Ask an Alum

Jonny Ardavanis graduated from The Master’s University in 2014 with a degree in business administration. He currently serves as the lead pastor at Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as the president of Dial In Ministries. We recently asked him to share advice on dealing with anxiety from his book, “Consider the Lilies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God.”

Focus on God’s Character

“The Bible is full of people who are anxious (David, Job, Elijah, Moses, etc.). Interestingly, in every instance in which God responds to the anxious, He doesn’t say, ‘Let Me tell you why this is happening.’ He says, ‘Let Me tell you who I am.’ Jesus punctuates this theme in the greatest sermon ever preached. Jesus doesn’t simply provide a prohibition — ‘Do not be anxious’ (Matt. 6:25) — He draws the attention of the anxious to the matchless and changeless character of God. Therefore, when you are anxious about the future, trust in God’s sovereignty; when you are fearful in the present, meditate on His nearness; when you are battling the Giant of Despair, fixate on His goodness and love.”

Pray Without Ceasing

“Paul’s prescription for anxious minds was, ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God’ (Phil. 4:6). Then and only then — when our hearts are full of thankful prayer — will we experience what Paul says next: ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Phil. 4:7). Prayer is the lifeblood of those who want to live with peace and serenity in the midst of a chaotic and confusing world.”

Examine What You Treasure

“When Jesus says, ‘Therefore, do not be anxious,’ He does so only after asking three probing questions: ‘What do you treasure?’ (Matt. 6:19–21), ‘Where are you looking?’ (Matt. 6:22–23), and ‘Whom do you serve?’ (Matt. 6:24). According to Jesus, our anxieties don’t appear out of thin air — they often flow from where we fix our eyes, place our hope, and set our affections. When a good thing becomes an ultimate thing, Jesus warns, that’s a recipe for anxiety.”

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