You will notice that there is no formal book from the New Testament given as the emphasis for our book review section. Rather than give specific commentaries or books that deal with counseling issues from the New Testament, we have instead opted for books that will help the counselor understand, interpret, and transfer biblical truth from the Bible and apply it to the counselees’ life. As such, we have reviewed five books from four different authors that give a variety of perspectives on approach the Bible, both Old and New Testament. It is our desire to help the counselor gain a better understanding of and ability to study the Bible, and thus use it more profitably in the counseling session. After all, the Bible speaks of its own usefulness in equipping us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17)—let us become better students of His Word so that we may communicate it effectively.

Osborne, Grant. Hermeneutical Spiral. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

The subtitle to this great book is “A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation.” At over 500 pages (printed with a small font), it is an accurate assessment. Presenting all of the major components to developing a proper biblical understanding, Osborne’s work is essential to being able to accurate understand and interpret the Bible. Beginning with chapters on defining what a biblical hermeneutic looks like, Osborne dives directly into crucial rules of interpretation, including the context of the Bible, semantics, grammar, and syntax. From there, he analyzes the various genres included in the Bible, such as law, prophecy, wisdom, and poetry. He concludes with a lengthy section on the application of biblical interpretation into everyday life. Make no mistake, this is a hard book to read in a weekend, but our recommendation is that you purchase this book and read through one chapter at a time to develop a proper hermeneutic to assist you in your biblical counseling.

Ryken, Leland, and Tremper Longman, eds. A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.

The Bible contains 66 books, with over 30 different authors and a multitude of cultural and literary settings. It can be a daunting task to understand each book properly. Enter this collaboration, which contains articles from 30 different scholars and novelists. Each chapter is an overview of a particular book or books of the Bible. While some chapters are too short (the Epistles are contained in one chapter), most are filled with nuggets to help the counselor better understand the Word of God. This guide is an encompassing work which provides a practical overview to help the counselor better understand the context of each book of God’s Word. Highly recommended.

Thiselton, Anthony. The Hermeneutics of Doctrine. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2007.

Each of us who believe the Bible is the written Word of God approach it in unique ways. Some believe that the Bible is a literal book, and should be understood exactly how it is written. Others believe that it is a spiritual book, and one that requires deep study to uncover its hidden meaning. Others try to find a middle ground. Hermeneutics is the groundwork that we use when we approach the Bible. It is a difficult and complicated study, and unfortunately, this book is also difficult and complicated.

Thiselton’s book attempts to show the various hermeneutics that have existed throughout the history of the church and how it applies to various doctrines (truth gleaned from the Bible). While he has succeeded in this goal, the end result is often difficult to decipher unless you have a good background in biblical studies and original languages (especially Greek). This might be a good read if you have the educational background, let it be a book you check out from the local seminary library before purchase.

Vanhoozer, Kevin. The Drama of Doctrine. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.

There are some counselors who approach the Bible as a fix-it book; take two proverbs and check back next week. They don’t realize that the Bible is not given to us as such. It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Dr. Vanhoozer’s book helps remind us of the Bible’s potency for everyday life.

This book will help the counselor appreciate the Word of God in a unique way by picturing it as a drama with God as the center. As such, we are invited, through His Word, to participate in this drama with Him. Instead of just learning truths about God and the world in which we live, we are now challenged to live out these truths in everyday life as characters in this grand stage. Bringing the Bible to life through this vivid understanding, we can make the Bible more than just a prescription pad; it becomes a necessary part of our lives. Very deep and overly wordy, it still is helpful in gaining a new perspective on these ancient words that speak truth actively to those who read it.

Vanhoozer, Kevin. First Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

The postmodern culture in which we live is increasingly walking away from believing propositional truths. As a result, we need to show the veracity of the Bible in the world in which we live. Vanhoozer’s book attempts to address this concern by introducing us to the God of the Bible through His Word. An abbreviated attempt at discovering doctrinal truths compared to Hermeneutical Spiral, it nonetheless presents a solid case for propositional truths in this relative age. Dealing with overarching doctrinal studies such as God, the Bible, and a biblical hermeneutic, Vanhoozer connects the dots so that God is brought to the forefront in his conversation with post-modernity. You will need a good understanding of the postmodern movement, as well as a familiarity with biblical doctrine (read the Hermenuetical Spiral first), but this one comes recommended.

You can be someone who gives thanks in all circumstances! Do believe this? Probably your answer is yes because the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances” in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. But do you really believe this? Are you thankful in the midst of your problems and disappointments? Are you likely to smile when circumstances aren’t going well for you and no one is looking at you?

Some years ago, prompted by the Holy Spirit, I had to admit that my attitude in difficulty was more likely to reflect worry, complaining, or jealousy than gratitude. I knew better and kept trying, but the anxieties within me kept rising up and getting the best of me.

God drew me to the book of Philippians. Twenty times in his short letter, Paul’s exuberance bursts forth and he speaks of being joyful. And along with all of his rejoicing are many expressions of thankfulness, encouragement, affirmation, hope, and contentment. Where does all of Paul’s positivity come from?

Prison. Yes, prison! When Paul wrote his letter to the disciples of Jesus in Philippi he was serving a sentence as a criminal though he’d done nothing wrong. He simply had told too many people about Jesus and so they beat him almost to death and locked him up—for seven years until he was executed. In those days, that meant that for twenty-four hours a day Paul was chained to a prison guard, probably a gorilla-like thug who was loud, vulgar, smelly, snoring at night, and, in his best moments, plain boring!

It was in this deplorable, unjust condition that Paul wrote to the Philippians:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…

I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance… I will continue with you for your progress and joy in the faith…

Be glad and rejoice with me… (Philippians 1:3-4, 18-19, 25; 2:18).

What a wonderfully positive attitude and spirit of generosity Paul demonstrated when he was suffering! And, though Paul’s example is not common, he is not an isolated case. The Bible and church history are full of similar models of gratefulness in the midst of distress, as is our contemporary world. I have heard people give thanks to God after their house burned down or after they lost their job. I have talked with people who are sincerely grateful to God while sick in a hospital bed or when grieving the loss of a loved one or despite suffering from the painful effects of incest.

I myself, in recent years, have in a number of instances been able genuinely and spontaneously to be grateful in difficulties, to bless someone who has criticized me, or to express joy despite being disappointed by circumstances.

When most people would bemoan or bicker how is it that some people beam and bless? Paul explains how…

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again! Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition present your requests to God and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus…

Whatever is true… lovely… or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you…

I have learned to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through [Christ] who gives me strength (Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13).

Like me and you and anyone else, Paul had to learn how to be a grateful, joyful person. He wasn’t born with it. It didn’t come by trying hard, by gritting his teeth and grinding it out! Nor was it zapped into him by the Holy Spirit at his glorious Damascus Road conversion experience. Paul’s positivity was developed as a result of the training that he did with Jesus.

Paul had been an angry, ambitious, and negative man. But, as we see in the book of Philippians, Paul was transformed through his relationship with Christ to become a peaceful, gracious, and grateful man. His spiritual formation progressed as he humbled himself to be ministered to by Ananias, Peter, and other disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1-19). Most significantly, he grew tremendously during three years of meeting with the risen Christ in solitude, prayer, and meditation in the Arabian Desert (Galatians 1:11-24). And as part of his discipleship to Jesus he practiced a variety of other spiritual disciplines that formed him in the image of Christ.

Paul learned to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), to “pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He learned to live “by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), to live his whole life in the context of and from the resources of the kingdom of the heavens in his midst. In all that Paul did he took a hold of God’s merciful hand reaching down to him from the heavens and this is why his soul smiled and he had boundless enthusiasm to minister Christ’s gospel to others. He was in the flow of God’s blessings before pains and problems came his way and so he just stayed with the stream of grace and let it overflow from himself to others!

The hand of heaven is reaching down to you and I even now! If we take a hold then we will be thankful in all circumstances. This is the life-transforming message of Philippians.

Depression is a distressingly common problem in our contemporary setting. Advertisements for anti-depressant medications bear ample testimony to this reality. Statistically, one in four individuals will suffer its pain at some point in their lives. Because of the frequency and prominence of this problem it is incumbent upon those who are committed to the use of Christian Scripture in ministry and counseling to apprehend the practical relevance of biblical resources for the care, and cure (sometimes!) of depression.

Psalm 88 provides a vivid description of depression, much more graphic than the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV TR. The Psalmist cried out in the midst of his troubles, from the bottom of a pit (88:1, 9, 13-14). He had been pummeled by unrelenting waves and felt as good as dead—weak and doubting that deliverance would ever come (88:3-7). He was isolated and alone, “shut in” by himself (88:8). Feeling helpless and afraid (88:15), he concludes that “darkness has become my only companion” (88:18, ESV margin).

Depression can be summarized as “an introverted form of suffering that obscures hope.”

Sam Williams, Counseling Individuals with Addictions: Unpublished Class Notes (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Spring 2006). Martin Luther believed that at the root of his depressive moods was, “the loss of faith that God is good, and that he is good to me.” Care and counsel of the depressed begins by encouraging them to express themselves graphically, and then directing them up and out into conversation with God who understands and speaks the (sometimes incomprehensible) goodness of the Good News into their situation through many passages in Scripture.

As an introverted and morbid form of suffering, depression entails an inward focus. Such a gaze finds little hope, as they are discouraged by what they find inside. This is consonant with Romans 3 and 7, which provide a sad but true catalogue of the human state. The problem under consideration there is not isolated to fallen, unredeemed humanity; it extends to those who trust in Jesus Christ. In Romans 7:18, Paul the Apostle writes, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (ESV). He concludes the chapter with a desperate cry, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (v. 24). According to Scripture, the deeper one peers into oneself, the worse the situation appears, and of course the deeper the despair. Depression (as hope obscuring and introverted suffering), can be a result of persistent introspection.

So as far as depression is concerned, the most important solutions cannot be found within. Where then is the solution? The first step here is crucial and involves a fundamental change in focus and direction, up and out. There is no light in the pit. Where shall we direct their attention? There are many ways to divert their depressive energy and attention away from themselves. But not all paths are equally worthy of our attention. And at the end of the day, there is only one who can both pull us up and out of ourselves, bring to us true hope, and promise genuine change. Paul’s answers his own desperate question in Romans 7:24 (above) like this: “Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)

It is to Jesus that we must direct the gaze of our depressed brother or sister. This makes good sense. The uniform testimony of Scripture is that we do not have the resources within to solve our deepest problems. We need help from outside. We need someone other than ourselves to step into our lives and rescue us. The Bible teaches that God has done this through Christ (e.g., Romans 3.21-28; 1 Corinthians 1.30). The Protestant Reformers described this as an “alien righteousness:” One that comes from outside of us, not intrinsically our own. Hope and our joy are located not in what we can do, but in what Jesus Christ has done (e.g., Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:13).

By turning attention away from ourselves, and onto Jesus Christ, we begin to break out of the grip of depression. When, like Luther, we forget that God is good to us, we remember the one in and through whom God proved that he is so good to us! When we are drawn into the dark labyrinths of our own souls, light can be found. But such light is outside ourselves, in the one who has redeemed us, pledged himself to us, and given us a living hope! The author of Hebrews urges, look “to Jesus, the founder and finisher of our faith,” and teaches us to “consider him… so that you may not grow weary and fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Some may be inclined to dismiss this solution as simplistic. But pointing depressed people to Jesus Christ, the Gospel of God, is more than simple—it is profound. In 1 Peter 1:12, Peter tells us how angels consider the gospel. It is an inexhaustible wellspring of good news for the depressed. In the gospel of Jesus, they find a solution that apprehends the nature of their problem and supplies simplicity and a type of hope that never ends.

Although this solution is simple, it is by no means easy. The Bible is replete with calls to endure and persevere (e.g., Romans 5:3; 2 Peter 1:6). We don’t have to “endure” things that are easy. In a very real way, the entire Christian life is spent learning to believe the gospel—to look outside ourselves to Jesus—well. And in this struggle, both the depressed and non-depressed walk side by side as companions in the fight that is worth fighting: The fight for faith in God, hope in God, and love for God.

When it comes to the topic of depression, one must also discuss the difficult issue of anti-depressant medication. There are at least two major “camps” on the issue: those who believe that medication can and at times should be used, and those who believe that using medication is often a violation of Scripture. The books listed below represent both beliefs. While the author has convictions toward one side of the argument, each of these books listed below are recommended reading for ministers who are helping those struggling with depression.

Many pastors do not know the meaning of the word, “no”. They continue to minister, even when they are spiritually depleted. Left unchecked, the pastor can find himself dealing with discouragement and depression which can ultimately lead to removal from ministry. Wayne Cordeiro writes from personal experience of the time in his life when he “burned out” in his ministry.

Filled with scriptural examples from the lives of Elijah, Moses, Jeremiah, and David, Pastor Cordeiro leads us on a journey to not only overcome depression in the ministry, but how to steer clear of paths that would lead us there. Each chapter deals with specific issues related to pastoral ministry, and the book is littered with opportunities to chronicle your own journey in the ministry. Also included in each chapter are quotes and examples from other famous leaders and pastors in history, including Abraham Lincoln and Charles Haddon Spurgeon, to remind us that we do not suffer alone in ministry. This is a great read for those who are in the ministry—it gives permission for the minister of the gospel to rest, to care for one’s family while ministering to the families in his care, and a reminder to care for one’s own body. An excellent, preventative book that should be in every pastor’s library.

Written by a pastor and a doctor, both of whom have direct ties to depression, Seeing in the Dark is their attempt to address some of the myths surrounding depression. Suggesting a comprehensive approach, the authors present a case for strong biblical counseling and possibly medication in helping counselees overcome their battle. The authors make it very clear that they are trying to give you permission to use medication to help overcome depression. They also attempt to show how, scientifically speaking, some people are prone to depression (using examples like post-partum depression and seasonal affective disorder). However, rather than leave us with just a pro-medication book, they argue that what is really at stake with most depression is not chemical imbalances, but our thought processes. Rather than let circumstances dictate our response, we need to filter everything through the Word of God as well as allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. From there, other biblical arguments are made to help those struggling with depression to live by grace through faith, trusting God each step of the way. While very much a pro-medication book, the authors continually point us back to the Bible, the only place answers are found to help us deal with depression.

Depression affects all of us—whether it’s ourselves or someone we know, depression is almost as common as a common cold. Yet the treatment for depression is as varied as there are flavors of ice cream. Dr. Mack calls us back to the Word of God, in which there are many principles that teach us about depression and how we can help others overcome it. Dr. Mack helps us by defining what he calls the three stages of depression, and how to assist those struggling in these different stages. Referring to many different biblical examples, including Jesus Himself, Dr. Mack points us to biblical principles in helping the counselee overcome depression. Ultimately, our hope is found in God, and we must seek to discover the God who is above the circumstances in our lives that brings us to depression.

A specific chapter is dedicated to the topic of those who are depressed in dealing with the loss of a loved one. A final chapter is arranged as a “question/answer” section dealing with issues surrounding depression and unique circumstances such as suicide and medication. This is a profitable book that points us directly to biblical principles to help pastors in their counseling ministries.

Dr. Meier believes that some of the problems people face are a result of chemical imbalances in the brain, most specifically serotonin. However, Dr. Meier does not simply suggest medicating the problem, but accurately diagnosing the root of these issues, and then proceeding accordingly. Answers always come from a right understanding and application of Scripture, but sometimes medication is necessary to allow the counselee the ability to follow Scripture.

Dealing with many issues like anxiety, depression, paranoia, panic attacks, and others, Dr. Meier’s book is a great primer on how to help those struggling with these issues. Most importantly, it gives answers to those who have questions about medication and chemical imbalances. And, while those who disagree with using medication to help those struggling with medication may not appreciate this book, Dr. Meier never suggests medicating the problem alone. Strong, biblical counseling is always at the heart of helping people. Filled with real-life examples, including Dr. Meier’s own story dealing with ADHD, this book is filled with the hope that can be found in overcoming depression.

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Crawford, Mark. The Obsessive-Compulsive Trap. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2004.

You may be familiar with the television character Monk. He is a former detective who was removed from the force because of an extreme case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Each week he is able to overcome his disorder long enough to solve whatever mystery is at hand. While OCD in Monk’s case is played for laughs, it is no laughing matter for those who suffer from this particular anxiety. Most people will not struggle to the extreme as Monk, but it can be very debilitating for the person dealing with it. This book helps to address the issue from a medical standpoint, explaining what the difference is between obsessive and compulsive disorders. The author reveals the many causes of OCD, and why it also occurs in teenagers and children. He also examines the spiritual issues related to the disease, and how to help counselees overcome OCD. Medicinal options are explored at the end of the book, revealing some of the confusion regarding medicating OCD. This is a great primer into OCD. If you are helping someone with OCD, or are just interested in what it really looks like (apart from television land), pick up this book.

Hart, Archibald. The Anxiety Cure. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1999.

Most people are familiar with the term, “panic attack.” They may even know someone who has suffered from one. However, most of us are uninformed as to what a panic attack actually is, much less how to help someone who suffers from them. Dr. Hart’s book is designed to help us better understand what is happening within our minds and bodies during such attacks. He explores the science and medicine behind modern attempts to help those struggling with panic attacks. He also reveals some of the very basic activities that people can incorporate into their lives to help prevent these attacks and lower their overall stress level. The main claim of the book, however, is a proven method to help overcome these attacks. It involves a seven-week program that focuses on different areas each week, with homework that carries over throughout the length of the program. Be careful in assuming that this seven-week program will “fix” your counselees, but this book is filled with other helpful tips and suggestions that counselors can use in their sessions.

Young, Ed, Jr. Know Fear. Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.

Fear is being fed to us everywhere we look. Whether it’s the newspaper, nightly news, Internet blogs, everything is bleak, and fear is seemingly the only natural response. Yet for the ones who have faith their faith and trust in Christ, fear is not necessary. Pastor Ed Young has written this book to help Christians overcome major fears like that of helplessness, the future, commitment, failure, loneliness and death. In each chapter, he continually points us to solutions found in the Word of God and in the person of Jesus Christ. The closing chapters of the book are designed to remind us of the need for a biblical fear of God. What is great about this book is that each chapter concludes with the main points of the chapter summarized with appropriate Scripture written to support each statement. It makes for great advice and Scripture to give to counselees to memorize in their struggle with fear. A word of caution, though. Pastor Ed has a unique way of communicating truth. His brain operates on a wholly different level than most people who walk this earth. He is able to make connections that, to him, make sense, but you might struggle to make the same connections. Nevertheless, it is still a good book to own.

Alcorn, Randy. If God Is Good. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah, 2009.

Perhaps the greatest argument against a belief in the God of the Bible is the reality of evil and suffering in the world. Many, if not most, of our counselees will be touched by that suffering. As a result, we will find ourselves answering questions like, “Why did God let this happen?” “What did I do to deserve this?” “Where was God when I needed Him most?” Randy Alcorn has done the Christian community a huge service by writing this extremely personal book on evil and suffering in the world, and how to develop a proper world view in the midst of tragedy. Written mostly to deal with the atheists who use the argument of evil to disprove the reality of God, there is much in here to help us answer those difficult questions listed above. There are forty-five chapters broken into eleven major sections, each dealing with a different aspect of the problem of evil and suffering. Each chapter is filled with personal stories and biblical truth, all of which lead us back to trusting in the God who is sovereign over all.

Some time ago I was meeting with Dallas Willard and in the course of our conversation he asked me, “If you had one word to describe Jesus what would it be?”

How would you answer that question? Close your eyes for a moment and consider this. Write down the first words that come to mind. If you could only use one word to describe Jesus what would it be?

Jesus is the Word of all words! His is the name above all names. He is so magnificent and multi-faceted how could we pin Him down to just one word! And yet, I found this to be a very meaningful exercise. The words we pick and the ones we don’t pick may have something to say about our relationship with Him.

Here are the words I thought of… Jesus is… Love… Holy… Lord… Teacher… Risen… Healer… (These are all good words to describe Jesus.)

Then Dallas looked into my eyes and shared with me his word. You need to know that this was a special moment for me. He’s my key mentor. I’ve read every book he’s written more than once. I’ve listened (many times) to every audio teaching series of his I can find. In the last six years he has discipled me to Jesus in ways that have impacted all that I am and everything that I do as a Christian, husband, father, friend, psychologist, minister, writer…

What one word would Dallas Willard use to describe Jesus?

“Relaxed.”

Relaxed?

I would have never thought of that word! But ever since that conversation, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Jesus being relaxed.

Think about it. Jesus had far and away the most important and dangerous mission that any person has ever had or ever will have. He had to wait 30 years to begin working on His calling and then he had just three years of public ministry to fulfill it. And yet Jesus was relaxed.

Jesus needed to convince a large number people that although He was a man, He was also the unique Son of God. And His followers needed to be so confident in Him as their Lord and Savior that they would give their lives to lead other people to know Him—even to the point of torture and death. And yet Jesus was relaxed.

Jesus could only be in one location at a time. And when He left one city to go to another He left behind people that hadn’t been healed or discipled (Matthew 13:58). Most people—even his own family at first—rejected Him and His message (Luke 4:28-30, Mark 3:20, 31-34). Many of the people He discipled deserted Him (John 6:66). And even His faithful disciples didn’t understand who He was until after He rose from the dead (Mark 8:31-33). And yet Jesus was relaxed.

The fate of all humankind—past, present, and future—depended on Jesus successfully completing His gospel mission! And yet Jesus remained relaxed!

When I have big responsibilities I start to feel overwhelmed… When I am stressed by situations anxious feelings rise up within me… When I am criticized or rejected, I’m tempted to react by feeling bad about myself or getting angry… When I have lots to do I tend to hurry… But not Jesus.

How did Jesus remain at peace when He was under pressures much, much harder than I face? He practiced what He preached! He lived in the same “easy yoke” that He offers to us. Jesus was the first disciple: he apprenticed Himself to the Father, learning to live out the things He would later teach.

Our sinless Lord “grew” (Luke 2:52); He “learned” (Hebrews 5:8) how to:

*Maintain moment-by-moment submission to God’s will, never saying or doing anything except as the Father directed Him (John 6:38, 12:50).

*Pray without ceasing (John 11:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

*Be so dependent upon the Holy Spirit as to be filled with His presence and power without limit (John 3:34).

*Bless those that cursed Him (Luke 22:34).

In my discipleship to Jesus I am learning how to follow His example and walk with Him in His “easy yoke,” His “unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11:28, MSG). And so more and more I too am relaxed.

This world is full of uncertainty. Despite our best efforts, we are not able to control our destiny or guarantee the future. And, in response to that, we frequently engage in the time-honored tradition of worrying. As the most common emotional issue in the United States (affecting around 25% of the population), anxiety presents a real and formidable challenge to people, and the counselors who help them. And, on this important issue, God is not silent. He frequently addresses fear/anxiety/worry in the Scriptures, and provides concrete counsel that we would do well to heed.

Most are familiar with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Part of that sermon deals with the issue of anxiety (6:25-34). With genuine pastoral concern, Jesus helps anxious people to see that there are more important things in life (v. 25); that God will take care of them, no matter what (v. 26, 28-32); that their worry is counterproductive anyway; and that their best approach is to pursue God, who meets all their needs (v. 33).

In the midst of all this, He directs their attention away from themselves and their uncertain future, and toward God, who is certain. He turns their minds away from the incessant “what-ifs?” of the future to the “what-nows?” of the present, where they can actually do something (v. 34). He shows them that their faith deficit is the cause of their fear surplus (v. 30). Realizing and resting in these facts helps to quell the storms of anxiety that rage within the soul (cf. Mark 4:35-41).

In addition to concrete advice for the anxious, Jesus also exemplifies the way counselors should approach the anxious in their care. Don’t miss the subtle humor, as Jesus points to the birds and flowers, for which God so richly provides, while anxious people worry that he will forget about them. As Jesus does this, He is showing His anxious people that their worries are, frankly, a little silly. It’s important that anxious people see that there is no good reason for their anxiety. And yet, as Jesus corrects them there is no hint of condescension or mockery in His voice. He is not belittling those who struggle. No, out of genuine love and concern, He shows them the futility of their anxieties. In the same way, when we approach people struggling with anxiety, we must do so with love, compassion, and understanding.

There is more. We’ve seen that Jesus prescription for anxiety is to trust that God will care for them. Most people talking with a Christian counselor would affirm this. However, as we well know, anxiety often persists. People also need to know what sort of God takes care of them, and the basis for that care.

In Colossians 1:15-23, we get a picture of Jesus that should forever dispel our fears and anxieties. In this passage, Christ is lifted up as supreme over all things. All things were created by Him, and belong to Him (v. 16), and He upholds all things in their current state (v. 17). This Jesus not only cares for us, He quite literally has everything under control! So, we can say to fearful people what Peter said in 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourself and put all your anxieties into the mighty hand of God, because He cares for you” (our paraphrase).

Not only that, the Jesus depicted in this passage is also the Jesus who gave His life for His people (vv. 20-23). Though at one point we were alienated and hostile against Him, He has brought reconciliation to us through His death on our behalf, so that now we are holy, blameless and above reproach in His presence. This guarantees complete security.

His work on the cross has secured our current wellbeing and our future destiny. This Jesus who rules over everything also redeems us from our worst enemies—sin, Satan, and self. Thus we see that in our anxieties, the same God who rules over and controls all things, loves us and is so invested in caring for us that He was willing to die for us. As the hymn says, “My strength, my solace from this spring: that He who lives to be my King, once died to be my Savior.”

In Philippians 4:5-8, Paul directs Christians to “be anxious for nothing,” but rather to abound in gratitude and prayer. Gratitude recognizes all that God has done to provide for our need. Prayer expresses faith that He will continue doing so. Through this, we are assured that “the peace of God…will guard [our] hearts and…minds.” In all this we are directed to think about certain things (whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy). Though other things may fit the bill, each of these qualities is exemplified in the Gospel of Jesus. It is on these things that we set our minds, rather than the never-ending uncertainties in life. Thus, our hearts and our minds are protected from anxiety.

In our anxiety, we must turn our attention away from the things that make us anxious and to God, who provides for and protects us. We turn our attention to the glorious God who has made, owns, and rules over all things, the God who shows us His love for us by dying for us, the God who promises us a life and a future, no matter what our fears may say. Jesus directs us to faith (Matthew 6:30).

But faith is not a Pollyannaish notion that everything will always go right. No, faith is the recognition that we ourselves cannot accomplish what is needed, and the trust that God will and has through Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf. Sometimes fearful things will happen to us. But, with eyes fixed to the cross, we can “walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” and still “fear no evil” because God is with us.