Anxious for Nothing (John Macarthur Study) (Paperback)

~ John MacArthur Jr. (Author), John Macarthur (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 victory: Scripture.

About the Author

John MacArthur, Jr. is president and featured teacher of Grace To Your, the nonprofit organization responsible for developing, producing, and distributing John's books, audiocassettes, and the "Grace to You" radio program. "Grace to You" airs more than 800 times daily in locations across America and around the world. He is the author of dozens book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (March 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781443385
• ISBN-13: 978-0781443388
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,214 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Anxious For Nothing, August 30, 2006

By	C. L. Blakey (Laguna Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anxiety, worry, fear and stress are common responses to the problems we face. But when we consider the Biblical commands--"Be anxious for nothing," (Phil. 4:6) "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.

This book gave a helpful overview of anxiety that clearly showed why anxiety is sin and gave great Biblical instruction for putting on qualities to counteract it(i.e.: contentment and gratitude). On a side note--though it was very easy to read, I noticed that it didn't sound very much like John MacArthur's other books or even how he speaks. The book is simpy an adaptation from sermon transcripts and was not edited by his usual editor, so it reads different, but is still definitely worth a read!

George Muller said, "Where faith begins, anxiety ends; where anxiety begins, faith ends." This pointed statement is a good summation of MacArthur's approach to anxiety as well. He definitely teaches that anxiety is a spiritual issue of the heart as one stands before God not just as some describe it as an uncontrollable attack or a reaction their circumstances forced them into. I was convicted by his explanation that anxiety is simply distrust in God's power and care. He gave a great example of the Israelites and how they complained against God while they were in the wilderness because they doubted He would bring them to the promised land. The silly thing is that all the while they were witnessing miracles and wonders. We can so easily trap ourselves into a tunnel vision and forget just who our God is!

Below I have listed some points that I found to be encouraging in attacking anxiety in my own life.

React to problems with thankful prayer. Paul said, "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) What MacArthur says about this is very helpful because I can sometimes come to God very upset about my circumstance and almost accusatory instead of thankful for the opportunity to come to Him and to be sharpened and grow. MacArthur writes:

The real challenge of Christian living is not to eliminate
every uncomfortable circumstance from our lives, but
to trust our sovereign, wise, good, and powerful God in
the midst of every situation. Instead of praying to God
with feelings of doubt, discouragement, or discontent, we
we are to approach Him with a thankful attitude before
we even utter one word. We can do that with sincerity
when we realize that God promises not to allow anything
to happen to us that will be too much for us to bear
(1 Cor. 10:13), to work out everything for our good in the
end (Rom. 8:28), and to "perfect, confirm, strengthen and
establish" us in the midst of our suffering (1 Peter 5:10).
p. 38


Put away grumbling and be content. When we question or criticize how God is working things out in our lives it will only breed more worry and anxiety over what is to come. MacArthur writes about this "emotional bellyaching" and warns us not to debate God.

"We start arguing with God about why things are the way
they are or why we have to do what we're supposed to do.
We think we have a better idea than God about the job,
marriage, church, home or any other situation we're in.
We are living in a fallen world. It isn't always going to be
the way we like it, and the people around us aren't always
going to be the way we'd like them to be. When we complain
about them we are positioning ourselves for His judgment.
James warned, "Do not complain, brethren, against another,
that you yourselves may not be judged; behold the Judge is
standing right at the door. (James 5:9) God is always in
earshot of our complaints."
p. 118

Remember whose Name I bear. We should never act in such a way that would be inconsistent with who we are. We must not forget who our heavenly Father is. This quote was a good reminder for me:

"Keep in mind next time you're tempted to become anxious
or complain...You have been created to reflect God's nature."
p. 124

Temporary cures for our anxiety, stree or worry should not suffice. Instead we can hold fast to the truth of God's promises to us and trust Him. Anxiety is not something that we should struggle with because God gives us the power to overcome it!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the worry addict, February 24, 2009

By	R. Greer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This study is good for individual or group use. It is basic and easy to follow yet incredibly insightful. The book uses scripture to back up every point and uses very good analogies to make the points even more clear. The design of the book is also helpful in that the study questions are in the back of the book (indicated by the gray tabbed section which can be seen from the side.) This means you do not have to buy a separate study guide. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Study on Worry, November 16, 2008

By	T. Beard (Bastrop, LA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

The best book ever seen on Anxiety. John MacArthur uses the Bible to show you how you can rid yourself of all worry. He makes a great point. At best, the world can only help you "manage" your worry. The Bible will give you the means to eliminate worry.