We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from our latest book, Anxiety: Finding the Better Story, written by Liz Edrington and published by P&R. This 31 day devotional is sure to be a help and encouragement for any teenager (or adult!) struggling with anxiety. With daily Scripture readings, breathing exercises, and additional mental-health resources, this little book offers you comfort and help in your anxiety.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and
Matthew 11:28-29
I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
“You will find rest for your souls.”
It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? If I were one of the worn-out people in the crowd at Capernaum listening to Jesus say these words, I would probably be thinking, “Bold statement, man. Who are you to say you can give rest for my soul?”
Good question! Jesus was the man who had drawn large crowds with his teaching and preaching. He had given sight to the blind, healed the sick, and performed many other miracles. And he was also the man who, outrageously, had just claimed to be God himself (Matt. 11:27).
As both God and man, Jesus knew exactly how anxious and burdened the people around him were, and he said, “Come to me.” His heart went out to them, and he offered them what they needed for rest: himself.
Anxiety can be an incredible load. It weighs us down. Sometimes it is silent, pressuring us from the inside. Sometimes it nags like a pesky sibling who keeps tapping us on the shoulder. The more we ignore it, the more disruptive it gets. The meaner we are to it, the stronger it gets. Anxiety makes us feel heavy-laden.
Like the people at Capernaum, we are surrounded by many things that try to convince us we’ll stop feeling heavy-laden if we come to them. Social media whispers, “If you get enough likes, you’ll be worthy!” Political groups urge, “Join us, then you’ll be on the right side of history!” Social mantras invite us: “Live your truth, and you’ll be happy!” Consumerism entices us: “Buy this product, then you’ll fit in!”
Some of these things may be helpful in the short run. They may provide a place for us to belong, a sense of cultural acceptance, and a hope that our lives will improve. But they lack the ultimate power and relief that the God who created the universe offers us when he says, “Come to me.”
Here is what we find when we come to Jesus:
The peace of knowing that our anxiety will not defeat us; because in Christ, we know the end of our story, and it is one of beauty and joy (Rev. 21:1–5).
The assurance that our anxiety does not define us; because in Christ, our identity is that of sons and daughters of God (Rom. 8:14–17; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:5).
The promise that our anxiety is not pointless; because in Christ, God never wastes our struggles. He is at work redeeming painful and broken things (Rom. 8:28).
The comfort of a God who meets us where we are; because in Christ, we aren’t left on our own to figure things out. We are never alone; God is always with us (Matt. 1:23).
The me in “come to me” makes all the difference in the world. Jesus himself is the only true rest for our anxious souls. He is so much more than a philosophy, a brand, an ideology, a self-help mantra, or a therapist. Jesus is love incarnate, God with skin on. He is gentle and lowly. He is kind and generous. He doesn’t ask you to earn his love by performing well in school, by being the ideal son or daughter, or even by getting rid of your anxiety. He offers you his love with no strings attached. And he offers you something to do with even your worst anxiety: come to him.
Breathe in: God is with me.
Breathe out: Jesus is rest for my heavy soul.
We are invited to come to Jesus with all of ourselves—our thoughts, emotions, and bodies. What might it look like for you to draw near to God with your mind? With your emotions? With your body?
Interested in purchasing multiple copies of Anxiety: Finding the Better Story? Receive 50% off 5+ copies with coupon code: ROOTED when you purchase on the P&R website.
