This essay by Fernando Garzon on devotional meditation as a treatment for anxiety was originally published as chapter 4 in the book Evidence-Based Practices for Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Are Christian treatments as effective as secular treatments? What is the evidence to support its success? Christians engaged in the fields of psychology, psychotherapy and counseling are living in a unique moment. Over the last couple decades, these fields have grown more and more open to religious belief and religion-accommodative therapies. At the same time, Christian counselors and psychotherapists encounter pressure (for example, from insurance companies) to demonstrate that their accommodative therapies are as beneficial as secular therapies. This raises the need for evidence to support Christian practices and treatments. The essays gathered in this volume explore evidence-based Christian treatments, practices, factors and principles. The authors mine the relevant research and literature to update practicing psychotherapists, clinical researchers, students, teachers and educated laypersons about the efficacy of certain Christian-accommodative therapies. Topics covered in the book include: devotional meditation cognitive-behavior therapy psychodynamic and process-experiential therapies couples, marriage and family therapy group intervention The book concludes with a review of the evidence for the various treatments discussed in the chapters, a guide for conducting clinical trials that is essential reading for current or aspiring researchers, and reflections by the editors about the future of evidence-based Christian practices. As the editors say, "more research is necessary." To that end, this volume is a major contribution to a field of inquiry that, while still in its infancy, promises to have enormous implications for future work in Christian counseling and psychotherapy. Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

Pastor John Piper shows how to sever the clinging roots of sin that ensnare us, including anxiety, pride, shame, impatience, covetousness, bitterness, despondency, and lust in Battling Unbelief. When faith flickers, stoke the fire. No one sins out of duty. We sin because it offers some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us, until we believe that God is more desirable than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Only the power of God’s superior promises in the gospel can emancipate our hearts from servitude to the shallow promises and fleeting pleasures of sin. Delighting in the bounty of God’s glorious gospel promises will free us for a less sin-encumbered life, to the glory of Christ. Rooted in solid biblical reflection, this book aims to help guide you through the battles to the joys of victory by the power of the gospel and its superior pleasure.

FEARS. BOOKS ARE WRITTEN ABOUT THEM, AND MOVIES ARE BASED ON THEM. BUT THE BIBLE SAYS WE DON'T HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR. Devotions for those with Anxiety Disorders is an easy-to-read devotional. The mind, body, and spirit are the core of the human being. When one is affected the other two can also be affected. Healing can take place in all three areas. Traditionally, therapy has only focused on the mind in treating disorders. In the 1990's, we focused heavily on the affects long term stress can have on the body. Today, we have begun to focus on the spiritual side of a person's life in the treatment of disorders. This book takes it one step further and focuses on not just the spiritual side, but the religious side. It is based on a Christian concept and it will help to alleviate symptoms while working with the mind and body through the reading of the devotions. Along with the scriptures, practical advice about living with anxiety and living life fully with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, and depression is included. Whether a therapist, family member, or a person with an anxiety disorder, the devotions contained in Devotions for those with Anxiety Disorders will provide a welcome relief from daily struggles.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. — Psalm 19:14 Do you long to deepen your intimacy with the Lord? To find a sense of soul-steadying peace? To develop emotional strength? Then you will need to pause long enough to be still and know He is God. Trusted Pastor Robert Morgan leads us through a journey into biblical meditation, which, he says, is thinking Scripture—not just reading Scripture or studying Scripture or even thinking about Scripture—but thinking Scripture, contemplating, visualizing, and personifying the precious truths God has given us. The practice is as easy and portable as your brain, as available as your imagination, as near as your Bible, and the benefits are immediate. As you ponder, picture, and personalize God’s Word, you begin looking at life through His lens, viewing the world from His perspective. And as your thoughts become happier and holier and brighter, so do you.

A topically-indexed daily devotional for Christians in difficult relationships that includes a Scripture, reading, and short prayer on each page.

Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety or depression, despite believing God's promises of peace and joy? Do you feel as though you are less of a person or less of a Christian due to your struggles? Be at peace. God IS with us during these times. In this book are devotions, meditations, insights, and strategies for living that have helped me along my 37-year journey as a woman of faith. I hope it will help you too. A. Vaughn Cummings