We
certainly live in a time when many worry and have great anxiety,
including many Christians. Neely considers worry a serious issue and has
written this little book to help us overcome it.
Neely
reminds us early in the book, “In the New Testament, worry
is the sinful response of the human heart and mind to real
difficulties and problems in life.” (29) Worry is an expression of
unbelief, he says, and “...habitual worry is a trait of someone who
is not in an intimate relationship with God (Matt. 6:31-32).” (30)
That
really got my attention. Worry is a serious issue! Neely takes “be
anxious for nothing” very seriously. But he also gives us great
instruction on triumphing over worry. His suggestions are not easy
actions. We must trust God, expecting His peace in the midst of
problems. He reminds us of the enabling power God provides, of the
necessity of taking everything to God in prayer. We must be making
the choices to exercise faith and trust in God, requiring living in
the power of the Spirit.
Neely
has included useful Appendixes. The first is a good one on prayer
while the second gives a number of Scriptures for suggested
meditation. The third includes questions for individual reflection or
group discussion.
This
is a short but powerful book. Neely doesn't hold back in reminding us
of the seriousness of the sin of worry. I am impressed with his
instruction. He uses stories from his own life as illustrations.
I
recommend this book to those who are willing to face their worry and
begin the serious task of conquering it. You will find a great deal
of help in this little book.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Winfred
Neely is a professor of hermeneutics, homiletics, and pastoral
studies at Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. He has served as a
missionary in Senegal, West Africa, for nine years. He is also
involved in a global equipping ministry. He and his wife have four
adult children and nine grandchildren.
Moody
Publishers, 112 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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