5 Comforting Christian Reads for Stress and Anxiety

5 best Christian Books to Help with Anxiety

Fear, anxiety, and sadness are on the increase. In fact, a poll done by USA Today in 2021 found that the only issue on which the majority of respondents could agree was that keeping their sanity was difficult. For a long time, the church perceived anxiety as a mental health condition. There have been many sermons spoken from the pulpit against worry, with the main point being that the Apostle Paul told us not to worry about anything. Yet many Christians are having a hard time, and guilt should not be added to their worries. Some good can come from this. Several excellent Christian publications on the subject of anxiety have been produced in recent years. These books may be quite helpful as sources of encouragement for Christians who are experiencing worry.

Is There Any Truth in the Bible Regarding Anxiety?
Let’s start with the Bible’s teachings on anxiety before moving on to the Christian writings on the subject.

To quote Psalmist David: “When concern was heavy within me, your solace gave me delight” (Psalm 94:18). David suffered from anxiety, but he discovered that being in God’s presence brought him peace.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, even Jesus experienced anxiety. “Being in torment, He prayed more intensely, and His perspiration was like drops of blood dropping to the ground,” the Bible says of Jesus’ crucifixion prayer (Luke 22:44). This text gives us hope because it shows that Jesus understands our fears. He doesn’t hold something against us, but rather, He pleads our case with the Father. Romans 8:34

A more accurate rendering of Paul’s advice not to worry about anything is maybe not to let your worries consume you. Stressed out emotions are inevitable. They can’t be avoided. Being a captive of your emotions, however, is not mandatory.

The Greek term most often translated as “anxiety” is merimnao, which Pastor Greg Groeschel explains as “dwelling on dread or worried thoughts.” Fear shouldn’t be your campsite.

Anxiety may strike at any time, but the Apostle Paul taught us a strategy to deal with it. The ultimate emphasis of his strategy is God’s omnipotence, which he uses to teach us a valuable lesson. Essentially, Paul instructs us to channel our anxiety into worship (Philippians 4:6-8).

When fearful thoughts arise, we are to bring them before the Lord in an honest way, then turn our attention to who He is as a great God. It may mean utilizing the alphabet as a grid for praise, or worshipping Jesus under each of His names, or even worshiping Him according to the truths He has declared about who He is (the I Am statements). What you know to be true about God is where you should direct your attention. The Holy Spirit will help you relax while you do this.

To help alleviate your worry, consider these five uplifting Christian books:

1. Becky Harling’s “Psalms for the Anxious Heart”
   During the 2009–2010 global pandemic of chronic wasting disease (COLD), I was commissioned by Moody Publishers to create this book. Readers were in need of a safe haven from the rising tide of worry, fear, and uncertainty in the world. Psalmists were human, too; they had the same fears that we do. When we feel concerned, we might pray using these words. The devotional provides daily biblical readings, devotional thoughts, prayers, and uplifting music to help the reader focus on God and express gratitude. It teaches readers how to convert fear into worship and anxiety into calmness in God’s presence.
2. Linda Dillow’s “Calm My Anxious Heart”
   As of now, this book is still among Navpress’s best-sellers. Over half a million copies have been sold! Though it first appeared in 1998, its popularity has only grown since its first release. Linda Dillow draws from the experiences of women from a wide range of cultural backgrounds who have struggled with anxiety but have learnt to trust God and find peace. Linda is a gifted storyteller who captivates her audience with her ability to weave together biblical truth and captivating tales. This book reminds readers that finding peace from anxiety and stress is attainable when they choose to put their reliance in God rather than in themselves. Every reader may take something useful away from this book.
3. Max Lucado’s book “Anxious For Nothing”
   Max Lucado writes with such tenderness and compassion. In order to combat anxiety, he recommends that his readers stop feeling guilty. Max shows you how to replace anxiety with contentment and gratitude. In spite of its unavoidability, he says, worry need not confine you. In addition, he gives concrete examples of how to alter one’s perspective on stress, rest in God’s omnipotence, accept the truth, and look on the bright side. Over 9,000 Amazon customers rated this book five stars!
4. Caris Snider’s Anxious Elephants
   A devotional for ladies to use over the course of 31 days to help them overcome anxiety. The book has garnered positive reviews and has given readers comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggle with anxiety. Caris uses scripture, real-life examples, and advice for dealing with anxiety attacks when warning signs arise. In their struggles with anxiety and despair, many who have read the devotional have received support and encouragement from it.
5. Becky Harling’s The Unbelievably Positive Effects of Compliment
   This is the book for you if you’re curious in the Psalmists’ approach to anxiety. If you want to conquer your anxiety once and for all, this six-week Psalms study will help. The Psalmists, who also experienced fear, used a two-pronged approach: first, they expressed their deepest, most sincere feelings to God; and second, they praised Him for who He is as the Almighty. The research provides daily reflecting questions and music recommendations.

How to Manage Your Anxiety

• Master the art of turning fear into acclaim. All of these Christian books on anxiety emphasize the importance of thanking God and praising him as a means of easing our worries.
• Just let the guilt go. Condemning yourself for experiencing worry is counterproductive. To avoid wallowing in self-blame, pray to the Lord about your concerns instead. Raising your concerns to God is a great way to strengthen your faith and bring about a sense of peace.
• People, lean into your prayers. We all need a small group of trusted confidants. Whenever overwhelming worry sets in, it helps to seek out and pray for support.

• Rejoice in some upbeat hymns. There is a constant stream of excellent praise music being released. Listen to some worship music on your computer, mobile device, or smart speaker. Play songs of praise often at your desk, in the vehicle, and wherever else you spend time. If you’re feeling anxious, surround yourself with praise songs till your worries go.
• Finally, it goes without saying that you should take whatever medication your doctor gives you. Some Christians have questioned whether or not it is acceptable to treat mental health issues like depression or anxiety with medication. Here’s the deal: antibiotics are what you’d take if you had strep throat or any other kind of illness. As an organ, your brain sometimes need assistance. God cares for us on all levels: physical, mental, and spiritual. If you’ve been struggling with anxiety for more than 30 days, it may be time to see a doctor about possible treatment options, including antianxiety medication.

Concern is certain, friend, what with the growing stress levels everywhere; yet, it should not serve as a prison for you. The post suggests some Christian literature that address anxiety. Get a group of people together and go for it. So doing will give you a sense of companionship on your travels. Develop regular habits of worshiping God via prayer and thanksgiving. Redirect your worry into a prayer of thanks when anxiety strikes. And, of course, never feel bad about taking anything your doctor recommends. In your struggle against the adversary, know that God is rooting for you.