Max Lucado Shares How to Find Calm in Chaos

ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING
“The land of the Stars and Stripes has become the country of stress and strife,” shares Max. Anxiety disorders are the top mental health problem among women in the U.S. and second only to substance abuse among men. In fact, sociologists now say the United States is the most anxious nation in the world. The cause of this anxiety is a reflection of our environment. The existence of the internet and new threats daily of nuclear war and terrorist attacks are brought into our lives every few seconds with smartphones. The nightly news previously had been the source to communicate the latest catastrophe. Now with the latest technology, it is a matter of minutes. Americans barely have time to process one crisis before hearing of another.

“The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional,” shares Max. “Anxiety is not a sin, but rather an emotion.” However, Max believes anxiety can lead to sinful behavior. For example, when you numb your fears with alcohol, food, or spew anger.

DEFLATING THE MYTH
Christians have been taught that the Christian life is a life of peace. The probem is when we don’t have peace we assume the problem lies within us. Then we not only feel anxious, but also guilty. “Our aim – our only aim – is to be at home in Christ. He is not a roadside park or hotel room. He is our permanent mailing address. He is our place of refuge and security. We are comfortable in His presence, free to be our authentic selves,” reminds Max. It is not our job to know every detail of our future.

God controls and manages the universe. He directs each element of the universe to act in a way that fulfills His divine purpose. That’s why the most stressed-out people are control freaks. The more they try to control the world, the more they realize they cannot. Max shares, “We can’t take control, because control is not ours to take.” The Bible has a better idea. Rather than seek control, entrust it to God. This is the message behind Paul’s admonition to “rejoice in the Lord.” “Peace is within reach, not for lack of problems, but because of the presence of a sovereign Lord. Sovereignty gives the saint the inside track to peace,” reveals Max.

ANXITY-FREE LIVING
Despite our chaotic world, Max says you can discover a life of peace and calm. He offers some tips for worry-free living, which can be remembered with the word CALM:

• Celebrate God’s goodness
• Ask God for help
• Leave your concerns with him
• Meditate on good things

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). When we feel anxiety welling up inside of us, cast in the direction of Christ.  Find a promise in the Bible that fits our problem, and build our prayer around it. Our answer may not come overnight, but it will come. Another form of therapy for anxiety is gratitude. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving. Gratitude improves self-esteem and enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. And, finally Max reminds us to reshape our thought patterns. “You occupy the control tower and can direct the mental traffic of your world. Thoughts circle above, coming and going. If one of them lands, it is because you gave it permission. If it leaves, it is because you directed it to do so. You can select your thought pattern,” shares Max.