Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith

by Blair Linne

Blair Linne can tell you exactly when the ground under her feet fell through. Starting in 2015, she experienced crippling anxiety and panic attacks that spiraled her down a staircase into a basement of dark discouragement and shame. Sometimes, the journey downward was so intense it landed her in the emergency room. Like many Christians, Blair knew she “should” cast her frustrations onto God and process with him, but instead found herself crying “I. Don’t. Know. How!"

In the harrowing season that followed—through the episodes of terror, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, trembling, dizziness, chills, intrusive thoughts, and even the fear of dying—Blair learned just how quickly she would have to give up the typical quick fixes, simple answers, and theological band-aids she had previously relied on. As the anxiety waves came crashing over her, many times without warning and without permission, she realized the this was a complex issue, and there was no bypassing it. No sprinkling it with wishful thinking or spiritual platitudes. No willing herself out of it as if she were a bulletproof demigod.

The only way was through it, in tender awareness of her weakness and delicate humanity, with God.

On this side of the valley, Blair has come to appreciate even the worst moments of her story, for it has given her a deeper understanding of what it means to be human, what it actually means to lean into the Lord, and what it looks like to walk with a limp and a love for fellow strugglers. With profound lessons learned on the other side, Blair now rejoices in her affliction, for it has taught her to tremble in a new in awe of God.

With biblical reflection woven together with gripping narrative, journey with Blair in Made to Tremble and experience not only the God of Peace—but the peace of God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living, Theology, Memoir

240 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Whitney Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent in every way. Tender, timely (for me), theologically rich. Blair tells her story with vulnerability and clarity; she gives the reader practical tools, but also gospel hope. I truly loved this book and recommend it for anyone struggling with the affliction of anxiety.

[Rachel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO good. I listened to the audiobook but want to read it again on paper. This is the best thing on anxiety I have read. I got to hear a little bit of Blair’s story from her husband when he was in Atlanta and I immediately knew I had to read this book. So encouraging to read about anxiety from someone who has experienced it severely. Highly highly recommend!!

[Kelly Rownd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about this book on “With the Perrys” and I’m so glad that I did. It’s filled with practical wisdom and kindness.

“(God) uses anxiety to reveal our weakness, not as an action of mockery or condemnation, but as a response of redeeming love. In exposing our weakness, God is wrapping arms of divine love around us and drawing us near to find in Him what we cannot find in ourselves or in anything or anyone else.”

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inadvertently read this immediately after finishing another book on anxiety, and while I at first was nervous they would be too similar, I found that Made to Tremble is a completely different type of book. I won’t use the space for this review to compare the two, but I will highlight what I think the strengths of Made to Tremble are:

1. Blaire Linne writes from the trenches of dealing with anxiety (including panic attacks). If you are currently struggling with physical manifestations of anxiety, consider Made to Tremble the words of a friend to come alongside you in your suffering. You will not find someone talking AT you, but someone WITH you who is learning to see God’s hand in the midst of it.
2. A similar but distinct point to number 1 is that Blaire Linne shares her own story and the stories of others. I think this would be very comforting for someone in the midst of suffering, to see that they are not alone and that there is a way through.
3. She reminds us that the goal is not a life free of anxiety, but a life that is tethered to God.
4. The appendices (prayers, poems, promises, resources) are excellent.

Notable quotes:

“The fear of man makes for a terrible god. It is the worst tyrant a person can live under. Public opinion sways like wind hitting a lone leaf.”

“As you wade through the waves and storms of anxiety, I hope the lessons I learned along my own journey have helped you see that the anxiety which brings you closer to God will always outweigh a considerably calm life that keeps you an arm’s distance from Him.”

Many thanks to B&H and Netgalley for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Gunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book and so helpful

[libby stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you”. Psalm 55:22

Anxiety is such a challenging disorder to have as it is almost unbeatable in a lot of situations ( or at least seems unbeatable ). Blair Linne talked about some great ways of turning to God in a time of fear and anxiety. One of my favorite tips was to fight anxiety with thankfulness. “Thanksgiving loosens the chains of fear and anxiety. It is hard to be afraid when you recall the character of Jesus. Thanksgiving helps us recall our past deliverances”. Such a good reminder that even though it feels like you’re being attacked from every which way, God will deliver you just like He has every other time. What a great thing to rest in, I will not be taken down by anxiety, God will sustain me and deliver me, until He wins the battle once and for all.

Other favorite quotes:
“ there’s something kids feel when their parent seeks them out in the middle of that fear. Safe. Secure. Protected. Everything opposite of anxiety”.

“There is home waiting for us at the end of our hope.”

“God isn’t interested in only ministering to one part of you during your anxiety journey. He wants to minister to every part of your humanity. Scriptures teach that God created the body and spirit and called them both good.”

“The word of God has the power to minister to us in a variety of ways, through conviction, but it also comes through encouragement and consolation during the darkest nights of the body and soul.”

“Seeing that the worst thing we fear might not be as bad as we think helps us have agency to address it; it reduces the power that fear has over us.”

“Ever wonder what Jesus is doing all day now that He is risen and ascended? He’s praying for you. He lives, day and night, to intercede for His people.”

[Blair Beaulieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this (audio)book that was recommended by a dear friend! The author’s incorporation of her personal testimony, with practical steps to combat the anxiety war that is prevalent in many of us, was a beautiful picture of the Lord’s steadfast grace. Many of the books I have read in the past that shed light on this topic paint the picture that anxiety is simply a lack of faith, but Blair quickly disputes this idea, and her perspective is one that I cling to! I will recommend it to anyone struggling with the affliction of anxiety, and even those who do not see themselves as an anxious person. Here are a few of my favorite parts from the listen:
- We may be impressive when we walk thru Earthy rooms but if God is not impressed when we walk thru His gate, does the praise we received in this life really matter?
- Approval not given by God is like clipped flowers; Beauty is short-lived
- If we think we can see, we will never know our need for sight
- All of CHAPTER 5
- The waves of life throw us upon the rock of ages, the unshakable God
- If God allows our anxieties to remain, that must mean there’s something to learn
- I can do it scared because my savior did
- Anxiety that brings you closer to God always outweighs the considerably calm life that keeps you at arms distance from Him

[Anna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't speak to the helpfulness of this book for one currently in the grip of intense anxiety. I can say that it is full of scripture, yet appropriately recognizes the physical elements and experiences that are often a part of anxiety. It is of course eloquently written because it is Blair Linne. She is very vulnerable and open; it was interesting to hear some of the life between the musical tracks that I occasionally listen to from her husband Shai. The appendixes at the back seemed especially useful - prayers and meditations for different scenarios, good resources for individuals and their pastors to use, and breathing techniques.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book of comfort for those who struggle with anxiety. She seeks to graciously differentiate between sinful anxiety and just human anxiety. It is not a sin to have an anxiety attack. God understands our frame, and cares for us as we live in a scary world. Blair Linne faithfully engages the Word of God to comfort and help us to move through our anxiety.

[Nicole Bouchoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for practical help with anxiety both physically and spiritually. God cares about our whole being.

[Joshua Taylor]

it's hard to review a book like this.
On the one hand, it is a much needed book to discuss such a live topic and offer hope.
The theology throughout is great and that is why I would recommend it.
My issue is the style, the writing is... a bit much, exaggerated .It's heavy on similes that felt a bit like a GCSE essay going for an A.
Great theology, tough style.

[Megan Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made to Tremble by Blair Linne is a balm for weary and anxious souls. Linne shares her own journey with anxiety with such honesty and vulnerability that I felt seen and understood on every page. She doesn’t gloss over how debilitating anxiety can be, yet she continually points to the peace of God that steadies us when our hearts and minds spiral.

Blair Linne’s words reminded me that I’m not alone, and that God’s presence and promises are stronger than my anxiety. I highly recommend this book to anyone walking through the heaviness of anxiety and in need of the hope and peace only Christ can give.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent audiobook. Would have been better in print along with a highlighter. I will go back to this one.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many different aspects of this book were helpful, both physically and spiritually. The author was very relatable as she has struggled with anxiety herself.
‘If all we are trying to do is get over or around or anxiety rather than cling to God as we pedal through our anxiety, we miss the point.’

[Crystal Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate this book so much. Blair Linne speaks to anxiety through both her own personal struggles, a practical lens and a biblical lens.

[Rhema Limon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So needed and such practical advice. Bible centered and most importantly it does not shame the reader / people for having anxiety.
I read this on kindle- one of those books I’ll
Be buying physically to re-read.

Grateful for this book as it has empowered me to lean into God without shame.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Made to Tremble’ by Blair Linne is a heartfelt reflection on how God meets us in our fear, anxiety, and weakness. I’ve learned a similar lesson over the past few years, that my neediness is not a flaw but a gift that draws me closer to Christ. This truth has been pivotal for me, helping me see moments of anxiety not as personal failure but as gentle reminders to abide in Him and rest in His strength.

Blair’s poetic voice and raw honesty stand out throughout this book. Her testimony, along with those of others she includes, shows how God uses anxiety to expose our weakness and pull us toward His redeeming love. The inclusion of her own poetry, practical tools, and Scripture references make this an encouraging resource for anyone longing to find peace in the midst of trembling.

While the writing is a bit more lyrical and expressive than I typically prefer, I recognize that much of that comes from Blair’s deep love for words and truth. Perhaps because I’ve already walked a similar journey, I didn’t need as much buildup to those lessons, but I still found this a thoughtful, gospel-centered read that points back to Christ as our ultimate peace.

Special thanks to B&H Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humbling. I’ve read several books on anxiety and this is the first to make very clear that it can happen to anyone. That all the trials in this life are subject to God’s sovereign hand. And that the proper response then is to tremble before God alone and run to Christ with our afflictions.

“My anxiety revealed what I otherwise would never have acknowledged, which is I need God’s help to do anything.” “Our afflictions remind us that we’re frail and unable to do anything without our God.”

The first half of this book is a sermon series on anxiety, deeply rooted in Scripture and putting the glory of the gospel on display.

The second half talks through both the physical and spiritual elements of anxiety with balance and a high view of Scripture.

This is a book for anyone, but a particular help to those in the post partum trenches. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Tristany Corgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Even when our body shakes, if we have built our trembling life upon the Rock, we will never ultimately be shaken.” -Blair Linne🌊

Anxiety is something I’ve struggled with for most of my life, and it inspires many prayers of “help me not to be anxious” or “please bring me peace.” And yet despite all my prayers, I still wrestle with anxiety on a daily basis. Sometimes I wonder why God allows me to have so much uncontrollable anxiety, but Blair Linne’s new book, Made to Tremble, was such a good reminder for me. First, it reminded me that I’m not alone in my struggles, and there are many other anxious Christians out there. And second, it reminded me that God allows my anxiety to draw me ever closer to Him. In this book, Blair Linne is transparent about her own struggles with anxiety and how she’s worked through them with the Lord, and she uses Scripture and beautiful prose to show her readers how their anxious trembling can lead them to trembling in awe of their Creator and Savior. If you’ve also struggled with anxiety throughout your life, consider reading Made to Tremble today.❤️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to B&H Publishing for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.📘

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Do it scared.”

Blair Linne is tender in sharing her experience, insight, and advice on managing anxiety. I was greatly relieved to find her acknowledging the limitations of the book’s scope when it comes to managing anxiety with medication and/or therapy.

At times, “Made to Tremble” slightly wanders away from its central themes—like challenging preconceived notions of “rebuking the devil” later in the book—and thus ends up feeling lengthier than it needed to be. On this note: I enjoyed Linne’s incorporated poetry, yet did not need her explanation on the use of water imagery; poetry and prose are beautiful in their ability to convey layers of meaning without added explanation.

All in all, I find myself comforted, refreshed, and challenged, albeit a little tired by the length.

[Elana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really like this book. While there was certainly some academic language, it felt like a book written by someone that has anxiety to be shared with other people that have anxiety. Because Linne has a Christian background, the inclusion of regular Scripture felt necessary and was done well. This book is a great introduction to faith through anxiety and techniques to manage those anxious spells. I think I would’ve rated it higher if there were more concepts that were brand new to me, but that’s a result of having been in therapy for an anxiety disorder for years. Overall, I would recommend to those new and old to anxiety as Linne has a way of bringing Christ back into our anxiety.

[Joan Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one who has struggled with anxiety, Blair Linne is in a good position to counsel others on how to examine one's anxiety and view it as a reminder of human frailty and our need for God. This book is rich in applied scripture and offers a lot of helpful information for those who suffer from anxiety and those who want to counsel or help. The resources at the back of the book are a bonus. The one shortcoming is that some of the points made felt repetitive; but, a very good read nevertheless.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

I appreciate the bravery and conviction the author clearly shares in writing this book. The underlying truth that anxiety is a real experience, and it is a hard one— both to endure and to understand— is something I believe we all need to hear. The gospel and the author’s growth through her experience were encouraging, recurring themes in the book, too.

All that said, I really hate how disorganized this book felt. While there were good moments, much of the punch of truth was lost by a lack of vision for the book as a whole. In a way, reading (listening to) the book felt a bit like Linne explains anxiety to be: being caught up in a wave and turned upside down not knowing which way is up. I found it difficult to follow the main point from one chapter to the next.

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. I appreciated Blair’s story, which felt a bit different as her anxiety was brought on by a traumatic experience instead of being a part of her personality as long as she could remember. I appreciated her voice as a wife and a mom. I think this book pairs well with Jonny Ardavanis’s book Consider the Lilies, which I found also extremely helpful.

[That’s Controversial · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lord spoke through Blair beautifully. This book helped me re-examine my own spiritual concerns with anxiety and depression, and helped me realize that the Lord created us to tremble. Highly recommend this book, and it will be a Christmas present to some of my loved ones this year!

[Ophelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetic gut-punch on the fear of the Lord. Blair Linne’s spoken-word fire and biblical depth make you feel small before a holy God—convicting, beautiful, and urgent. Loses a little steam with repetition, but still a trembling, soul-shaking read. Four humbled stars.

[Abigail Fertal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the author's voice- she is very much a poet and there are so many beautiful sections I underlined and will revisit. This book is both practical and comforting. It's someone coming alongside you on a long journey and giving you support along the way.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio

[ErinLikesReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I loved the connections with anxiety and our need to be fearful of God. Definitely read if you struggle with anxiety.

[Susanna Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

forever grateful for this woman and her voice.