Anxiety: Finding the Better Story

Liz Edrington

Reviewed by: Elisabeth and Esther Biggs

Anxiety: Finding the Better Story, by Liz Edrington. P&R, 2023. Paperback, 96 pages, $12.99. Reviewed by OP members Elisabeth and Esther Biggs.

Anxiety: Finding the Better Story is part of P&R’s series of thirty-one day devotionals for teenagers. The author, Liz Edrington, was overwhelmed by anxiety as a teen; she is now a mental health counselor and wants to pass on what she’s learned. She challenges anxiety-ridden teens to see how their story fits into God’s big story— that is, the better story of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the effectual application of his love and comfort to all sinners saved by grace.

Brief, yet extremely helpful, Edrington’s book is a tool kit for understanding different types and causes of anxiety. Written in a conversational style and suited for morning devotions, the book is both easy to follow and appealing (less so for more mature teens).

We appreciated that the author based what she said on Scripture, then demonstrated to her readers ways to apply it to their circumstances. The book includes many examples and illustrations that are relevant to everyday situations. In addition, the book suggests beneficial breathing exercises that encourage the reader to meditate on Christ-centered truths whenever they are struggling with anxiety.

We highly recommend this book with prayers that it will comfort the children of Christ’s kingdom and draw them closer to him in this world full of worries and fears. This book reminds its readers that, even in anxious times, we may be still and know that he is God (Ps. 46:10).