"Running Scared: fear, worry, and the God of rest" by Edward T. Welch
Our church regularly puts quotes from authors, theologians, songwriters, and even church members (watch what you say! ) at the front of the bulletin. I copied down this author's name and book title from one of these quotes and carried it around with me for months. Just recently I had to "up my total" to get free shipping (does anyone else do this?) and put this book in my cart.
Welch is a Christian counselor and writes in such a way that you feel as if you are getting the benefit of being in a room with him one on one. During my time in counseling I found myself explaining and talking a lot, and my counselor would drop these little puzzle pieces in and the whole world went "click". Reading this book gives you the benefit of all the puzzle pieces that we each need for life to make sense. I kept thinking, wouldn't it be great for this guy to counsel me even if only for a few months? But the great thing is he continually points us to our Great Counselor and opens up the issues which we all face- fear and anxiety.
This book defines fear, and gives the answer to fear; actually the most oft repeated command in Scripture- "Do not be afraid". Three hundred times God speaks this to us and yet? here I am reading a book to further define these 4 words. Welch shows us the way in which we experience fear in money and possessions, people and their judgements, and death, pain, and punishment. He leaves us with a expository on peace- "one of those features of the kingdom that God is pleased to give us".
My only addendum to this book is that it reads a little "choppy", but again I attribute this to the way in which counselors teach. When given a piece of information that has turned the world on it's ear, one can't just think, "Hmmmm.... go figure, how did I miss that?" and keep reading. This new view must be absorbed, perhaps even over a few days or weeks. Welch has a vast counseling experience and it is tempting for me to read straight through to just hit those epiphanies. I want to read a book on fear and cross it off my list, as in "conquered that mountain" where's the next? Welch says, "Worry and anxiety think that more information will help.", but we have given grace for today, and more grace will be received tomorrow.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. " John 14:27
