Whatever Is True: A Christian View of Anxiety

by William Woodington

Commands like “do not worry” and “fear not” often grace the pages of Scripture whenever God or one of his messengers visits an ordinary believer. For Christians struggling with anxiety, these phrases may appear to be more of a challenge than a comfort. Although books on anxiety can be found in any store, many of them tell readers to help themselves. How can sufferers find strength on their own?

Author William Woodington takes a different approach to handling anxiety by reminding believers that all of their help comes from the Lord. Whatever Is True equips readers with numerous Bible passages to help them face anxiety with the truth of the gospel. Armed with a new perspective on suffering and assurance of God’s love, those facing anxiety will discover an unending source of peace and strength throughout the book.

Genres: Christian

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2020

Reviews

[Michael Lilienthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick but nourishing read. I think this tiny volume will be helpful for anyone suffering with anxiety or facing any other issues. At the center is the theme of comfort - that God is the one who is working and actually accomplishes his purposes.

[Jim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Woodington, man with chronic anxiety, has written a book for any child of God who struggles with anxiety. The genius of the book is that is not wordy. You will find no stories or illustrations and not a lot of exposition and application of the Bible passages that fill the eleven chapters that fill this book. What is said, however, is enough. The author connects the passages on a topic with a concise flow of comments that introduce or illuminate the passages on each chapter's topic.

This tiny book can be read in a single sitting (109 small pages), but I wouldn't recommend reading it that way. Each chapter is worth reading, taking notes or marking in the book, and reflecting on. I do not struggle with anxiety, but I imagine that those who have that struggle will want to absorb the contents of Whatever Is True and make it part of their thinking. This would be an excellent tool for a support group of people who struggle with anxiety. The group could discuss a chapter at each meeting and better appreciate what God has said to them in their distress.

William Woodington credits the book Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weekes for her concepts of "Facing, Accepting, Floating, and Letting Time Pass." As helpful as the concepts were, he concluded that she didn't have the full story. As a Christian, he sees a dimension not mentioned in her book and so he writes "in the context of dealing with anxiety and panic. That's the way God chose to discipline me to bring me closer to him." As one who suffers chronic anxiety, Woodington does not offer pat, promising but ultimately frustrating advice - rather he changes the reader's perspective.

This is an excellent approach. I'm sure many will find comfort and even joy in reading the pages of Whatever is True .

[Eric Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and to the point.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxious? Looking for ways to deal with this using what the Bible says? This is a great book to use. The author bases his explanation of what anxiety is and how to get through it on scripture. I finished the book ready to face my anxious moments and get through them. I am confident that with God and the things you learn in this book, you will make it through too