The Anxious Christian: Can God Use Your Anxiety for Good?

A few weeks ago, I received Emily Freeman's newsletter in my inbox. I was just giving it a quick glance and saw a book mentioned by a name I had never heard of, Rhett Smith. I clicked on the link because it mentioned a book The Anxious Christian. All of my life, I have viewed myself as unworthy, not a good enough Christian and honestly disliked who I was, simply because of my anxiety. The tag line of the book says, Can God Use Your Anxiety for Good? When I saw those words, my first thought was no way! My anxiety paralyzes me. It keeps me from going and doing many activities, because of fear. What if I'm stuck in the bathroom sick and miss the whole concert or field trip or whatever I want to enjoy? How can God use that for His good? We don't open up our house and invite community in as often as we should, because of my anxiety. We were created to live in community and enjoy community, so how can my anxiety be something good?Part of the back of the book cover says: "In our journey of faith there are particular moments that produce a certain amount of anxiety. Often anxiety and/or worry has been looked upon as an "un-Christian" feeling to have. But The Anxious Christian conveys the message that anxiety can actually be helpful in our spiritual formation, and that God can use anxiety as a catalyst to move people forward in their life of faith. In that movement, anxiety's gift is that it allows us to face our resistance and fears, understand where those fears come from, and then make intentional choices about important issues such as career, marriage, money, and our sprititual lives. It's time to get unstuck."I have got to tell you that this book might have been one of the most life changing books I have ever read in my life. I have no idea how many books I have read, but I promise you, it is many. Just reading the foreword had me hooked. The first chapter had me in tears. I love that Rhett includes quotes from different authors in the book, also. It gave me some ideas of other books that I might enjoy reading. The best thing that I got out of this book is that I am NOT alone! The enemy wants to isolate us and make us ashamed of things like our anxiety and depression. No one likes admitting that they have issues with anxiety or depression, because some people do not believe they are that big of a deal. My mother in law likes to just say I'm a worrier and I just need to trust God. I do trust God. I know that He knows everything I am going to face. I know that He knows about my anxiety. I have a whole new outlook on anxiety after reading this book. I do believe that God can use it for my good. I do believe that that might just be the way that he is choosing to mold me and shape me into the person He wants me to be.This entire book just felt like it was full of hope and encouragement. It was an easy read and I am a fast reader, but I found myself wanting to read this book slowly and really think and pray on each chapter of the book. I feel like God pointed me to this book during this season of my life. Anxiety is something I have seriously feared for at least 25 years. Chest pains have sent me to the ER, thinking I was having a heart attack. This book has taught me that anxiety is not something to be feared. God could very well be using it to call me closer to Him and to show me my calling. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that has ever worried or faced anxiety in any form. It is very helpful and might be just what you need. I purchased the Kindle version, but I will also purchase the print version, because I want this book in my hands to go through again and highlight and write in the margins.

Rhett Smith tackles a topic that very much needs to be addressed in the American church. His central theme in the book is that anxiety is often used by God as a tool to bring people into a closer relationship with Him. Our anxiety isn't indicative of a lack of faith...instead, anxiety can serve as an impetus to grow in faith.Rhett speaks from personal experience in the book. He integrates solid Biblical teaching and a professional's understanding of best practices in treating anxiety seamlessly. He provides a context to his readers for comprehending the purpose of anxiety and sound strategies for using anxiety for good. The book is an excellent resource for any pastor or counselor.

I love this book, I have actually bought several copies to give away as well. It is hard to find a book that helps Christians struggling with anxiety. This book is really honest and God-focused, but it also includes grace and helpful practical advice. Highly recommend.

Smith, an anxiety suffering Christian, uses his own experience as basis for presenting a new way for Christians to view anxiety.The laboured and amateurish writing style is worth persisting with to gain the value of the message - it's ok for Christians to be anxious. Smith demonstrates how anxiety can be a powerful tool to draw closer to God.A worthwhile, though disjointed, read.

In his book, Rhett humbly shares his own story before diving into the "how to's" of dealing with--or more appropriately accepting--anxiety. This is what sets him apart from the rest of Christian living writers. Whereas many books would come across as clinical and formulaic, Rhett writes about how he faces head-on the role that anxiety plays in his life. For all Christians-regardless of generation-he gives us permission to be anxious, to welcome this feeling in our lives and to befriend it, asking, "What do you have to teach me today?"While many of us run from anxiety, Rhett draws a line in the sand saying,"This is a battle. It's your choice. Flight or Fight." While he boldly asks us this question, he gives snapshots of his own raw struggle with this moment to moment question. His wins, and especially his losses, prove that in fleeing, we begin to merely exist in this life, but in fighting, we gain much more than we could imagine.

I really wanted to like this book but it was not very helpful. The author seems like a nice guy with a good heart but most of it seemed like just normal anxious thoughts everyone has in certain situations, not really enough of a problem to be reading a self help book about. I thought it would be more about anxiety that interrupts everyday life, panic attacks, etc. The premise is good - how to discover how God could be using your anxiety for good. However not very helpful for those with more severe anxiety.

This book helped me to realize that my anxiety isn’t a weakness, it’s a tool that I can use to become closer to God. It has helped me to expand my faith and has taught me to look at my issues with anxiety in a different light. The author uses a lot of good personal testimony!

I think I highlighted about fifty percent of this book. I just LOVED what the author had to say about facing anxiety and about what that means as a Christian. God wants you to use anxiety to His glory, to step out in faith, and see what mighty works can happen. I wrote a bunch of quotes on notecards to carry with me on those days when I'm feeling less than strong. Read this book, pray continually, spend time in God's word daily, and I believe with all my heart God will use your anxiety for good.

Lots of great info and advice for people that struggle with anxiety. It will give you God’s perspective on this matter.

I liked the original and positive approach of this book. It was practical and challenging. Now to seek to put it into practice!!

I great read as I'm working through anxiety I've dealt with all my life.

A very useful and interesting book..lots of good advice and personal stories to show how the author overcomes anxiety daily and how we can too.

you get for what you pay for