Unhurried by Samantha Decker Book Review

About the Book:

Experience the joy of slowing down, creating margin, and surrendering control to God.

Samantha Decker lived a hurried life. Swimming in chaos with a never-ending to-do list, she experienced the fatigue and desperation of rushing from one thing to another. But, amidst her chaos and fruitless efforts to do and be everything, the Lord gently met her. He invited her to slow down and experience His created design for rest.

In Unhurried, we will explore our busy, hurried lives and discover how we can experience the joy of slowing down. We will learn more about margin—what is it, how did Jesus create it, and how can we follow Him? Through the Lord’s guidance and grace, Samantha also shows us how to make time for eternal realities.

• Are your days marked by busyness, striving, and planning?
• Does rest feel unattainable?
• Do you regularly describe yourself as “busy”?

This book is an invitation to rest, create space, and join God in the work He’s doing.

This is the story of a God who knows how to rest. A God who has everything under control. A God who gave His only Son to save us from our sins and the bondage they bring. In Christ, there is freedom from striving, busyness, and hurry. Are you ready to take off these weights and follow Jesus?

My Review:

Decker does a good job of taking us through the problem of hurry. She helps us learn how to create margin so when God speaks to us we can be available. She identifies our desire for control. “Margin, at its core, involves conceding control.” (141) She explores how God might use us when we give Him the opportunity to talk to us and we actually listen. She writes about abiding. “Abiding is the decision to remain so in tune with the Spirit that everything else pales in comparison." (82) She gives practical suggestions on topics like solitude and making decisions.

This is a good book for Christians who want to learn how to live in the presence of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There are good questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection or for use in a group study. I recommend this book to those desiring to be attentive to the presence of the Lord and his guidance.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Samantha Decker is a wife, mom of 4, author, Bible teacher, speaker, and above all, a follower of Jesus. She is passionate about encouraging believers to deepen their walk with Jesus through discipleship relationships and an unrelenting love for the Word of God. She and her husband, Dustin, live in Oklahoma and enjoy serving in their local church, trying new restaurants (especially if it’s Tex-Mex), and adventuring with their three rambunctious boys and baby girl. You can find out more at samanthadeckerwrites.com.

Moody Publisher, 224 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)