Control Freak: Let your restless heart meet the reign of Christ

by Jonny Ivey

Do you feel secure? Is trusting difficult? Is your solution to grab control?

Meet Jonny, a Christian believer and a self-confessed control freak. Here he takes a perceptive, honest, and often hilarious, look at his personal struggles with the “How can my restless heart meet the reign of Christ?”

Let’s face it, Jonny’s not alone. We all lack security in a scary world of unknowns. We feel vulnerable. Anything could happen.But could it? What if the Christian life is something we’ve been called to through the promises and provision of a sovereign King and a good, good Father? Someone who is powerfully bringing about his wise plans and planning for our good?

This book enables us to surrender self-rule and instead delight in God’s goodness and greatness. Yes, we worship the Ruler of the universe, but we also bask in the love of a kind Father who desires only our very best.

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

Jonny and Joanna Ivey are part of The Gate Church in Birmingham, UK, a plant on a multi-ethnic estate in the city centre, and they both work as civil servants. Jonny is Senior Editor of Heirs Magazine and has written On Purpose: Enjoying Life As It Was Intended (Cruciform / Desiring God Partnership). They have a son, Josiah, and a daughter, Halle.

Reviews

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely thankful to Jonny for writing this book. Thank you for the way you humbly challenge those reading the book to consider their desire for control, for being vulnerable and opening about what this has looked like in your life, but most importantly - continuing to point us to Jesus Christ and the freedom He gives.

[Lucy Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the top 10 Christian books I've ever read. Jonny Ivey is so incredibly honest and personal (the appendix particularly!!) about his own struggles in being a control freak that brings such a relatability. This isn't just a case of "let go and let God" but what it looks like to partner with him, whilst trusting entirely in his sovereignty, and acknowledging it's a life long journey. I cannot recommend this more highly and so grateful to be leading book club on it. Definitely will be one to re-read.

[Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most challenging, insightful, and helpful books I’ve read in very long time. Ivey lights a path from the darkness of self-sovereignty to the light of resting and reigning as a prayerful steward in the eternal Sovereign’s kingdom.

[Andrew Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book on the topic! Tons of examples that are relatable and super helpful! He consistently encourages us to trust Jesus in helpful and tangible ways.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be one of those "let Jesus takes the wheel" thing on the few pages. However, when I came to that part when Ivey tells his readers that God want us to rule with Him, that perks me up to continue reading. From that point, Control Freak is not another forgettable release but I book that really hit the main point of us Christians in this fallen world. I like the vulnerable words of the author that secures us that we are in this journey. Partnered with a solid biblical insight, Ivey's latest book shows us how to lay down those sinful tendencies and find Christ as the end of our anxiousness. In other words, this book clearly shows who really is the sovereign One. Freedom is not too far from us to grasp, through this book will assist us to see that it's possible. This book goes to my 2025 best reads.

My verdict:

5 out of 5

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I didn't know I needed to read!

I was given this book to review, and although curious about it, I didn't have any real expectations. Until reading this book, I hadn't realised how strong my inclination towards being in control was - money, health, diet, time... and relationships. The author's blunt honesty about 'control freaks' coercive behaviour, and desire for others to acknowledge that they are right in their beliefs and habits was convicting and challenging. It shed light on my own relationships and behaviour.

This isn't just a self-help book (although that may appeal more to control freaks taste). It continually points to the gospel, the freedom we have as we accept the rule of our loving father, and the rest we have in Christ. I need to keep reflecting about how I pursue godly stewardship, and being aware of when I tend towards ungodly control.