Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried about a Thing

by Megan Fate Marshman

We often try to do a lot for God--without him. Relaxed is a call to let go of spiritual performance, reject our cultural tendency to live under pressure, and find freedom to walk with God and toward God, one gentle step at a time.

Jesus was never in a hurry to be anywhere other than where he was, trusting and obeying his Father. Could the same be said of us? We long to know peace, purpose, and contentment, but life's stresses, the world's discouragements, and our own striving for growth get in the way.

In Relaxed, pastor and teacher Megan Fate Marshman explores what it means to set aside our addiction to trying to figure everything out and relish a slower, compelling, powerful, and relaxed life with God. As Megan takes us word by word through Proverbs 3:5-6, she helps us

The joy of a continual, intimate relationship with GodWhat God calls us to do with the burden of shame and guiltWhat it looks like to be relaxed in the midst of grief, financial stress, mistakes, and fatigueThe freedom and forgiveness of being found "in Christ"How to incorporate rhythms of walking with God into our everyday routinesGod never intended for us to be in control. As we lean away from our own understanding and into an intentionally relaxed spiritual life, we join Jesus in trusting a God who knows what he is doing--and isn't worried about a thing.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Productivity, Inspirational, Personal Growth, Lifestyle

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[Jeff Colston · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It's God's love, not willpower, that is the primary power for change in the Christian heart. It's Christ's perseverance, not our own, that is going to see us through. We are aided not by our efforts to change our behavior but rather by our openness to uncovering the heart (the root) of our behavior to God in honesty. Love of others can inspire us to change, but it's the love of God that can crack open the heart. Our temptation, remember, is to try to change without God, to say in the flesh, ‘Self, stop worrying.’ Here's what we can say instead: ‘God, I'm worried— help me take all of this to You. God, search me. Here's my worry. Let me tell You about it. Teach me about it.’ Many people want to change by quickly changing behavior because they don't want to look at themselves. But that's not how spiritual growth happens.”

I am guilty of trying really hard to be more spiritual, rather than trusting God. This book was a helpful reminder that transformation comes through Him, not through effort. I’m still struggling big time, but I think this will be one to refer to again sometime.

[Kate Ezzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out as one of the best aids to the Christian life I’ve ever read. While other good Christian books out there do tell you that you can’t just work harder to do better—you need Christ—the reality is we are all so forgetful. Marshman’s book is in pace with our hearts, reminding the reader over and over to “Go to God.” It brought the same relief and refreshment of Dane Ortlund’s “Gentle & Lowly,” but even more down to earth with relatable stories and hands-on meditation practices. Do you want to know God? Read this book. Well, read the Gospel of John… and read this book.

[Cathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Go to God” was a recurring reminder through this helpful book. The focus of the book is on Proverbs 3:5-6 and showing the reader how to live relaxed in Christ. By breaking down these verses, the book touched on many struggles like worry, loneliness, performance, identity, etc. Her encouragement might seem obvious, but a stronghold can overpower a mind. This book ministered to me like A Gospel Primer did earlier this year. Definitely worth reading.

I need to read it again soon!

[Corrie Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of real, practical wisdom that I can grasp: go to God in all things. Simple but POWERFUL because God is who we truly want to hear from, not another author. Through Marshman’s examples and encouragement, I have been praying more often, more authentically, and feeling like myself before God. Oh, and definitely feeling more relaxed from spending time with the most relaxed person ever: Jesus.

[Sailie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and applicable breakdown of Proverbs 3:5-6 and what it means to trust in the God of all comfort and freedom.

[Maggie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. You can hear the emotion behind her words & it provides an incredible layer of depth to the content of the book. She also exudes joy and you can’t help but smile while listening.

4 starts because for actual content, there were 2 stories that were kind of repeated & it felt out of sync. Other than that, I couldn’t love this more.

[Micaela Rahimian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would’ve written this review last week when I finished it because it was still fresh in my mind, but DANG. Loved it, would recommend to anyone and everyone. It’s full of wisdom and Megan is so relatable. Not to sound cheesy, but I laughed and I cried. Going to do the study next!

[Jean-Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved how real and vulnerable the author was throughout the book. I’m definitely recommending to friends, family and mentees! Megan graciously and fully reminds her readers that while walking with the Lord can be messy on our part, it doesn’t have to be scary. Truth in Him in the good and darkest times of our lives. Period. He is faithful. He is kind. He loves us.

Thank you, Megan. You’re truly an instrument that many will enjoy listening to. God bless you and the boys! You’re an amazing human and a fabulous Mother.

[Kristie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will refer back to, buy for friends, suggest to others and keep on my own shelf.

Dallas Willards one word description of Jesus as “relaxed” captured me when I first heard it - I guess because it’s the opposite of what success is.

The most profound message of this read for me was the difference between responding to God with “I need to do better at that” and “will you help me”.

5 stars

[Kelcy Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have ever read. She beautifully encourages you toward an intimate walk with Christ and how to live out Proverbs 3:5-6. I wish everyone I know would read this book

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the title of this but was a bit skeptical. While I don’t line up with the author 100 %, I think this book does a good job of encouraging us to Go To God all the time. I listened on a car trip and it was just the slice of courage I needed for this present darkness in my life.

Warning: repentance ahead.

[Dann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much the perfect book at the perfect time.

[Candace Luong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home group summer read <3 obsessed with this one! It touched on some very relatable topics & was such an encouragement to me & a reminder of who God is and how much comfort there is in going to Him!

[Emily Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Loved it! I highly recommend the audiobook.

[Jocelyn Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Digestible, invitational, and Megan’s writing helped me to love Jesus more. I loved her invitations to pray at the end of each chapter, and this book has given me ways to come closer to Jesus that I will continue to carry with me. I would encourage everyone to read!!

[Katherine Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

i got emotional literally after the first chapter 😂 clearly this book is what i needed right now. highly recommend! megan is so real and vulnerable in her reflections and writing!

[Maddie McEver · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMEN!! seriously this book is the best most refreshing spiritual book I’ve read. I found so much hope in the truth that all God desires of me is my honest open heart and my ways submitted to His kindly rule and sovereignty! We can be relaxed because He is who He is and like that means real true freedom for us here and now😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

“The fruit of the Spirit is not the fruit of our effort. It’s the fruit, or by-product, of intimacy with our Sovereign God. Becoming more relaxed will happen not as we try harder to be more relaxed but as we open our honest hearts to the one who is not worried about a thing.” 🔥

[Jenn Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will probably read this annually. One of the best books on anxiety I’ve ever read. I started it in August and just finished today (Oct 20) and in that time, it’s been one of the most anxiety-filled and stressful times of my life. This book did not fix it or make it go away. But I feel like I have more tools after reading it.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging read- as someone who struggles with being anxious and has had my share of worried moments, this was a must read. I loved her vulnerability as well as her usage of scripture to back up what she teaches. Would recommend to anyone, believer or not, who’s anxious and a worrier!

[Flannery · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's an honest authentic writer. Her take on forgiveness is something needed for general church culture. Impressed by all the topics she covered while still keeping the central theme.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman is just one of my favorite people to follow on social media. Her smile is contagious and she is just real and genuine and we need more Jesus lovin’ people like her. I will read what she has written and what she will ever write because despite the extreme hurt and suffering she has gone through, she radiates with her Father’s light. 🙌🏻

[Alejandra Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads of the year. A call to grow in intimacy with God by going directly to him and trusting him (with all your heart). “We will change not because we try hard to change but because we try hard to trust in the one who can change us”. Can say I feel slightly more relaxed.

[Julia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this book w miss catherine and just loved it!!!! so good for my heart to hear

[Lauran Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super humbling read and changed the way I reflect and approach the throne

[Macy Smeester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most impactful book I have read in a long time. I so appreciate how her solution to the proposed problem of anxiety/fear/stress/etc wasn’t to incorporate new habits or follow a specific list of quick fixes, but to be honest to God and talk to him about the things that I am feeling. So practical and helpful and eye opening.

[Kat Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

**audiobook**

I was hesitant to read this because how many times have we been told to just relax which never helps us relax?? But I like Megan’s other content so gave it a shot. And I’m so glad I did! A wonderful expose on how our anxiety isn’t the problem but what are we going to let it lead us to? God or our own provision! Highly recommend this especially if you struggle anxiety!

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Nichole L · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone looking to make God your #1 priority in your life. For anyone who is overwhelmed, tired, anxious, lonely, defeated, grieving…basically any of us. This book is for you. I paired this book with Megan’s Relaxed workbook. Highly recommend pairing it together AND working through this with a friend or group of woman. Community is so important. Do I feel more relaxed? Yes, yes I do, but the most important thing is I am learning to go to God before everyone and the world. Do yourself a favor and go read this!

[Rebecca Ketterer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, powerful reminders from a beautiful, honest soul. Audiobook was more like a podcast format or Bible study session teaching, but it was very effective.

[Jennifer Malech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books I took my time with and for lack of a better word, relaxed with. So grateful for Megan Fate Marshman’s voice and for the ways she points the chaos of our everyday lives back to the truth of Scripture. I appreciate the practicality of this book and the reminder that we can relinquish those very things we’re holding onto in the hands of the One who is already holding it all together. Thank you, Megan, for this gift of a book.