Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises

I had the honor of reading this book in hopes it would give me some insights into how to help others struggling with anxiety and depression. As a leader of The Every Heart Project, a women's organization, we lost a dear member to suicide this year, which caused me to question everything. Could we have helped her? Did I miss the signs? What about other women in our group who are silently struggling? How do we help them and prevent this from happening again? This book is the best one I've read on how to combat anxiety. I hope those who are unsure about the religious undertone will still make the leap to grab this book. As a fellow author, I admire the call to address the tough issues, and this is necessary for our broken world. Highly recommend. If you are struggling with anxiety, reach out and lean on others.

A car accident that happened over thirty years ago still affects me today. Since the accident, I've sought counseling and have read several books on fear and panic. They've helped some, but none come close to the impact Dr. Bengston's book is leaving on my life. She nails it -- the feelings that arise when struggling with fear and anxiety. One section that especially spoke to me was on how worry, anxiety, and fear not only impact us but also our relationships by causing withdrawal. Oh, the countless excuses I've made over the years when driving conditions were not in my comfort zone. I still struggle but I feel that God is using this book to move me to a healthier place -- both emotionally and physically.

I have read Dr. Bengtson's first 2 books, Hope Prevails and Hope Prevails Bible Study, and Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises, is just as amazing and helpful. I believe that God led Michelle to write this book at the perfect time! With all of the tragic events happening in our Country, and even in our own home towns, this book is the perfect book to help us deal with worry, fear, and anxiety! Packed with Scripture and Biblical wisdom, Dr. Michelle shows us through her own experiences how to walk through the storms of life, and the tragic events without allowing the enemy to steal our peace! She also shares the stories of several others who have dealt with worry, fear or anxiety, so there is something in this book for everyone! At the end of each chapter you will find "Your Rx," which has questions that take you deeper into the study and scripture. "My Prayer for You," Dr. Bengtson has written heart-felt, beautiful prayers for her readers. "A Recommended Playlist," Worship and Praise songs that Michelle recommends from her own personal journey. I have taken so many notes in my journal and highlighted so many areas of the book. One of my favorite quotes from the book is near the beginning, "Trusting God means acknowledging that he is in control. We can remain content in that knowledge rather than striving in our own strength. When we trust God, we relinquish control while telling God, I believe your way is best - whatever that may be."I highly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with worry, fear or anxiety! Even if you don't, we all know someone who does, and I would suggest you get them a copy of this book! I have a family member who is suffering from anxiety right now, and I can't wait to get a copy of this book in her hands! This is a book I will definitely be re-reading because there is so much good that I know I will miss something on the first read!

Scripture tells us: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Yet the battle against anxiety is one we all experience at one time or another in our lives. So how does one break the grip of anxiety?In her latest book, Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises, Dr. Michelle Bengston, a board-certified neuropsychologist, shares from both her personal and professional experiences on the topic of anxiety and worry.We are living in a time when society, and the world, have never been more unsettled. Uncertainty surrounds our lives and we worry about the future, our families, safety, health, and provision. Anxiety can get its grip on us as soon as we step out the door.But there is a better way to approach those times when we have more questions than answers:"We can trust the One who knew the situation before it ever arose. We can trust the One who knows all the answers and provides our help. We can believe his Word, rely on his promises, and trust his truth." (from Breaking Anxiety's Grip)The book is written with much the same format as Dr. Bengston's previous book, Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression, and  brings a warm and transparent voice on every page.Each chapter includes:Your Rx. Here you find several questions which take you deeper into Scripture and application.My Prayer for You. Dr. Bengston prays for her readers and each prayer is offered from the heart.A Recommended Playlist. Music can fill us with hope and assurance. Dr. Bengston shares several songs which align with the thoughts of each chapter. You are sure to find a few favorites along with new to you songs, as these have been prayerfully selected.This is a book which will speak to the heart of us all as we all struggle with the grip of anxiety at some time.Dr. Bengston shares from a heart that has struggled and found hope and freedom through God's Word and truth. Her desire is for every reader to experience the same.I purchased the book and highly recommend it!

Really honest look at anxiety's ability to impede your life and easy to follow steps to overcome them. A book full of truth, hope and joy. Highly recommended!!

All good!