Book Blurb: "Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest" by Ed Welch

If there is one feeling or emotion that has characterized my life in the last year, it would be fear. Fear of failing the dreaded finance class I took, fear of being lonely, fear of not making it to Oklahoma...you name it, I probably worried about it. Ed Welch does such a good job of explaining the feelings that I felt were unexplainable. And while his words are comforting for a little bit, he points you to the words that are eternally comforting- scripture.

Ed Welch writes that our fears expresses our allegiances, which are normally to our own desires and need for control and not to God's kingdom. We are afraid that God is going to take away or give us something that we don't want, so we do everything in our power to prevent it. And yet the truth is that the Bible tells us to "fear not." That regardless of what lies ahead in our future, God is in control. The command that is given the most in the Bible is "fear not." A verse that has been pivotal in my life over the last twelve months has been 1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may life you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

In "Running Scared" Ed Welch points out how often God says "I will be with you" and yet we don't listen. If He can say that to Moses while wandering the desert, how much more should He be able to say that to us, and we be able to believe Him??? In fact, Moses believed God's promise so deeply that his last words to his people were "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)

Needless to say, I cannot possibly communicate all of the wonderful wisdom that Mr. Welch has in his book in a couple of paragraphs, but only give you a glimpse of how he attempts to communicate the peace that is available in the Gospel. This book made me completely rethink the insecurities/worries/anxieties I have about the plan God has for me. If you have them too, read this book- it will rock your socks!