Book Review – HOPE Living Fearlessly in a Scary World

by Dr. David Jeremiah

The World is a Frightening Place

It has occurred to me that I spend far too much time thinking about things that I cannot control.  I also seem to meet an increasing number of people who are suffering from anxiety.  Social media and the constant access to news sources can very quickly overwhelm and depress me, if I allow myself to spend too much time surfing.  

Once upon a time, I would read a newspaper, and then set it aside until the next paper was delivered.  Now I read the same article or version of it several times a day.  I am constantly reminded of horrible things happening around the world, not just in my neighbourhood. And don’t even get me started on so-called news headlines that contain words like “It might”!  They are just an opportunity for my thoughts to go to dark places.

But do I have to Stay in those Places?

Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own.  How many times have I grounded my emotions with these words?  

And then couple of weeks ago, I wanted to do a book review for my blog.  As I was leaving service at church, I asked God what he wanted me to read and review.  I walked over to the church bookshelf and a book jumped out at me!  Although I wasn’t feeling particularly anxious about anything, I felt drawn to the following book.  Maybe you will too.

The Book

The title got my attention write off the hop!  In a world that seems to constantly throw new ways to be afraid at me, this sounded like a pretty big promise.  I asked myself if this book could deliver an answer.  The book was written by New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Jeremiah in 2013 by Tyndale House Publishers.  Hope is offered after failure, during financial stress, illness, disaster, and loss, and then gives us hope in Jesus for eternity.

Dr. Jeremiah presents persuasive reasons to hope instead of fear.  I appreciated the fact that there are examples from his own life that show that this isn’t just a reiteration of words, but comes from places he’s walked through. I could relate to some of the situations and welcomed the honesty.  He did not try to pretend he never felt fear, but rather how he chose to face it.

My Take-Away

The key is keeping your focus on the “right now” and not worrying about the “maybes” by trusting that God is in control of all our circumstances  I need to keep my eyes on Jesus but keep my feet planted on the ground.  It is important to recognize that God sends help in many forms, including medical care, people and circumstances.  While miracles do happen, he makes sure to point out, that it is important to be wise.

The line that resonated the most with me says, “But with the fear of fear, the imagined monster is always on the other side of the door, looming large, even though it doesn’t exist.” There are certainly real things to fear in the world, but I don’t have to allow it to rule me.  

The NIV version of the Bible quotes Jesus in John 16:33

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The book challenged me to ask myself some questions. Do I believe God is in control or don’t I?  If I do, then do I trust him? Do I walk by faith and not by sight?  Do I know in whom I believe?

What About You?

I strongly suggest you give this book a read.  It is written in an easy style to be enjoyed while you curl up in your favorite chair with a hot chocolate or coffee.  You may find yourself asking some of the same questions I did and maybe even finding a new sense of hope!

Thank-you for reading my review. All opinions are strictly my own.