Teenagers face many fears like social rejection, academic failure, and missing out; and social media can often intensify these fears. Aimed at teenagers, this short book – one of a series of discipleship guides – outlines a Christian response to such fears.
In the space of ten chapters, we learn that anxiety reminds us that we need the Lord who is always near, even though we cannot see him. We must have faith in God and listen to him (as we read the Bible) and talk to him, asking him for help (as we pray). We are reassured that God loves us and he is powerful, so he can make things change and give us courage. We are counselled to trust God for today and to leave tomorrow in his hands. The book concludes with a call to find rest in God.
A warning is given about using video gaming, music, movies, or social media to avoid facing your anxieties, and drugs, alcohol, and pornography are identified as more dangerous distractions. A footnote does advise speaking to parents or a trusted adult or your doctor if your anxiety is severe.
At the end of each chapter there are questions for reflection. An appendix identifies other helpful Christian books on the subject of anxiety.
David Magowan
Reading
