few quotes that I want to remember.
"I matter to God. I am worthy of love. I'm not responsible for all the bad things. I'm protected."
"Everyone stumbles. The difference is in the response. Some stumble into the pit of guilt. Others tumble into the arms of God."
"Please underline this sentence: what you have in Christ is greater than anything you don't have in life. You have God, who is crazy about you, and the forces of heaven to monitor and protect you. You have the living presence of Jesus within you. In Christ you have everything."
"The Bible's most common word for worry is the Greek term merimnate. The origin is merimnaō. This is a compound of a verb and a noun. The verb is divide. The noun is mind. To be anxious, then, is to divide the mind. Worry takes a meat cleaver to our thoughts, energy, and focus. Anxiety chops up our attention. It sends our awareness in a dozen directions."
"Find a promise to match your problem. Populate your prayers with 'You said...' 'You said you would walk me through the waters' (see Isaiah 43?2). 'You said you would lead me through the valley' (see Psalm 23:4). 'You said you would never leave or forsake me' (see Hebrews 13:5). Spend time in the promises and stories of scripture. Find a promise that fits your problem, and build your prayer around it. These prayers of faith touch the heart of God and activate the angels of heaven. Miracles are set into motion. Your answer may not come overnight, but it will come. And you will overcome."
"I matter to God. I am worthy of love. I'm not responsible for all the bad things. I'm protected."
"Everyone stumbles. The difference is in the response. Some stumble into the pit of guilt. Others tumble into the arms of God."
"Please underline this sentence: what you have in Christ is greater than anything you don't have in life. You have God, who is crazy about you, and the forces of heaven to monitor and protect you. You have the living presence of Jesus within you. In Christ you have everything."
"The Bible's most common word for worry is the Greek term merimnate. The origin is merimnaō. This is a compound of a verb and a noun. The verb is divide. The noun is mind. To be anxious, then, is to divide the mind. Worry takes a meat cleaver to our thoughts, energy, and focus. Anxiety chops up our attention. It sends our awareness in a dozen directions."
"Find a promise to match your problem. Populate your prayers with 'You said...' 'You said you would walk me through the waters' (see Isaiah 43?2). 'You said you would lead me through the valley' (see Psalm 23:4). 'You said you would never leave or forsake me' (see Hebrews 13:5). Spend time in the promises and stories of scripture. Find a promise that fits your problem, and build your prayer around it. These prayers of faith touch the heart of God and activate the angels of heaven. Miracles are set into motion. Your answer may not come overnight, but it will come. And you will overcome."
January 4, 2019
I don't know what I was expecting, but this was every bit as benign as it sounds. As a Christian who also has some pretty deep concerns and anxieties about things both in and outside my control, I'm a little sick of the "just pray about it" guidance. It's starting to come off as "good Christians don't worry". Prayer does help, but it's not an all-healing answer to the things that go through my head on a daily basis. Still, I shouldn't have expected more from someone so beloved by the more conservative base. I prefer a more progressive approach to my relationship with God and how that can sustain me in every day worries.
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December 2, 2019So, this book turned out to be very different than I expected. I expected an actual book, but this is more of a daily devotional. As a devotional, I think it's good; I will pass it on to people who I think would enjoy it. That said , it's not exactly what I was looking for.
May 17, 2024
Very simple, quick read—-recommendable to people in all ages and stages.
November 5, 2022
4.75/5
Enjoyed the book
Wrote down a lot in my journal
Really glad I found this little book
This is the first one I have read by Max Lucado. Will I read another one? I don’t know
Enjoyed the book
Wrote down a lot in my journal
Really glad I found this little book
This is the first one I have read by Max Lucado. Will I read another one? I don’t know
January 4, 2018
"Trade Your Cares for Calm" is apparently a compilation of previously published material quoted or adapted from some of Lucado's previous books (Anxious for Nothing, Facing Your Giants, Fearless, Max on Life, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope, Traveling Light, and You'll Get Through This). This gift-style book contained many landscape photographs and quick, short entries to read. Each chapter contained short, devotional type material, application and how-to lists, topical collections of several verses, and journaling questions to help you apply the lessons to your worries.
He takes you through four principles (CALM) found in Philippians 4:4-8. He also pointed out that "your anxiety decreases as your understanding of your father increases." So we get some chapters on how God is in control, God is good and He is for you. We're told not to listen to shame- or guilt-based thoughts but apply God's truth and grace. Combat "if only" thinking and discontentment with thanksgiving and counting your blessings. We're also told to focus on God, not our circumstances. And, of course, pray and take your worries to God.
While the book contained good advice, it felt a little disconnected since it's taken from different sources and the advice was dispensed in short, devotional-type entries.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers.
He takes you through four principles (CALM) found in Philippians 4:4-8. He also pointed out that "your anxiety decreases as your understanding of your father increases." So we get some chapters on how God is in control, God is good and He is for you. We're told not to listen to shame- or guilt-based thoughts but apply God's truth and grace. Combat "if only" thinking and discontentment with thanksgiving and counting your blessings. We're also told to focus on God, not our circumstances. And, of course, pray and take your worries to God.
While the book contained good advice, it felt a little disconnected since it's taken from different sources and the advice was dispensed in short, devotional-type entries.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers.
February 14, 2018
I'm so appreciative of receiving this timely book. I have found the scriptures within to be beneficial to one's peace of mind while journeying through life's ups and downs. The best solution for carrying any kind of tension that life throws at us is to discover His peace and calm from within. I haven't met anyone who escapes life's storms totally, so when the waves of stress, conflict, illness, and misfortune come our way, we can exchange our cares for His calm. This is one of the best books written by my favorite author. Practicing gratitude and getting rid of guilt are two special chapters that you will want to use the tools Max shares with us. The beautiful glossy photos of nature scenes reveal peace and comfort to us and excite a wonderment of what heaven will be like. The scriptures are so encouraging as we walk together with Him through many hard trials. He gives us the victory and Max show us what it looks like to manage our fears and worries. I love the book and use its references often with several ministries at our church. The passages are for everyone who wants to be free from the worries that weigh us down. A must read and a great gift for friends!
May 9, 2018
A Beautiful Book
This is the best book I've read by my favorite contemporary Christian author, Max Lucado, and therefore, one of the best books I've read over all. It's not just the beautiful photography, it's the journaling. Lucas has some great questions to ponder on his journal writing sections. This is an excellent book for individuals who aren't connected to a study group. The journaling sections are set up so you can use them as notes in your Kindle.
The last chapter was the best in the book. It helped me to realize how worry disrupted my peace. Peace is a God given gift that shouldn't be taken lightly. We need to accept this gift and not let it be disrupted by worry.
Other chapters, such as the one on gratitude, demonstrate how being content and thankful are important to our own spiritual growth. Gratitude helps us realize how great our God is and what a gift he's given us in life itself.
This is the best book I've read by my favorite contemporary Christian author, Max Lucado, and therefore, one of the best books I've read over all. It's not just the beautiful photography, it's the journaling. Lucas has some great questions to ponder on his journal writing sections. This is an excellent book for individuals who aren't connected to a study group. The journaling sections are set up so you can use them as notes in your Kindle.
The last chapter was the best in the book. It helped me to realize how worry disrupted my peace. Peace is a God given gift that shouldn't be taken lightly. We need to accept this gift and not let it be disrupted by worry.
Other chapters, such as the one on gratitude, demonstrate how being content and thankful are important to our own spiritual growth. Gratitude helps us realize how great our God is and what a gift he's given us in life itself.
March 30, 2019
The words calm and peaceful were used as acronyms to describes meaningful steps I can take as a Christian when anxiety tries to take over.
Reading this book was a pleasure. I would love to give it as a gift to someone this year.
Reading this book was a pleasure. I would love to give it as a gift to someone this year.
May 28, 2020
Life is a series of events with many highs and lows. For those living anxious lives this may be the book for you. The scriptures used gives one peace and a different perspective. In the end it gives you hope, that is what I needed.
“Anxiety comes with life. But it doesn’t have to dominate your life.”
“The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.”
“But don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today. You can’t cross a bridge until you reach it.”
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (2:3 niv)”
“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.”
“The good life begins, not when circumstances change, but when our attitude toward them does.”
“Learn to relax. To relax is to disengage and let go. An hour or daylong Sabbath is not the time to catch up with your work. It is a time to entrust your work to God. After all, he worked for six days and then rested. The world didn’t fall apart. It won’t for you either.”
“This situation has me frazzled and out-of-sorts. No it hasn’t. You’ve let the situation pull you down.”
“Focus more on what you do have and less on what you don’t. It’s true. Gratitude is the secret to a life of contentment.”
“If you feel the world owes you something, brace yourself for a life of sour hours. The grateful heart, on the other hand, sees each day as a gift. Thankful people focus less on the pillows they lack and more on the privileges they have.”
“Anxiety comes with life. But it doesn’t have to dominate your life.”
“The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.”
“But don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today. You can’t cross a bridge until you reach it.”
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (2:3 niv)”
“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.”
“The good life begins, not when circumstances change, but when our attitude toward them does.”
“Learn to relax. To relax is to disengage and let go. An hour or daylong Sabbath is not the time to catch up with your work. It is a time to entrust your work to God. After all, he worked for six days and then rested. The world didn’t fall apart. It won’t for you either.”
“This situation has me frazzled and out-of-sorts. No it hasn’t. You’ve let the situation pull you down.”
“Focus more on what you do have and less on what you don’t. It’s true. Gratitude is the secret to a life of contentment.”
“If you feel the world owes you something, brace yourself for a life of sour hours. The grateful heart, on the other hand, sees each day as a gift. Thankful people focus less on the pillows they lack and more on the privileges they have.”
January 6, 2018
I love Max Lucado's wisdom and insight and especially crave inspiration for being calm. Trade Your Cares For Calm is a devotional that my husband and I are reading together. Bible Verses, real life situations, check lists, and more in this book is helping us to see where we can hand our worries over to God and just follow Him.
Each chapter is just a few paragraphs long so it's easy to read quickly and then dwell on that passage all day. Included throughout the book are gorgeous photographs of God's handiwork (nature scenes) and with a nice dust jacket and attached ribbon bookmark I feel this would make a great gift. Once finished with this I plan to set it on my shelves to pull out time and time again for the reminder that God is in control. Let Go and let God.
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
Each chapter is just a few paragraphs long so it's easy to read quickly and then dwell on that passage all day. Included throughout the book are gorgeous photographs of God's handiwork (nature scenes) and with a nice dust jacket and attached ribbon bookmark I feel this would make a great gift. Once finished with this I plan to set it on my shelves to pull out time and time again for the reminder that God is in control. Let Go and let God.
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2018
Calm is a small book compiled from previously written books by Max Lucado. The theme is anxiety. The previously published books are Anxious for Nothing, Facing Your Giants, Fearless, Max on Life, 3:16: The Numbers of Hope, Traveling Light, You’ll Get Through This. Max Lucado is strong in using illustrations to prove his points. One of the illustrations is from the book: How Loving Our Neighbor Led Us into the Heart of the Ebola Epidemic. Dr. Kent Brantly was a physician in Africa who became sick with the Ebola virus. I’ve not read this book, but am familiar with the story.
Max Lucado teaches two points in helping combat anxiety: attitude and gratitude. My attitude in response to the worry and being grateful for blessings. I remember several years ago when I had cancer, the season was autumn. The things I was thankful for was the fall foliage, blue sky, cooler weather, and the birds who sang outside my bedroom window. Being thankful is not always focused on the big things in life, often it is being thankful for the small everyday wonders.
Max Lucado teaches two points in helping combat anxiety: attitude and gratitude. My attitude in response to the worry and being grateful for blessings. I remember several years ago when I had cancer, the season was autumn. The things I was thankful for was the fall foliage, blue sky, cooler weather, and the birds who sang outside my bedroom window. Being thankful is not always focused on the big things in life, often it is being thankful for the small everyday wonders.
May 1, 2022
A sweet devotion to help remind you that your daily worries and fears are covered by our Father in Heaven. Faith over fear is easier said than done at times, but we can find peace through prayer and God’s sovereignty over all. Anxiety can be crippling. I’ve been there and it’s like walking through quicksand. When my focus is on the Lord, I am able to stay calm and remember His promise to go before me. This little book helps bring those reminders and scriptures to the forefront of your mind as you begin each day. God is great. And, He is good, all the time!
December 30, 2017
I received a complimentary copy.
When you have a gift with words and a love of God you can write anything. Well at least this author can. While you need to have a strong belief in God to enjoy this book you also need to have a strong belief in the words that this author shares. I think that once your hooked into the world of this author's work you will continue to be blessed and pleased with the writings that come out.
When you have a gift with words and a love of God you can write anything. Well at least this author can. While you need to have a strong belief in God to enjoy this book you also need to have a strong belief in the words that this author shares. I think that once your hooked into the world of this author's work you will continue to be blessed and pleased with the writings that come out.
July 26, 2020
Experience Peace
You can depend on Max Lucado to always provide you what you are looking for in your reading adventure and this book does just that! With the current chaos in our world words of comfort, calm, peace and love are needed. This book provides God's living words, protection and strength to a hurting world. Enjoy God's peace, his arm of protection and hope for the future.
Faye
You can depend on Max Lucado to always provide you what you are looking for in your reading adventure and this book does just that! With the current chaos in our world words of comfort, calm, peace and love are needed. This book provides God's living words, protection and strength to a hurting world. Enjoy God's peace, his arm of protection and hope for the future.
Faye
November 16, 2020
Lucado combines portions of his other books in this title, with the addition of Scripture pages, journal prompts and gorgeous landscape images in each chapter. If another author produced such a gimmicky, repetitive book, I'd be inclined to rate it much lower or not finish it. However, the writings included were still helpful and relevant upon reread in this book and Lucao is Biblically sound as usual.
January 16, 2020
I read this book because I am caring for someone who is ill, and at times it can become extremely stressful. I was looking for ways to lift our moods and live well despite not feeling well or having much to look forward to. This book had a number of good, useful suggestions for that, even though I'm not really religious. He has a recipe for C.A.L.M. that I really liked.
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February 13, 2025Great encouragement!
Max Lucado has written another meaningful and encouraging book! This one is about being anxious and worrying. He reminds us of God's promises and assurances that God will supply all our needs for strength and will give us His wonderful peace amid the troubles we face.
Max Lucado has written another meaningful and encouraging book! This one is about being anxious and worrying. He reminds us of God's promises and assurances that God will supply all our needs for strength and will give us His wonderful peace amid the troubles we face.
December 29, 2017
Thorough and Practical
Thorough and practical advice. I highly recommend it. A great book to start off the new year. Read the ebook, but the hardcover would be good for the journal notes.
Thorough and practical advice. I highly recommend it. A great book to start off the new year. Read the ebook, but the hardcover would be good for the journal notes.
February 11, 2018
Great book
Very well written with scripture to support giving our cares and anxiety to God our father who takes care of us in all situations. I will copy them and pray them often. Hope pray and don't worry. The Lord God Almighty is with us.
Very well written with scripture to support giving our cares and anxiety to God our father who takes care of us in all situations. I will copy them and pray them often. Hope pray and don't worry. The Lord God Almighty is with us.
September 25, 2018
Be calm
Loved the calming pictures through out the book.I loved how max used the acroynmn of calm and peaceful supported with biblical principles. This is a great book for anyone who needs to learn how to overcome anxiety.
Loved the calming pictures through out the book.I loved how max used the acroynmn of calm and peaceful supported with biblical principles. This is a great book for anyone who needs to learn how to overcome anxiety.
November 18, 2018
GREAT DEVOTIONAL
Peaceful. Calm. Great devotional. Gives hope to understanding, "being anxious for nothing". Relax in the arms of God and allow him to calm your fears and anxieties.
Peaceful. Calm. Great devotional. Gives hope to understanding, "being anxious for nothing". Relax in the arms of God and allow him to calm your fears and anxieties.
February 16, 2019
Calming
Every page a gem. Weaving peace throughout my stress filled life. Worry dropped away as I read. I wish the feeling I have at this moment will carry through the rest of my life.
Every page a gem. Weaving peace throughout my stress filled life. Worry dropped away as I read. I wish the feeling I have at this moment will carry through the rest of my life.
October 10, 2019
Sometimes you just need a break from the heavy reading and just rest in a Max Lucado book. Sure, Max will write something like keep calm and Jesus on, you'll giggle and feel ok. Same for this book. Go for it.
October 30, 2020
Another of Max Lucado’s marvelous books on improving your Christian spirituality ... this one focuses on overcoming anxiety by practicing the presence of God and increasing your life of prayer ... upbeat and constructive ... Implement, Implement, Implement!
December 27, 2020
All of the content in this book is republished from other Max Lucado works, but having it all together like this made it seem new.
I really needed this little refresher right now, and the pictures throughout were beyond gorgeous. I’m so glad I picked this up.
I really needed this little refresher right now, and the pictures throughout were beyond gorgeous. I’m so glad I picked this up.
March 14, 2021
Thankyou Lord.
I purchased this short book after reading Max’s book ‘Anxious for Nothing’. It’s pretty much identical - but that’s okay - a nice summary. A beautiful and practical way to develop my faith and ease my anxiety.
I purchased this short book after reading Max’s book ‘Anxious for Nothing’. It’s pretty much identical - but that’s okay - a nice summary. A beautiful and practical way to develop my faith and ease my anxiety.
July 9, 2022
I’ve listened to this book in the past but started to listen to the audiobook all over again after the death of my father. The audiobook’s narrator alone was calming, and the content was equally comforting. A short read but a good one nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews