Bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons joined Candace Cameron Bure on Bure’s podcast to talk about worry and anxiety—and how to experience freedom from anxiety.
“Every hard thing I go through, I turn to him and say, ‘Teach me about who you are,'” said Simons.
Ruth Chou Simons and Candace Cameron Bure Discuss Worry, Anxiety, Toiling, and Spinning
Life’s circumstances can cause anxiety and worry, but author and speaker Ruth Chou Simons argues that that doesn’t have to be the case.
“Every hard thing I go through, I turn to him and say, ‘Teach me about who you are,'” said Simons. “Sooner or later, I learn about his sovereignty, that he is in control of all things, and he is God and I am not.”
Life is full of technology, demands, circumstances, and opportunities. “If we’re staring at our phones all day long, what will come to mind first and foremost will be the last thing we saw on a reel,” Simons said.
Our minds continue to spin with worries and questions, Simons explained. “How do I make sure that person doesn’t misunderstand me? How do I control the scenario so that my life turns out perfect? How do I protect my reputation?” are all questions Simons asked as examples of the “toil and spinning” that Jesus references in Luke 12:27.
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these,” the Scripture says.
Simons asked, “Does your mind spin? What is it thinking about?,” and drew a parallel between what occupies people’s minds and the spinning that Jesus mentioned.
The topic of anxiety is the basis for Simons’ newest book, “The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul.” Simons offers readers “a new way of living” as she explores the “flowers of the field” that experience a total dependence on God.
“If you’re wrestling with your past, struggling in your present, or fearful for your future, pause and be still,” the book’s description reads. “Consider how the wildflowers grow, remember that the God who cares for them cares for you, too, and let your anxious soul find rest in Him.”
Simons went on to tell Bure that “what you’re thinking about and what’s causing you to, like, catch your breath and feel a little anxious” helps identify next steps. “When I’m struggling, what I can call to mind is that the ‘steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,'” she said.
