Take Heart: God’s Comfort for Anxious Thoughts: God's Comfort for Anxious Thoughts

by Lindsay Hausch

Real life can be a real mess.

Feelings of anxiety can attack, overwhelm, and drag us down. We want to turn away from others and rely on ourselves to escape the situation. But God will not let go of you. He will meet you in the midst of your darkness, in the place where you think you are farthest from Him.

Author Lindsay Hausch is no stranger to real-life struggles with anxious thoughts. She knows that, even with the power of God's grace, overcoming anxious thoughts is not as simple as praying enough or having enough faith. Instead, the struggle can be a training ground for spiritual growth. God's love for you is present.

So take heart, He promises that His grace is sufficient.

Genres: Christian

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading Take Heart over a week ago, and I am still thinking deeply about its key lessons and stories and reflecting on and implementing what I read. Lindsay’s work makes you want to read, think, marinate and then come back to it and re-read it. She beautifully relates memories and bible verses to the challenges of every day life, the complexities of relationships, and the growth each of us experiences. Lindsay has many wonderful insights on life, with topics ranging from writing to faith to matters of the heart, which makes this book a fantastic read. Take Heart really resonated with me because I personally have had some of the same anxious thoughts, but Lindsay was able to beautifully put these thoughts into words. I highly recommend this book.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a great book to read through with a group of friends! Hausch writes from a “we’re in this together” voice—relatable and encouraging. She meets the readers right where they are and offers comfort, hope, and perspective— directly from God’s Word. At the end of each chapter are key Bible verses, a short Bible study, and a practical application step that helps readers take the concepts and put them into practice in their own lives.

[Sarah Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I set about reading Take Heart with the intention of helping someone else. I confess I even viewed the reading as an important item to check off of my ever-growing list. But as soon as I delved into its delicious depths, I stumbled upon my own gaping anxiety, my struggles with pride and perfection, and my hunger to read more and more of Lindsay’s story that felt so similar to my own. As Lindsay so aptly puts it, “my anxiety humbles me and strips me of pretense” (p. 19). Yet even though I want God to use me for His good, I still have my own agenda and want Him to follow my script. And still, as I relinquish my need for approval and perfection to instead live loved by God, taking time for breaks from our culture’s hurried pace, I allow my life to be defined by Him and His purpose rather than by pressures. Perhaps the biggest aha moment for me was in Lindsay’s beautiful epiphany by Martin Luther: “We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it.” As Lindsay points out, there is freedom in resting in God’s timing and purpose – in relationships that are not yet or no longer warm, and even in our desire for an important calling. As we rest in His Spirit, “we can just show up—with half-done to-do lists, messy emotions, guilt, and uncertainty—while He grows something beautiful from the soil of who we are, the work of His capable and creative hands.” (p. 170)

[Ronald R. Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has had anxious thoughts and excessive worry from my childhood well through my adult life, I found this book very appealing and helpful. I was fortunate to have been able to make steps, through a renewed faith starting in my mid-30's that helped in managing compulsive fear and worry, but it has been a journey that will likely continue until I am called home to the Lord. "Take Heart" is so genuine and heartfelt that it strongly affirmed the incredibly positive impact that Biblical teaching and prayer have had in my achieving progress. It reminded me that progress in this life is so often three steps forward and two steps back, Such is our life in a broken and sinful world. Though this book is written for women, most of the lessons are equally helpful to men. And lessons not fully applicable to men are helpful in understanding the women in our lives.

[Michelle Diercks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who struggles with anxiety, this book spoke to my heart. It was a beautiful reminder that God meets us right where we are and can strengthen us through our weaknesses. I highly recommend this book. This would be a great book to read on your own or discuss in a small group or book club.

[Michael Lilienthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good to mine in this book. Our book study found great blessings using Hausch's writing as a springboard for discussion. And several of the study questions and activities will likely bear fruit in revisiting.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an honest and real book. It reminded me that God meets us in our messes and can use our messes to be a light in the world. Any shame I may have is dispelled. I love her statement, " My baggage becomes a toolbox for showing love to a world that is just as broken as we are." I will be going back to this book many times and highlighting as I go.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone deals with anxious thoughts at times. Sometimes those thoughts are passing, and other times they swirl like an angry vortex in our minds. Take Heart invites us to consider our anxieties through the lens of God and his promises. Although we struggle and may wonder why God allows such anxious thoughts to plague us, it is also an opportunity to draw closer to God and experience his comfort and strength through Word and Sacrament as we face these anxieties daily. This book is a balance between friendly conversation over a cup of coffee, practical advice to deal with anxious thoughts, and Bible study.

Take Heart is an excellent book for individual or group study. Suggested Bible passages and questions invite readers to dig deeper and help them apply the various chapters’ themes to their individual situations.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing and timely book! Lindsay’s approach to comfort comes from personal experience. She combines a wealth of scriptural truths seamlessly with advice for practical application in day-to-day living. If you are looking for a book to reassure, comfort, and advise you on what life really looks like for a child of God who simply can’t “get over” anxiety, look no further. You will find much hope, and a true Friend on the journey, in the pages of Lindsay’s book.

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually avoid Christian books addressing anxiety because most have made me feel guilty; made me feel that my anxiety and worry is a grievous sin; and that it is my fault and I should repent. How can I reconcile that with the natural anxieties that flow through me day by day, most of which I feel I have very little control?
I was also a bit hesitant to read this knowing it was written by a wife and mother of three- Could I possibly relate to her? Her life is so different than mine. How could she know what I'm facing? Her struggles as a mother are probably different than mine as a 30ish year old bachelor trying to find his way in life.
Let it be said, this is the best book on comfort for anxiety that I have ever read. Lindsay does not approach the topic in that anxiety is something we should be ashamed of; rather, something we should fully embrace and use to lean into trusting God and our Savior. While she will occasionally include anecdotes about her family, it's definitely not the focus... Rather, this addresses anxiety for what it is. As I read through the book, I felt that Lindsay became a close friend (though we've never met) and someone whom I'd love to have coffee with and discuss our similar, yet different struggles and rejoice in the goodness of the Gospel. I read it through once; and now I am going back to re-read with highlighters and pens to mark it up and savor it for every drop of rich Gospel and comfort it is worth.
I recommend this book to anyone- we all have our anxious thoughts... some more than others. It is the best book I have read on the matter and is full of Scripture and Jesus and Comfort. Published by CPH. Thank you, Lindsay!

[Deb Burma · Rating 5 out of 5]

More often than I’d like to admit, I'm a big ole' ball of anxiety. Truth be told, countless people struggle a little or a lot with anxious thoughts. In Take Heart, author Lindsay Hausch is vulnerable and honest, naming and examining anxiety as she shares her own struggles with it. Deeply relatable and Scripture-rich, this refreshing resource enabled me to examine my own anxious thoughts in the light of God’s redemptive love, extravagant grace, and constant presence in Christ Jesus. Profoundly helpful, Take Heart led me to recognize that my anxious thoughts may be the very place God meets me as He grows my faith, gives me comfort, and equips me to provide comfort and grace to others. Lindsay says, “As we are honest about our own struggle with anxious thoughts and the comfort we receive in Jesus, the comfort we offer others becomes vulnerable and real." I’ll be returning to this incredible resource again and again, sharing it with others, and resting in the truth that Jesus loves this ball of anxiety, unraveled or not.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who struggles with anxiety and OCD, this book brought so much comfort and helped to reframe how I approached fear. Lindsay's message of God using our weaknesses to draw us closer to Him and others resonated with me, and reminded me to share in my struggles with others along my journey. Beautifully written and brimming with hope!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Bible Study! Excellent real life examples of anxiety triggers, how to utilize the gifts and tools God has given us to refocus our thoughts, and relying on our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to walk this road of life. Thank you, Lindsay, for a wonderful Spirit-inspired resource.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and helpful. A great resource for anyone who deals with or works with people who struggle with anxious thoughts

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Bible study for anyone who has ever been anxious. Good for small groups and for individual study.

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Heart was like a cup of chamomile tea for my soul. Lindsay Hausch's warm tone invited me to sit down and slowly sip on the truth of God's Word. She assured me that anxious thoughts can actually bring me closer to God as I come to Him again and again. Hausch openly shares her own struggles with anxiety, but then clearly outlines how God's love and acceptance of each one of us can drive away our doubt and insecurities that can lead to anxious thoughts.

The book is divided into three sections: The Heart of God, The Heart of Community, and The Heart of Calling. My favorite section was The Heart of Calling where Hausch encourages us not to buy into our culture's tendency to define our worth by achievements and productivity. She asks, "What if God wants us to see our calling as freedom to live in His grace and trust in His process?" Redefining my calling in this way feels like chamomile to my soul.

Grab this book, cup of chamomile tea, and don't forget a highlighter as you will want to underline many wonderful passages.

[Molly Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay puts perfectly into words what so many are feeling with their anxious thoughts. I have learned that I am not alone in feeling guilty over having anxiety. God cares about our every thought and invites us to come to Him with our anxious thoughts. This book was beautifully written and so incredibly helpful.

[Anna Kettle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where anxiety seems to be so rife, this book is a timely & much needed companion. The author mixes her own personal experiences with Bible-based teaching, and provides plenty of space for personal reflection too. A great tool for anyone looking for support with this issue.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for learning how to handle anxiety from a Christian perspective. Lindsay's writing is easy to read, understand, and apply to life. Her tips are practical, and the end of chapter reflection questions serve as great journal prompts for those times of anxious thoughts.

[Sheryl VerWey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps me see how God is working in my life with my anxieties and concerns so that I can then help others

[A.C. Bauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many books can she read at one time? And will she ever actually finish any of them...? Wait & see! :D

UPDATE! I have now finished two of them! :D

I love it when you find the perfect Bible study at the perfect time.

A friend of mine wanted to do a weekly virtual Bible study together, and she chose this one. We both were greatly blessed by it due to major life events we each wrestled with while working through this book together.

The lessons provide a great balance of personal anecdote and biblical exegesis, and the questions are also a good balance of delving deeper into the scripture readings and self-reflection.

I highly recommend this study for anyone, but particularly those who struggle with anxious or ruminating thoughts.

And MOST especially for those of us who struggle with guilt for even experiencing anxiety, thanks to prior toxic "church" conditioning (e.g., "if you just had enough faith... if you just prayed harder/more... if you just trusted God more... etc. etc. etc. you wouldn't be so anxious).