In How to Overcome Worry, Winfred Neely encourages those who are worried and anxious to find true and lasting peace in God alone. Neely argues that it is natural to be concerned about what matters to us but when we become fixated on these concerns we begin to doubt God’s character and sovereignty. The author focuses on Philippians 4:6-7 to illustrate that the key to conquering worry is by submitting everything to God who in turn grants supernatural peace. The two primary methods by which we can experience such peace is by immersing ourselves in prayer and Scripture. The author states that we can let God know our needs through prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, and requests. Furthermore, by meditating on God’s Word frequently, we gain comfort knowing that God is the One who controls and sustains us amid life’s trials. Neely asserts that fervent, regular prayer and biblical meditation serve not only as buoys to carry us through turbulent waters but also as safeguards that fend off panic and disturbances that press against us daily. At the end of the book, there are three appendixes including a sample prayer, a list of Scriptural passages to combat worry, and a set of discussion questions for personal or group study.
I would gladly recommend this short book to those who need to be reminded of the grace and peace that is available to all those who put their faith in God. Neely helpfully points out that Christians already experience peace with God through the work of Jesus but we also need the constant peace of God in our lives. Our Christian faith not only secures our eternal destiny but also provides hope for us to weather the difficulties of life. Instead of using our own wisdom and strength to shoulder the anxieties that burden us, we can follow Christ’s example in surrendering ourselves to our loving Father who can and will carry us through each challenge that we face.
In compliance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines, I received a review copy from Moody Press in exchange for a book review.
contemplative reflections 