The Anxious Christian: Can God Use Your Anxiety for Good? - Softcover

Smith, Rhett

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802404448 ISBN 13: 9780802404442

Publisher: Moody Publishers, 2012

Synopsis

So... Many... Choices... Can't... Make... The... Wrong... One...What will I do after graduation? Whom should I marry? Where should I look for work? What will my friends think? What if my marriage is falling apart? What if I'm drowning in debt? In our journey of faith there are particular moments that produce a certain amount of anxiety. Often anxiety and/or worry has been looked upon as an "un-Christian" feeling to have. But The Anxious Christian conveys the message that anxiety can actually be helpful in our spiritual formation, and that God can use anxiety as a catalyst to move people forward in their life of faith. In that movement, anxiety's gift is that it allows us to face our resistance and fears, understand where those fears come from, and then make intentional choices about important issues such as career, marriage, money, and our spiritual lives. It's time to get unstuck. It is quite common in the Christian life that when someone mentions they are experiencing anxiety, they are often dismissed and devalued by what are often well-intentioned Christian platitudes and Bible quoting. But this dismissal of anxiety often produces shame in the individual, driving their anxiety into hiding where it can do more damage. Let's re-think our shame in this area by planting the seed that anxiety in our lives can be a catalyst for growth that moves us closer to who God created us to be.

About this title

About the Author

RHETT SMITH is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in private practice at Auxano Counseling in Plano, TX. He is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary (MDiv, MSMFT) and former college pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Rhett has a passion for helping people navigate significant areas of transition in their lives such as parenting, marriage, and the adolescent to young adult journey. He also serves on staff at The Hideaway Experience in Amarillo, TX where he helps couples work towards having great marriages. Rhett lives in Frisco, TX with his wife Heather and their two children. You can find out more about Rhett at his blog www.rhettsmith.com or his counseling practice www.rhettsmithcounseling.com

From the Back Cover

So ... Many ... Choices ... Can't ... Make ... The ... Wrong ... One ... We all have those particular moments that produce a certain amount of anxiety (AKA stress, worry, angst). All too often this anxiety is looked upon as a sinful or, at least, an "unchristian" feeling to have. Instead, read on to see how anxiety can actually be helpful in our spiritual formation, and where God might use anxiety as a catalyst to move us forward. We are then able to face our resistance and fears, understand where those fears come from, and then make intentional choices about important issues such as career, marriage, money, and our spiritual lives. It's time to get unstuck.

Sheila Walsh, God Loves Broken People and Those Who Pretend They're Not

"I loved this book. I often read something and think, this will be helpful to many, but I can't think of anyone who would not be helped by reading Rhett's book. It made me smile to see once more how God tucks the best news inside the most unusual boxes if we have the courage to open them."


Adam S. McHugh, Introverts in the Church

"Rhett's personal story is profoundly honest-vulnerable, agonizing, and joyful. He does not settle for the quick fixes of pop psychology or the veneer of superficial Christianity. In reading The Anxious Christian you will find yourself plunged into the heart of anxiety, and in the deep waters of God's healing grace."


RHETT SMITH is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Plano, TX, and also serves on staff as a therapist at The Hideaway Experience in Amarillo, Texas, helping couples restore their marriages. He is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary (MDIV, MSMFT). Rhett lives in McKinney, Texas, with his wife, Heather, and their two children. You can find out more about Rhett at rhettsmith.com

From the Inside Flap

Foreword by Jon Acuff, Quitter and Start


Sheila Walsh, God Loves Broken People and Those Who Pretend They're Not"

I loved this book. I often read something and think, this will be helpful to many, but I can't think of anyone who would not be helped by reading Rhett's book. It made me smile to see once more how God tucks the best news inside the most unusual boxes if we have the courage to open them."

Hugh Hewitt, Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host and Author

"Rhett Smith asks Christians to stop and take seriously how God is using anxiety in their life. Rhett's an extraordinary able pastor and counselor, and his surprising new take on the anxious Christian should be in the hands of every '3 AMer' out there."

Scott McClellan, Tell Me a Story

"For the first time, I see my anxiety as something to press into rather than run from. The Anxious Christian bears the same gifts as many of my favorite books: an earnest voice, a fresh perspective, and an invitation to begin a journey."

Terry Hargrave, Author, Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Seminary

"In these pages, the reader will read a truthful and vulnerable account of how the author has courage and presence to use anxiety to point himself and his relationships toward the effort to change his own identity and patterns. Read slowly and re-read--you will be rewarded with wisdom that has a practical application of change in your journey of life.

Jason Ingram, Grammy-nominated songwriter, worship leader

"An important and timely book. If there's an emotion that could define our postmodern world I believe it would be anxiety. Rhett helps disarm the power we often give anxiety by explaining how it can actually have purpose in the Christian life in that it is potentially a pathway for growth."

Adam S. McHugh, Introverts in the Church

"Rhett's personal story is profoundly honest--vulnerable, agonizing, and joyful. He will not settle for the quick fixes of pop psychology or the veneer of superficial Christianity. In reading The Anxious Christian you will find yourself plunged into the heart of anxiety, and in the deep waters of God's healing grace.

R.O. Smith, Coordinator of Youth Discipleship at Bel Air Presbyterian, Los Angeles

"In the Anxious Christian, Rhett Smith brings an honest, vulnerable, and refreshing view to anxiety and faith."

Mindy Coates Smith, Instructor at Fuller Seminary and CO-Director of Youth Discipleship at Bel Air Presbyterian, Los Angeles

"Rhett's writing is thoughtful, authentic, and relatable. Rhett gently challenges the stereotypes that most Christians have about anxiety and leads us into the redemptive freedom of choice that we have been given. His unique perspective is restorative and hopeful.

Edition details

• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802404448
• ISBN 13: 9780802404442
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208