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

by Blair Linne, Paul David Tripp (Foreword)

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, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Audiobook, Counselling

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Whitney Newby]

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]

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!!

[Becca]

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.

[Kelly Rownd]

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.”

[Abby Weiland]

This was such an encouraging and hope-filled read! I appreciated her honesty about walking through crippling anxiety and how that struggle ultimately pushed her to lean more fully on the Lord. She doesn’t offer shallow encouragement or quick fixes—instead, she provides rich, gospel-centered truth rooted in Scripture. The book is theologically rich and incredibly relatable, and it consistently points back to the unshakable hope we have in the gospel. I would highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with anxiety or fear. It’s a beautiful reminder that even when we tremble, God remains steady—and our hope in Christ is secure.

[Emily Gunnell]

This is a beautiful book and so helpful

[libby stark]

“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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Shyne]

Immediate 5 stars and I think I will read it again cover to cover often.

When I first saw the title of this book, it made me cringe because I expected it to be full of spiritual bypassing or shallow comforts without a real understanding of anxiety…

By the time I got through the Introduction (shoutout Paul David Tripp), I was already sold.

Immediately the author won my trust with grippingly realistic descriptions of anxiety and feelings of panic. This book is full of personal experiences, narratives, and poetic descriptions of what it feels like to deal with anxiety and even OCD/subtypes. Not just anxiousness, but anxiety. Which matters.

I knew I was in good company of someone who’s actually walked through this.

And as I read, I was surprised and blessed by how much time she spent relating and showing understanding rather than jumping to solutions.

Laying out some groundwork for anxiety, how it feels, what the lived experience is, AND how many well-meaning Christians have historically shared unhelpful responses in the face of a friend’s anxiety.

It felt like sitting with a friend or counselor. The listening and validating before prescribing.

Made to Tremble poses the antidote to anxious fear: a righteous fear of God. The author walks through a Scriptural case for the different ways we are to fear the Lord and how they apply to the burdens and worries of this life.

I appreciate that she explains how knowing God and fixing our minds and eyes on Him is our remedy, but not in a shallow way, in an embodied way that acknowledges that there may never be complete deliverance or healing in this lifetime and that it’s not our faults if so.

That seeing God and trusting Him and experiencing His unending presence and security is ultimately our greatest treasure, not anxiety-free lives.

I feel seen and supported, yet encouraged and called to trust in God’s sovereignty with a greater theology of suffering and fear.

RECOMMEND TO ALL CHRISTIANS!!!

[Miandra]

I really loved this book. It felt like chicken soup for an anxious soul.

Blair Linne has such a calm, empathetic way of talking about anxiety. She makes room for the reality that anxiety is complicated. It can involve our bodies, our minds, our circumstances, and our faith, and it isn’t something that can always be fixed with a Bible verse or by simply telling yourself not to be anxious. She writes from her own experience with severe anxiety and panic attacks, while continually bringing the reader back to Scripture and the character of God.

I especially loved how much empathy she has for people who are struggling. The goal of the book isn’t necessarily to become a person who never feels anxiety again. It is learning to cling to God in the middle of it, accepting our weakness and dependence on Him rather than believing we have to get ourselves completely under control first.

And I loved where she lands at the end: “Do it scared.” Courage doesn’t mean waiting until the fear disappears. We can still obey God, love people, serve, and live faithfully while trembling. And ultimately, the person who shows us this most clearly is Jesus. Christ Himself trembled and suffered, and yet willingly went to the cross. His suffering was not failure. It became the place of victory and our reason for hope.

I listened to the audiobook, and hearing Blair read it herself made me love it even more. Her calm voice and empathetic demeanor fit the book perfectly. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a calm voice that cares about them, makes room for the reality of what they’re struggling with, and still speaks God’s truth into their life.

Chicken soup for an anxious soul, with the reminder that sometimes faithfulness looks like trembling and doing it scared anyway.

[Kristen Rosener]

This book reminded me of a quote from Isobel Kuhn, "Sometimes on the Rock, I tremble, faint of heart and weak of knee; but the steadfast Rock of Ages never trembles under me." What a glorious comfort it is to know that while we may tremble under anxieties that come with living in broken bodies, the God of all comfort uses those very things to draw us us closer to Himself.

Overall, this is a really good read. Although there were some minor things I disagreed with, the overarching message was communicated very well. I was both convicted and encouraged.

A couple favorite quotes:
"When Moses was the mediator, God gave the law to anxious Israel and they worshipped an idol. Now, with Jesus as our mediator, God gives us anxious saints His word and fills us with His Spirit that we may worship Him in reverence."

"God solved the greatest problem in human history; the problem that humans are most anxious about deep down. And if He solved that deepest problem, He is sure to be trusted with many more."

And my personal favorite:
"Our fear of God should be greater than our sinful anxieties. When we get it the other way around, we find ourselves trembling for the wrong god."

[Lindsay Tucker Smith]

Blair is a skilled writer and expositor of the Bible. My only complaint about this book is that, to me, it should have been marketed as a collection of essays on anxiety, rather than a comprehensive book. It was hard to follow the vision of the book chapter to chapter, and I’m not sure I could articulate the main theme of each one.

[Madeline Beardsley]

Literally finished this in one day. This is probably the best book I’ve read on anxiety from a Christian perspective. It acknowledges the psychological component as well as circumstantial and also shows the Biblical ways to approach it. I appreciate both sides because it’s so hard to find them coexisting and acknowledging the other. Really loved this and would recommend!!

[Casey]

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]

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

[Sarah Andrews]

This book ministered to me deeply in the thick of this 5th postpartum season. I am so grateful for these words.

[Stephanie Quiroz]

Practical, relatable, encouraging.

[Rhema Limon]

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.

[Rachel]

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.

[Ellianny Sánchez De Martínez]

🇺🇸
made to tremble by Blair Linne. this book has been a complete blessing for this season of my life. I arrived a bit late —months after seeing that Threads post and the interview with the Perrys— but I knew it was something I needed.

I listened to the audiobook, and even though I’m no english expert, it felt like Blair was sitting right next to me, sharing her heart with so much love and compassion. that’s what it feels like to listen to her. it came at the perfect moment: I was facing a situation so hard I thought anxiety would take over, but now I know that even if it returns, my God sustains me.

I’ve started practicing constant, specific prayer. thanks to the truths Blair helped me process, I remembered that I can go to Jesus over and over again with confidence and —even while trembling— without fear of being judged or cast out by God. He is the one who stills my fears and helps me live without dread.


🇪🇸
este libro ha sido una bendición total para esta etapa de mi vida. llegué un poco tarde —meses después de ver aquel post en Threads y la entrevista con los Perrys— pero sabía que era algo que necesitaba.

lo escuché en audiolibro y, aunque no soy experta en inglés, sentí a Blair sentada conmigo, contándome todo con un amor y una compasión increíbles. así se siente escucharla. llegó en el momento ideal: estaba en una situación tan difícil que creía que la ansiedad me ganaría, pero ahora sé que, aunque vuelva a sentirla, mi Dios me sostiene.

he empezado a practicar la oración constante y específica. gracias a lo que Blair me ayudó a entender, pude recordar de manera fresca el ir a Jesús una y otra vez, con confianza y —aunque temblando— sin miedo a ser juzgada por Dios. Él es quien calma mis miedos y me ayuda a vivir sin temor.

[Hannah]

‘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.

[Christina]

I'm really so torn about this one. I think I went into this with high expectations, wanting a simultaneously biblical and practical resource to recommend to those struggling with anxiety, or those wanting to come alongside them. I heard Blair on a podcast talk tangentially to this topic and was so encouraged... but the book fell short for me.

The first few chapters felt so scattered, I couldn't even get my bearings in what was being talked about, even in a mostly healthy headspace; I can't imagine trying to wrap my head around it while clouded by anxiety.
There were a couple chapters in the middle that were practically helpful (while biblically sound).
The last few chapters... were biblically sound, but again largely scattered and confusing to follow in any large scale.
The appendices are full of biblical truth to rehearse and practical tips and resources. Might be worth the price of admission if you don't feel equipped to find those things elsewhere.

Overall I wouldn't recommend this to someone struggling with anxiety. I might recommend it to someone wanting to come alongside those struggling in a biblically sound, holistic manner... maybe.

[Sharon]

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]

“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.📘