Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (31-Day Devotionals for Teenagers)

Anxiety: Finding the Better Story is a brief yet extremely helpful devotional book by Liz Edrington. It has thirty-one chapters—perfect for a quick monthly read—as well as a toolkit for understanding different types and causes of anxiety. Written in a conversational style, this book is both easy to follow and appealing, especially to teens. It takes young readers through a gradual, yet steady and substantive four-part journey, training them in consistent mornings of devotion. Several things that we appreciated was the author’s ability to structure the book in solid, biblical truths while also demonstrating to her readers ways to apply those truths in certain circumstances. Her examples and illustrations, while simple, are embedded with coherent scripture and also are relevant to everyday situations. Throughout the book, she provides beneficial breathing exercises which encourage the reader to meditate on Christ-centered truths whenever they are struggling with anxiety. Though this book has many effective aspects, the writing form itself may not comply with a more mature teenage reader. Nevertheless, we believe this book is very beneficial and may even reach a broader spectrum of teens, even more than the author intended. Liz Edrington’s book on anxiety truly emphasizes the better story. That is, the 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. 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.” (Psalm 46)- Review by my two teenage daughters who read this book with me.

Let me start by saying I’m not a devotional person. I’m just not. Mysteries? Sure. Young adult fiction? All there. Bird books? You bet. But someone hands me a devotional and…well, I usually shelve it. Most of them make me cringe.But THIS one.This one I’ve read through more than once. And then I bought another one for my daughter. And one for my mom. And more for my neighbor and her daughter and my close friends.Because Liz writes in a way that’s comforting and knowing. She isn’t shaming. She isn’t condemning. She’s there to gently offer presence and hope. WHAT A RELIEF. What a gift.If you’d like a gentle, true, and deeply reassuring voice to speak into the anxiety you or someone you love faces — get this book.

This book was such an encouragement to me! Even as an adult, I found this devotional helpful in my struggle with anxiety. Liz is an insightful, knowledgeable author. I can’t recommend this enough!

I can’t recommend this book enough. I have given it to several teens who have benefited immensely from it. What I love most is that it’s grounded in Scripture, it helps teens (and parents!) understand what anxiety is, and it is also very practical. Great for any teen or parent who wants to know how to deal with anxiety.

A beautiful balance of truth and practical practice for how to fight anxiety. Acknowledges topics to address to my teenager that I wouldn’t have thought of. So helpful.

Liz speaks directly, kindly, & confidently to teens about dealing with anxiety. Buy this book. She speaks to the heart in a way that is so easy to read, and drenched with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus. Easy to read. Accessible. Trustworthy.

Liz has a wonderful way of speaking into this subject with great insight and sensitivity. The target group is young adults but as a 70 year old I found so much that was helpful to me after a lifetime of struggle with anxiety. I highly recommend this book.

Bought a copy ( or two) for my 16 & 18 year old daughters. They have struggled with anxious thoughts for a couple of years. The words of my 18 year old,“ I feel the book gives clarity and words for unclear emotions ““After reading it, I feel not alone in my anxiety “

Written with the clarity of one who has walked the road herself, Liz sees to the very last layers of anxiety and gives readers the language to untangle the nebulous thoughts and feelings of someone who experiences anxiety. Each devotional unpacks a scriptural truth that addresses the heart, and Liz does this in the most assuring, gentle and honest tone - honed by her many years of experience discipling a myriad of young people. Her own stories are so relatable that teenagers will feel like they are speaking to an older friend. Even though her illustrations are geared towards school-aged teenagers, the distilled, biblical lifelines of gospel truth would be great encouragement for anyone and everyone. A wonderful, much-needed resource that I would recommend to high schoolers and young adults struggling with anxiety.