Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Anxiety and depression are becoming common words used today, but it hasn't always been this way. The church is attempting to do better in this area, and it is a good change to see happening. Maybe it's because people who have actually been down this road are finally writing to help others. Dr. Michelle Bengtson is one of those people. She has faced worry, anxiety, and fear, and is using her experience to help point others to Jesus.

From the Back Cover:
No question, we have a lot to worry about. Children, jobs, homes, health, finances, and more. The solution isn't to rid ourselves of the sources of anxiety--as if we could. Instead, we need to recognize that anxiety originates from a spiritual influence and that we can fight back using the God-given weapons of power, love, and a sound mind.
Sharing her own story of emerging from the battle with anxiety as well as the stories of others, Dr. Michelle Bengston reminds you of your identity as a follower of Christ and of the peace he promises you in spite of everything. She provides tools to cope with the crushing emotional burden of anxiety now and, more importantly, shows you how to reclaim God's peace as a way of life so that you can break anxiety's grip.

My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a good read. I liked how the author took the time to define the terms we often throw around--Worry, Anxiety, Fear and Panic. Dr. Bengtson then talks about how each of these characteristics are birthed in our lives through physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual avenues. She addresses worry, anxiety and fear in their own chapters and then ends with chapters on how God has given us power, love and a sound mind to fight against the spirit of fear.

I found a lot of great advice in Dr. Michelle Bengtson's book, but I did have an issue with chapter 9 Reclaim Your Power when the author states her interpretation of Psalm 91:1-7.

 "When we trust him as our refuge, he promises in verse 3 and 4 that he will rescue us from every trap set for us, protect us from deadly diseases designed to kill us, and hide us under his sheltering wings where we cannot be open prey."
"Verses 5-7 explain that when we trust God, we won't fear what could happen outside his safety, whether physical attacks on our body or the area around us, because God promises safety from such evil things." (page 148)

It sounds like she is saying that you won't get a deadly disease or physical attacks if we trust God. But I know from experience, friends, who loved Jesus with all their hearts, get diseases and die. So like with any book, you must read keeping in mind what you know to be true from Scripture because man's thoughts are just that... man's thoughts.
The few things I disagreed with are so small in comparison to the vast good material in this book that can be a huge help to those wanting to fight against fear, anxiety and worry. So I would still say that this is a book worth checking out!

My Rating: ★★★★

About the Author:

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and mental disorders in children, adults, and seniors. She has been in private practice for more than a decade of that time. Speaker, author, and doctor, Michelle is also a woman—a wife, mother, and friend. She has experienced her share of trouble and trials and knows the pain of losing someone she loves as well as the despair that can follow trauma or illness.
Combining her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith, Dr. Bengtson is on a mission to instill hope in the hearts of those who are suffering from or caring for those with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, head injuries, dementia, and the neurological side effects of illnesses such as Epilepsy, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and Cancer, as well as psychiatric disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder.
Everyone goes through hard times, but you are not alone. Hope is the key to the survival of your soul. Dr. Michelle Bengtson provides sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. She instills hope to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm.


***I received this complimentary book from Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.