Have you ever wondered, “What is wrong with me?” or "Why can't I just control my anxiety?" When questioning our emotions, it’s easy to feel like there’s something wrong with us – especially as Christians.
When we wrestle with anxiety, depression -- even suicidal thoughts -- we can sometimes feel a deep sense of shame. We're often taught that Christians aren't supposed to experience these feelings. And if we do, we should have the strength to overcome them. But what happens when, no matter how often you pray and no matter how much faith you have, those feelings persist?
Author and pastor Toby Slough has lived this nightmare. He knows what it feels like to drown in depression and anxiety, all while feeling like he was letting down those around him. Even as a successful pastor, there was a time when waves of loneliness and shame overwhelmed him. But in the midst of crippling emotional pain and near suicide, God met Toby and changed his life with two words, Not Yet.
The message Toby received one very dark night and the lessons he's learned in the years since have brought hope and peace to thousands worldwide. No matter if you've recently experienced deep anxiety for the first time or if you've long suffered from emotional health issues for years, Not Yet will help you see that you are loved, and God has a purpose for your pain.
To be clear, Not Yet, does not promise to cure anxiety and overcome depression. Instead, it offers resources to help you learn to function – even thrive – despite the pain. You are not broken because you suffer emotional health issues. In these pages, you will redefine what success looks like for you. You’ll find that sometimes it's OK not to feel OK. And you will hear God say, "Not Yet," and know to keep swimming upstream towards His promises.
The author spoke at my church, a church that I had just barely started going to. He was a great speaker with a very helpful message. His book was the same message with a few more details.
I am glad I was an athlete growing up. It taught me the importance of not only practice but consistent practice. I learned through therapy that mental health is the same way. I am learning now that my relationship with God is similar. This book was a great tool in the toolbox for a realistic look into mental health and religion. And how both require hard work.
When Toby slough spoke at my church, his story hit me deep in my heart. He helped me learn that more people than you realize struggle with anxiety, depression and panic attacks and it is not talked about enough. His book really dove deep into his own testimony and how he has been able to deal with it. I’m glad I got this book and would recommend it to anyone else struggling with anxiety and depression.
I think this book is very moving. I like how raw Toby is and if you ever get a chance to see him speak in person you need to! The only thing about this book is if you have heard him talk about his anxiety like I did as a guest pastor at my church the sermon says almost everything in the book.