Strengthening Your Grip: How to be Grounded in a Chaotic World

by Charles R. Swindoll

One of Charles R. Swindoll's most powerful works, Strengthen Your Grip has sold over one million copies. Now in paperback, this revised and updated edition speaks more eloquently today than ever before to a world coming apart at its seams.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Faith

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[David J. Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book meant to address intentionality. Each chapter addresses a different area of life in which we are haphazard and lacking reflection. Some of the chapters (the one on prayer for instance) are gold. The main problem with the book is that it does not deal with the problem of intentionality in general. Swindoll teaches how to apply intentional thinking to various spheres of life, but not how to actually cultivate this mindset. I came away from the book wanting less application of the idea and more of the idea itself.

[Huyen Thu To Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will give us a clear definition of what we prioritize in life and the values that we put. It's a great tool for us to examine way we are living in this world. 16 chapters of the book aim at 16 significant areas of our daily life - How to put priorities; How to involve in a community; How to deal with integrity; How to set our right attitudes; How to strengthen your family, and etc.
This book is powerful by giving us a space to examine ourselves and revealing us the truth and principles in life.

[Maverek Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written to the Christian audience from the 1980’s, but all the points that Chuck Swindoll wrote on in this book are more than applicable today. It seems like all the things that he touched on have simply become amplified over the past 30 years, and he gives very practical advice on how we can navigate this world through the lens of Scripture.

I think this book will do good for anyone who seems like they are wrestling with things like discipleship, prayer, leisure, purity, integrity and a load of others

[Cyndi Beane-Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as the title insinuates, this is basically a "How-To" manual on how to stay grounded as a Christian in a secular world. A world that is fast becoming more and more secular. Never has a time needed Christians to more firmly grounded in their faith and belief than now. To keep a "grip" on those truths and promises that God has made for us.

Swindoll, well known minister and teacher, leads into thought provoking spots and scenarios where we know we've all been before. And gives us a guide of how to stay true to our beliefs, even when the chaos is swirling all around us.

I absolutely adored this book. Written in such a way that it wasn't "preachy", but friendly. Like one good friend talking to another. Yu are instantly engaged and ready for more.


I took my time with this book, although a part of me wanted to rip right through it. I wanted to truly absorb this teaching. To make it "stick" with me for the long haul. Life is precious. Life is fun. And it's all too easy to be pulled into what is popular and everyone else is doing if we aren't careful. Swindoll offers you a life preserver to stay afloat for the long haul. Not only that, but he offers you hope and faith that can make this life so wonderful as we anticipate what is to come in the next if we but remain faithful.

I highly recommend this book for all.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book many years ago to lead discussions regarding various aspects of the Christian Walk. Swindoll is often a little light in areas, but this one hit the mark for me, especially as he discussed setting priorities, etc.

An excellent book with some fine truths expounded in a light and easy-to-read manner.

[Carolyn Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books by Charles Swindoll - so well written, clear, thought provoking and Biblically based. This is no exception. The chapters cover how to strengthen your grip on (amongst other things) priorities, purity, money, the family and even aging, with questions at the end for discussion or private consideration.

[Jim Hoffecker]

Interesting book on how we need to connect with God in various areas of our lives. Even through it was published almost 30 years ago it is not outdated. I found that some of the issues raised have continued to decline such as family life since the initial printing of the book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dated but really a very good book covering a variety of topic that are still relevant today.

[Brenda Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Caracter. Excellent book and author!

[Mary Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps put one on the right perspective.

[Madi Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles R. Swindoll had four personal priorities when writing this book for both the reader and himself. The first priority was to set a firm foundation - be biblical. The second priority was to apply the truth of Scriptures – be authentic. The third priority, was to develop a compassionate attitude – be gracious, and the fourth priority was to stay current / always up to date – be relevant (1 Thessalonians 2:1-13).

He did such a wonderful job by accomplishing his priority of staying relevant, by keeping a fresh and timeless take on societal issues and distractions that can loosen our grip on certain areas in life. With 16 chapters and compartments in life on where to strengthen our grip, chapter 4 (strengthening our grip on purity), chapter 5 (strengthening our group on money), and chapter 10 (strengthening our group on leisure) really spoke to me.

As you can guess, strengthening our grip on purity talks about how we are to take control of our bodies, and present ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). This is not limited to sexual purity, but talks about obedience, behavior, and overall representation of our faith in God while also holding the spiritual body accountable. He states “where is the Christian friend who is willing to risk being misunderstood to help another believer come to repentance and full restoration?” He gives a relevant take on what purity in the body and of the body both look like.

In chapter 5, strengthening our grip on money, he talks about how we should not trust in our wealth for security. How sometimes money can distract us from the giver instead of the gift, and can quickly leave our pockets. Most of us know these things, but what I like most about this chapter is that he says to become a generous person in giving. He states “be generous with your time, your efforts, your energy, your encouragement, and, yes, your money.”

Lastly, in chapter 10, strengthening your grip on leisure he talks about the importance of rest to be fully productive and related to how the Lord our God rested on the seventh day. He speaks how most people view leisure as a sin, or something that they are not allowed to do. That sometimes we reserve rest for the wealthy, or for people who are rich and don’t need to work, but it is for everyone, and it is needed for everyone. He encourages us to deliberately stop being absorbed with the endless details of life, and to consciously start taking time for leisure and rest.

Charles R. Swindoll is an excellent author, although I do not do him justice with this brief review, his book had me constantly turning pages and engaged throughout the whole thing. Very relevant, very fresh, and not redundant or cliché.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some years ago while I was perusing the book section in a local thrift store I closed my eyes and prayed to find a book I should read. When I opened my eyes I was drawn to “Improving Your Serve” by Charles Swindoll. I laughed because I thought it was a book about volleyball. Then I realized it was about servant leadership. That book kind of reoriented my thinking by introducing me to servant leadership - leading through serving others as Jesus did.

A few weeks ago I was perusing the book section at a local thrift store. I didn’t close my eyes and pray this time but I laughed when my eyes were drawn to another Charles Swindoll book. I had to buy it. The idea of strengthening my grip on fundamental beliefs, practices, and values is very compelling to me - especially since some of those have changed since I found Swindoll’s first book. I don’t want to drift back to clutching too hard but a solid foundation is important. This book helped me think about that foundation, was challenging and compelling at times, but made me let out a little sigh and eye roll at other times.

One idea that keeps coming up around me is that we need to take action and act on our beliefs and values even if it means we risk being misunderstood.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four + stars. Very practical book and timeless lessons for Christian living. Many of the themes Swindoll explains were topics of entire books that he has published, thus making this book a form of executive summary of his writings. Although written in 1982 this remains solid teaching, if only the post-modern reader would disregard some historical markers (Cold War references). Some of the most important topics, retaining their relevancy today, are on strengthening our grip on: priorities, money, integrity, aging, leisure, attitudes, and authority.

[Annetta Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy hearing Charles Swindoll's audible readings. His narrator is so well talented & keeps you wanting to continue listening. These words were words I needed to hear and will continue to remind myself in my Christian life. It is a reminder that my life, as I persevere with true character, is a representation of Christ.

[Tim Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written in the 1980's, this book is as relevant today as then. The book talks about strengthening your grip on faith, family stewardship and many other parts of the walk you have in the Christian faith.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this study on different areas of life and how we need to advance in the Lord.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Essentials in an Aimless World"

[Maricar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great help on my Christianity.