Consider the Lilies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God
by Jonny Ardavanis
A book about dealing with anxiety.
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength.” -Charles Spurgeon
We have all been in circumstances that can provoke anxiety, worry, or fear. Those seeking counsel are often met with the answer, “just don’t worry about it,” or “pray about it.” While this advice comes with good intentions, and we should always blanket everything in prayer (1 Thess 5:17), to a person experiencing seemingly insurmountable circumstances in life, they tend to need more guidance. Anxiety is not often talked about in Christian circles and still has a negative stigma associated with it. Many people are ashamed to talk about their anxieties, or to admit to others when they are suffering. Thankfully, there are clear and thoughtful resources available to help those struggling with anxiety.
Throughout my life there have been few books that I would categorize as “life changing.” Consider the Lilies would fall into this select group. Before I had finished the book, I had already bought another copy and recommended it to others. This is hands down the best book I have ever read on anxiety and one of my favorite books of all time. The writer, Jonny Ardavanis, comes from a sound theological background and has the difficult life experience to demonstrate how the teachings of this book are obtainable and truly life changing.
About the Book
In the book, Ardavanis speaks directly to the anxious heart with a message that is both pastoral and biblically truthful. After a background about his credentials and some life circumstances, Ardavanis gets into the heart of the book which is how to beat/challenge anxiety. Ardavanis does not craft a recipe for dealing with anxiety but instead reminds the reader to look not on themselves, but to another Person: God Himself. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6, where He urges His followers to “consider the lilies of the field,” Ardavanis shows that the antidote to anxiety is not found in self-reliance or distraction, but in beholding the character of God. As he writes, “God’s answer to our anxiety is not a plan, but a Person. He doesn’t give us a formula – He gives us Himself.”
While the concept is simple, the practice can be challenging. Ardavanis understands this and goes through each chapter of the book to look at the different attributes of God (things like sovereignty, wisdom, goodness, and nearness). Ardavanis encourages the reader to seek out these truths in a deep transformative process where they renew their vision of who God is, ultimately reshaping their minds about the circumstances of life and the anxiety they feel over them.
What Makes this Book Different
So why read this book? Is it really that important? What if you don’t suffer from anxiety, would it still be helpful? Consider the Lilies does a wonderful job overlapping the idea of biblical soundness with practical advice. As mentioned in the introduction, many Christians know they should “trust God and pray about it,” but struggle to apply these truths in the face of real anxiety producing conditions. Ardavanis builds that bridge with clarity and compassion. He writes, “Jesus doesn’t minimize our concerns – He maximizes our view of the Father.” This theme is central to the teaching of Jesus. The book is filled with practical encouragement rooted in Scripture. It teaches that the more we know God, the more we will trust Him. The more we trust Him, the more our anxiety will lose its grip, allowing us to enter the peaceful rest of earnest faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion and a Call to Action
This book is a timely reminder that the Christian’s peace is rooted not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God. I love how Ardavanis doesn’t minimize the reality of anxiety. This book is also not about quick fixes or living your best life. It’s about a deep transformation through a renewed vision of who God is and how that can practically affect your everyday life. Ardavanis gently but firmly reminds us that peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of trust.
In a world fraught with challenges, anxiety has become increasingly prevalent. If you are grappling with it, this book offers invaluable guidance. Even if anxiety is not a personal struggle for you, reading this will equip you with the wisdom and tools necessary to effectively disciple others. Whether you are an elder, a mother, a teenager, married or single, old or young, this book will deepen your understanding on the character of God and how to apply it in biblical ways to deal with the inevitable circumstances of life.
May the peace of Jesus Christ guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7),
John Sullivan
[From Pastor Vic: John is a professional counselor working daily in the Mary Washington Hospital Emergency Room. He and his wife, Brooke, are members of Redeemer Bible Church.]