Anxious for Nothing: God's Cure for the Cares of Your Soul

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

So many things to worry about and so little time to worry! Christians obviously are not immune to the troubles of life, and when troubles do come, we're urged to rise above them and experience "peace that passes understanding." But how, in day-to-day life, does that really happen? While numerous books have been written on overcoming anxiety, Anxious for Nothing goes beyond pop psychology's temporary cures by returning us to our only true source of comfort and Scripture.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity, Faith, Counselling

220 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1993

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Liz Cleland · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Casting all your cares upon Him," (1 Peter 5:7) "Do not worry about your life" (Matt.6:25)--it is sad that so many of us still respond to life's trials and circumstances this way.
I agree we need to cast our worries but we as humans don't always remember to do so. How can I remember to not worry about things when I can't remember my car keys half the time? I also have another huge difference in opinion with one of his philosophies. He basically discredits the possibility that anxiety disorders are truly brain related and instead feels that they arise from sin. What a horrible thing to tell a Christian who truly has a brain imbalanace that has been scientifically researched. I have seen someone who is mentally unbalanced and through medication is fine first hand so again I really disagree. John MacArthur has a very unique way of dealing with putting priorities in order and soothing the places that hurts your heart. I would not recommend this read to a beginner.

[-.‘ Chloe Rose ’.- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this 2 weeks ago, but Anxious For Nothing was such an amazing read! Pastor MacArthur did a fantastic job on this book. It helped me notice worries that i didn't even know were worries! He really dives into scripture and the meaning of it, and gives lots of amazing advice straight from the bible, but explained. I love the examples he gives, and would definitely recommend! 10/10

[Analia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxious…?, stop, sit down and breath… easy right? Not! Or can it? Nowadays we want to get rid of our problems fast, when we are in pain we take a pill, when we are in lack of "me time";we call off from work on a heart beat, when we feel depressed we say hello to "Mr. Wine" and when we feel anxious, we scratch and search for the source of it, to get rid of it as fast as possible. But sometimes in life, we can't get rid of things as fast as we want. We need to rely on Someone greater then ourselves. Not only rely, but depend, and trust. Trust, a big and scary word. For if we trust we let go. And that is exactly what we need to do… let go. In this book, we are given tools to do just so. This book is not a miracle pill… but it might just help and sooth for more than thirty minutes.

[J.S. Beville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic!! I strongly recommend this book to every christian! It is a very easy and relateable book that will help anyone in times of trial!! MUST READ!!

Also, as you read each chapter there is a corresponding discussion guide for each in the back of the book.

[Frankie Puddleduck · Rating 1 out of 5]

In first few minutes of audio book, author says anxiety is a sin bc Bible says "do not be anxious". I suppose their are people who from time to time have anxiety and can decide to experiencing it.

But there's a BUNCH of people who have anxiety disorders and are not sinning by experiencing anxiety any more than a diabetic is sinning when he or she becomes argumentative and verbally combative due to low blood sugar.

A few minutes later the author says "you can control your anxiety". Whether or not anxiety is a sin, I can do nothing without God.

Too many people have been hurt and frustrated by the idea that mental/emotional problems are a sin and can be willed away by warning to honor God. This concept can be so harmful and alienating.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid, based fully on Scripture.

“We allow our daily concerns to turn into worry and therefore sin when our thoughts become focused on changing the future instead of doing our best to handle our present circumstances.”

“The Lord said you have enough to deal with today. Apply today’s resources to today’s needs or you will lose today’s joy.”

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. MacArthur highlighted great Bible verses on anxiety. But everything he said was laced w condescension. Why is he talking about other people being difficult when they don't spiritually grow at the rate he wants? Doesn't that make him a difficult person, too? He doesn't get to determine "normal" growth (a term he used). And then he goes on about families w two kids. I have 4 kids, but he still offended me. I'm sick of writers, especially Christians, who think shame is a motivational tool.

I greatly preferred Calm My Anxious Heart.

[Joel Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.
Like his preaching this book is straight to the point, brutally honest to the Bible and very very easy to apply. Heck in the 3 days it took to read this I've used the applicable truths in it in multiple conversations and in Bible studies.
Super useful in today's world where phrases like "I have anxiety" are treated as normal. It tackles the sin of anxiety, explains why and teaches how to battle that sin.
Highly recommended.

[Greg D · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not a huge MacArthur fan. He tends to lean too heavily on his narrow interpretation of scripture and draws very little from human experience or practicality. There didn't seem to be anything new I gleaned from this book. As a Christian, I already know I'm not supposed to worry or be anxious... I know worrying is a sin... I know we are supposed to pray... and cast our worries upon Christ... trust God... and be content in all circumstances. I already know these things. I know what Scripture teaches about worrying and anxiety both in the Psalms and the New Testament. It would have been nice if more practical things were offered in this book besides an abundance of Scripture verses and a lecture about what we're supposed to be like. I could have saved myself $15 and simply read my Bible. But, unfortunately, I need more than just Scripture verses and this book fails to provide more.

[Ayden Tilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great reminder of all the reasons we shouldn’t be anxious, and what steps we can take to get out of anxiety. I’m of course great full for Mcarthur’s extreme usage of Bible verses.

[Katrina Van Grouw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book for those struggling with anxiety, worry, or fear about the future. I was recommended this by a friend and it really helped me reconcile my worry and stress with Biblical truth about what God says to do. I highly recommend this book for anyone that feels stressed, anxious, or lacks peace.

“I believe in wise planning, but if after doing all you are able to, you still are fearful of the future, the Lord says, "Don't worry”:
He promised to provide all your needs, and He will: "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). That is His concern, not yours.”

[Dkovlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. The Bible tells you not to worry. If God is going to provide for birds, why wouldn't he provide all of your needs?

When we worry, we insult God because we think he will not take care of us.

If we complain, and some of us are chronic complainers, we are telling others that God has not provided us with what we think we need. This is another way of insulting God.

We must learn to be content in all of our circumstances, like the Apostle Paul.

One of the suggestions the author makes is to continually read the Psalms. This will lead to an appreciation of the greatness of God and help cure our tendencies to worry, complain, and our discontent.

He also says that since we are all sinful, the way others treat us will sometimes lead us to these feelings. The solution is to always trust in God and be grateful in all circumstances.

He provides a great Appendix which lists the various verses in the Psalms that will help us when we feel anxious (worrisome).

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just incredible. After every chapter I found myself saying, "Man, that was my favorite chapter!" I basically came to a point where I was like, "I just love this whole book" XD
Every chapter focused on ideas that you would not immediately think that they would relate back to anxiety. This being said, each one seemed to link itself to worrying. I think it is a good lesson to know that some of the things we do affect a lot more than just the surface.
I also really appreciated that he did not use too much of his own words, but rather quoted what the Bible says and then explained it in further detail. We know that the Bible is the Truth and therefore can have assurance that what the book is saying is true.
I have already begun to apply the lessons learned in this book to my life and I know that I have furthered my relationship with Jesus.

[Ashley Owens · Rating 2 out of 5]

John MacArthur shares wisdom from the Bible on anxiety, which I find to be very comforting. But be careful with MacArthur's advice, it could be dangerous for someone who struggles with debilitating anxiety. His strong anti-counseling opinions led me to believe he has not experienced the level of issues I and others have had. From my experience, I feel we should utilize the resources available to us: counseling, family support, and certainly the Bible. Don't discount something that could truly be a lifeline when you are struggling.

[Kristianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book full of solid, biblical truth. It was hard to read at times, but convicting for sure, and exactly what I needed to hear. It mostly includes general principles for any Christian who struggles with worry, rather than practical tips or specific advice for those who live with anxiety conditions. And while I appreciate the strong biblical truths included, I kind of wish it had been a little more nuanced in its approach--sometimes it felt a bit over-generalized. But besides that, I thought this was an excellent read that every Christian could benefit from.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read for school… pros and cons

Pros- There was a reference at the end of Psalms and other Scripture to meditate on in moments of anxiousness that I found helpful.

Cons- MacArthur lays out general anxiousness, but fails in his over simplistic approach. I actually think his tone and approach in its simplicity diminishes the complexity and mystery of God and His care and also the complexity and mystery of our image bearer nature. At times it was hard to envision saying some of the things he says in his book to someone in a counseling room. Other times, it was great. But I think at its core it oversimplified humans and God in the way He approached it

[Raven Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one, but I plan on buying the book. Convicting to say the least, but hard hitting truth I need.

[Kendall Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am done 😭😭😭 (a week early might I add)
GRADUATION NEXT WEEKEND!!

[Summer Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful little book. I appreciate Macarther’s ministry. When I hit rock bottom awhile ago (and I subsequently found myself searching for answers to life’s biggest questions) it was one of the Grace to You books that kickstarted my understanding of how to read the Bible and what the gospel actually meant. So I have a real appreciation for what he does. I may not agree with him 100% on one or two little things he says, but overall, his message about our approach to anxiety and worry is solid. Be anxious for nothing, Jesus says. I trust His advice. Recommended for anyone struggling with worry or fear in our worrying, scary world.

[Lesslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

John MacArthur does not seem to offer up grace to those who have experienced childhood trauma, one of the many causes of persistent anxiety. While I agree the Bible is the #1 choice for truth, protection, comfort (pointing to Christ), I do believe Christian counseling and other book resources can be helpful to folks who may have been abused and subsequently struggle with anxiety. I read “In My Father’s House,” by Mary Kassian many years ago and it helped me greatly. https://www.christianbook.com/fathers...

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such a disappointment. The 1st couple of chapters were very interesting, the author obviously has a great deal of knowledge in the Word. However, he needs to check himself. He preaches about not passing judgment, and yet we get this: " They embarrass themselves, their church, in their Lord. Thus they require a lot of attention." The author is referring to a group noted in 1 Thess, 5:14-15 as "the weak." There are many more examples of the author being a hypocrite. I am not intrested in a book that preachers or teaches about hypocrisy.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insightful take on scripture pertaining to anxiousness. MacArthur shows how we, as believers, are not exempt from the troubles of life, but are called away from the stagnation of worry/stress and into a realm of hope. He points out how fear is misguided, misplaced, and ultimately damaging to the individual who resides in it. Also, there's a collection of Psalms in this book that I love.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very worth reading

[Christian Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those (like me) who worry a lot in this world. MacArthur challenges his readers to offer their fears, worries, and anxieties in a manner that pleases God and that provide tranquility. People call this generation the anxious generation, making this book very relevant and appealing to young readers. Let this simple quote be of encouragement to people reading this book:

"When God says He will provide, He means just that. Every time you see a bird, let it serve as a reminder of God’s abundant provision. May it stop cold any worry you might have."

If the quote is confusing, read the book for context

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book :)
It was a great reminder that I don’t have everything under my control, but that God does. The Psalms talks a lot about trust in God as David was learning not to fear the rough circumstances in his life. He was literally in a life or death situation, but trusted in Gods plan, did what he said, and later became king. Don’t let the worries of your life keep you from seeing the bigger picture in how God is using the hard things in it to make you better.
In summary: Anxiety is overrated ;)

[Brittany Sartain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very scripturally rich and at times convicting. However, and the reason for the low stars… while I obviously don’t know John MacArthur personally or anything about his personal experience with anxiety, it seemed very evident that this was written by someone who has never dealt with it or experienced the crippling mental and physical effects of anxiety. At times I found myself really frustrated because it felt like he was just saying, “the Bible says don’t be anxious so don’t be.” Or “Just be content in what the Lord has done and you’re fine.” But I think anyone who has experienced true anxiety for any extended amount of time would be like, “oh, it’s that easy? Why didn’t I think of that…” 🙄 So while this was jam packed with scripture and I appreciate that, this didn’t really talk about what anxiety is at a deeper level, beyond just surface level situations where we should “just trust God more and stop sinning.” And frankly, when you’re in the middle of a panic attack, that’s just not very helpful.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just what I needed today. I started listening to this the morning and couldn't stop. Love to hear John MacArthur teach. Nothing beats a God-centered understanding on worry. Especially because it's Americas favorite past time and most of us struggle with it. Thank you for reminding me to refocus on heavenly thing.

[Joyce Rubina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has an calming effect on me as I read it and JMac has been so faithful in teaching God's word and it has counseled my soul🙏

[Emma Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

thanks dad

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging!