What do you think?
Rate this book
On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living
We aren't always honest about how difficult normal human life is.
For the majority of people, sorrow, despair, anxiety, and mental illness are everyday experiences. While we have made tremendous advancements in therapy and psychiatry, the burden of living still comes down to mundane choices that we each must make—like the daily choice to get out of bed.
In this deeply personal essay, Alan Noble considers the unique burden of everyday life in the modern world. Sometimes, he writes, the choice to carry on amid great suffering—to simply get out of bed—is itself a powerful witness to the goodness of life, and of God.
For the majority of people, sorrow, despair, anxiety, and mental illness are everyday experiences. While we have made tremendous advancements in therapy and psychiatry, the burden of living still comes down to mundane choices that we each must make—like the daily choice to get out of bed.
In this deeply personal essay, Alan Noble considers the unique burden of everyday life in the modern world. Sometimes, he writes, the choice to carry on amid great suffering—to simply get out of bed—is itself a powerful witness to the goodness of life, and of God.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
224 people are currently reading
9004 people want to read
About the author
Alan Noble
4 books550 followersDr. O. Alan Noble is Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University and author of numerous articles and a couple books.
In his youth, Alan lived in Lancaster, CA, where he was very homeschooled by his mother. At 16, he finished high school and began attending Antelope Valley College, pursuing a certificate in music which he earned but never filled out the paperwork for, so it probably doesn't count. He did, however, meet his wife, Brittany, at AVC, which definitely counts. Alan continued his undergraduate work at the Cal State Bakersfield satellite campus at AVC, earning his degree in English. Then he earned his Master's in English at CSUB-AV, writing his thesis on Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian under the supervision of Dr. Steven Frye.
Other things Alan did while in Southern California: tutored high school felons at a probation camp; substituted at various high schools; helped produce, write, rap, engineer, and record two hip-hop albums; taught composition and literature at Antelope Valley College; went bald; got married.
In 2007, Richard Clark contacted Alan about joining a new venture he was starting called Christ and Pop Culture. That November, Alan began writing and then editing for the site. Brittany and Alan moved to Waco, TX to pursue graduate degrees at Baylor University in 2008. While at Baylor, Alan studied under Ralph Wood, David Lyle Jeffrey, Luke Ferretter, and Richard Russell. His dissertation was written under the supervision of Dr. Ferretter and was titled Manifestations of transcendence in twentieth-century American fiction : F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carson McCullers, J.D. Salinger, and Cormac McCarthy. Charles Taylor's work on secularism and the self formed the theoretical basis for the dissertation and much of Alan's later writing. While in Waco, Brittany and Alan had two children, Eleanor and Quentin, and they attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church. At nights, Alan continued to write and edit for Christ and Pop Culture, now with the title Managing Editor.
In the fall of 2014, the Nobles moved to Shawnee, OK, where Alan accepted a position as Assistant Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. After Richard Clark left Christ and Pop Culture for Christianity Today, Alan became editor-in-chief at the site. At this time, Alan began writing for The Atlantic, Christianity Today, and First Things, particularly on issues related to pluralism and secularism. The Nobles' third child, Frances, was born in 2015. As the 2016 election ramped up, Alan launched the group Public Faith with Michael Wear to offer an alternative evangelical political voice. He also joined The AND Campaign as an advisor.
Alan has written articles for Christian publications such as Modern Reformation, InTouch Magazine, and Christianity Today and for secular publications like VOX, Buzzfeed, and The Atlantic. He has been interviewed, quoted, or cited in a number of major publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, MTV News, MSNBC, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Politico, Village Voice, Yahoo! News, ThinkProgress, The Blaze, WORLD Magazine, and Slate. And he has spoken at colleges, churches, and youth groups on a range of topics related to the church and culture.
The Nobles attend City Pres in Oklahoma City.
In his youth, Alan lived in Lancaster, CA, where he was very homeschooled by his mother. At 16, he finished high school and began attending Antelope Valley College, pursuing a certificate in music which he earned but never filled out the paperwork for, so it probably doesn't count. He did, however, meet his wife, Brittany, at AVC, which definitely counts. Alan continued his undergraduate work at the Cal State Bakersfield satellite campus at AVC, earning his degree in English. Then he earned his Master's in English at CSUB-AV, writing his thesis on Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian under the supervision of Dr. Steven Frye.
Other things Alan did while in Southern California: tutored high school felons at a probation camp; substituted at various high schools; helped produce, write, rap, engineer, and record two hip-hop albums; taught composition and literature at Antelope Valley College; went bald; got married.
In 2007, Richard Clark contacted Alan about joining a new venture he was starting called Christ and Pop Culture. That November, Alan began writing and then editing for the site. Brittany and Alan moved to Waco, TX to pursue graduate degrees at Baylor University in 2008. While at Baylor, Alan studied under Ralph Wood, David Lyle Jeffrey, Luke Ferretter, and Richard Russell. His dissertation was written under the supervision of Dr. Ferretter and was titled Manifestations of transcendence in twentieth-century American fiction : F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carson McCullers, J.D. Salinger, and Cormac McCarthy. Charles Taylor's work on secularism and the self formed the theoretical basis for the dissertation and much of Alan's later writing. While in Waco, Brittany and Alan had two children, Eleanor and Quentin, and they attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church. At nights, Alan continued to write and edit for Christ and Pop Culture, now with the title Managing Editor.
In the fall of 2014, the Nobles moved to Shawnee, OK, where Alan accepted a position as Assistant Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. After Richard Clark left Christ and Pop Culture for Christianity Today, Alan became editor-in-chief at the site. At this time, Alan began writing for The Atlantic, Christianity Today, and First Things, particularly on issues related to pluralism and secularism. The Nobles' third child, Frances, was born in 2015. As the 2016 election ramped up, Alan launched the group Public Faith with Michael Wear to offer an alternative evangelical political voice. He also joined The AND Campaign as an advisor.
Alan has written articles for Christian publications such as Modern Reformation, InTouch Magazine, and Christianity Today and for secular publications like VOX, Buzzfeed, and The Atlantic. He has been interviewed, quoted, or cited in a number of major publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, MTV News, MSNBC, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Politico, Village Voice, Yahoo! News, ThinkProgress, The Blaze, WORLD Magazine, and Slate. And he has spoken at colleges, churches, and youth groups on a range of topics related to the church and culture.
The Nobles attend City Pres in Oklahoma City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 743 reviews
November 16, 2022
What do you expect from Alan "Noble"? Well, he has more of that, but different. In many ways this is a new book. Readers who have come to expect deep cultural criticism will not be disappointed except by this book, which is something else. It's not memoir, self help, or professional mental health advice. I don't know what it is. A long letter from a friend? I'm sure Alan wishes that this book reads like a letter Buddy Glass would write, but he's no Salinger. I recommend this book to everyone who suffers mentally at any point in their lives.
December 19, 2022
Due to my PMDD, even with medication, I spend part of each month unable to see the goodness of existence; during those times, I feel pain at being alive. Consciousness can feel unbearable. I wish that the oblivion of sleep would just continue, forever.
Because my mental illness is perfectly cyclical, every month I stare down my next episode and try to prepare. I try to wrap up bigger projects, visit friends, clean, work out, and enjoy the beauty of music and nature, which I know will become invisible to me again. Again and again and again. Month after month. Year after year.
This short book, with short, direct sentences, is perfectly suited to someone in this state. The idea that, in this state, we must sometimes simply entrust others with the belief that life is worth living, that we can in fact relinquish our basic epistemic need to see things as they are, and let others experience the reality of goodness while we walk in darkness for a time—this idea has been a handhold to cling to when I hang over the abyss. Thanks to Alan Noble for putting it to words, and to the loved ones who bear witness to the goodness of creation.
Because my mental illness is perfectly cyclical, every month I stare down my next episode and try to prepare. I try to wrap up bigger projects, visit friends, clean, work out, and enjoy the beauty of music and nature, which I know will become invisible to me again. Again and again and again. Month after month. Year after year.
This short book, with short, direct sentences, is perfectly suited to someone in this state. The idea that, in this state, we must sometimes simply entrust others with the belief that life is worth living, that we can in fact relinquish our basic epistemic need to see things as they are, and let others experience the reality of goodness while we walk in darkness for a time—this idea has been a handhold to cling to when I hang over the abyss. Thanks to Alan Noble for putting it to words, and to the loved ones who bear witness to the goodness of creation.
May 15, 2023
This book would be especially helpful to someone with depression or those who have loved ones who are mentally downcast.
April 5, 2024
4.5. Raw, poignant, hopeful reflections from a gifted writer. This book is bracing balm for depressive people. I imagine I’ll recommend it a lot over the years.
January 19, 2025
If you’re a Christian who has suffered from weariness, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, pain, loss, grief, illness, mental illness, or any other difficulty; or if you’re a Christian who lives every day in the reality of heavy darkness, you need this book.
January 22, 2024
This will be the first book I now recommend to college students on the experience of mental illness and how hard life can be.
January 27, 2023
In the grey haze after Christmas, John and I used several hours of our drive home to talk about those New Years' reflection questions. (The ones about reflecting on the past year, taking a measure of your heart, soul, body, and mind.) They're quite helpful–until one of them makes you realize "I've woken up sad every day for the last ten years." I knew this, but I didn't know it.
I've read a generous handful of books on depression; I've watched sermons and listened to podcasts and talked to counselors; I've spent many a morning looking for a spoonful of comfort in the Psalms. There are good seasons, when the tide recedes and I find my feet again. But I spend most of my life at high tide, paddling to stay afloat. And I spend several nights a year with my head underwater.
Here's the thing about being a person: it's hard a lot (if not most) of the time, but sometimes there seems to be an unspoken expectation from other persons that "no actually, it isn't, what are you talking about?" And that cognitive dissonance only serves to make the hard parts harder.
There are a lot of helpful truths for those whose minds are their biggest battlefield, but the core question we really need answered is: "Why should I get out of bed?" Which is just another way of saying, "What am I doing here?"
Noble cuts to the chase with this one, and I appreciate him for it. He includes what's needed, and leaves the rest. His writing is incisive and compassionate.
Thanks to IVP for the ARC. I'm excited to share more quotes once this releases.
I've read a generous handful of books on depression; I've watched sermons and listened to podcasts and talked to counselors; I've spent many a morning looking for a spoonful of comfort in the Psalms. There are good seasons, when the tide recedes and I find my feet again. But I spend most of my life at high tide, paddling to stay afloat. And I spend several nights a year with my head underwater.
Here's the thing about being a person: it's hard a lot (if not most) of the time, but sometimes there seems to be an unspoken expectation from other persons that "no actually, it isn't, what are you talking about?" And that cognitive dissonance only serves to make the hard parts harder.
There are a lot of helpful truths for those whose minds are their biggest battlefield, but the core question we really need answered is: "Why should I get out of bed?" Which is just another way of saying, "What am I doing here?"
Noble cuts to the chase with this one, and I appreciate him for it. He includes what's needed, and leaves the rest. His writing is incisive and compassionate.
Thanks to IVP for the ARC. I'm excited to share more quotes once this releases.
Read
February 21, 2024There isn’t space to write down all the things that are beautiful about this book. You should just read it. If you do or have struggled to get out of bed, you should read it. If you know someone who does, you should read it.
If you need the sweet reminder that Jesus doesn’t break bruised reeds, that the Christian life is marked by suffering (the specificities of which we don’t choose for ourselves), and that the goodness of God can be felt, known, and given away to others by the simple act of living, you should read it.
My husband read it and immediately bought a second copy so he’d have one ready in his office to give away, and I’ll probably do the same.
If you need the sweet reminder that Jesus doesn’t break bruised reeds, that the Christian life is marked by suffering (the specificities of which we don’t choose for ourselves), and that the goodness of God can be felt, known, and given away to others by the simple act of living, you should read it.
My husband read it and immediately bought a second copy so he’d have one ready in his office to give away, and I’ll probably do the same.
August 21, 2024
Not a book of psychology, self-help, or even a theology of suffering... this unique book was the right book at the right time for me personally - and I hope for many others.
It conveys frustrations I've had in articulate ways only an astutely observant, fellow sufferer can.
A book that illuminates many of the increasingly recurring conversations my husband I have about the difficulties of life at the moment, and where the "normal" hardship of living ends and the "treatable" mental affliction begins. Alan is a compassionate guide here.
Echoing fellow reader Laura:
"I've read all of Alan Noble's books, and this is his best. It's the most pointed, the most direct, the most urgent, the most tender. I imagine Disruptive Witness was like a talk given to a big audience of strangers at a conference, and You Are Not Your Own was a chapel given to a group of fellow believers; On Getting Out of Bed is a conversation with you, just you. There's direct, sustained eye contact in this book. Noble sees your pain but he also sees all the defense mechanisms you've built up to avoid that pain. It feels like Noble has been writing around this idea and has hit the bullseye with this book."
It conveys frustrations I've had in articulate ways only an astutely observant, fellow sufferer can.
A book that illuminates many of the increasingly recurring conversations my husband I have about the difficulties of life at the moment, and where the "normal" hardship of living ends and the "treatable" mental affliction begins. Alan is a compassionate guide here.
Echoing fellow reader Laura:
"I've read all of Alan Noble's books, and this is his best. It's the most pointed, the most direct, the most urgent, the most tender. I imagine Disruptive Witness was like a talk given to a big audience of strangers at a conference, and You Are Not Your Own was a chapel given to a group of fellow believers; On Getting Out of Bed is a conversation with you, just you. There's direct, sustained eye contact in this book. Noble sees your pain but he also sees all the defense mechanisms you've built up to avoid that pain. It feels like Noble has been writing around this idea and has hit the bullseye with this book."
May 18, 2023
Like "How to Walk into Church: (praying about where to sit)" this is a book that could be a tweet:
"Life is hard, but get out of bed anyway, because that testifies God is good." But it's a really good tweet, and a really short book, so he can get away with it. There are lots of people I want to give this book to!
4 stars not 5 because it's a little repetitive, sometimes a little mushy, and he really likes The Road by Cormac McCarthy which is one of the worst books I've ever read and it made me angry.
"Life is hard, but get out of bed anyway, because that testifies God is good." But it's a really good tweet, and a really short book, so he can get away with it. There are lots of people I want to give this book to!
4 stars not 5 because it's a little repetitive, sometimes a little mushy, and he really likes The Road by Cormac McCarthy which is one of the worst books I've ever read and it made me angry.
May 1, 2023
I deeply appreciated this book. I listened to it on audio and loved it that way, and I’ll also be getting a hard copy because I think it is the sort of book to return to periodically. Definitely recommend. (It also has convinced me to reread The Road, which I loved but never thought I’d read again.)
September 8, 2023
Noble begins by confronting the false notion that the life God has called his people to must necessarily include mental health and prosperity. As a child, Noble tells us he assumed most adults lived "fairly pleasant and safe lives--not perfect lives, not without difficulties and accidents, but generally pleasant, comfortable lives: a good job, a fulfilling marriage, an exciting sex life, a photogenic family, a sense of accomplishment, a new phone, not too much debt, reasonably good health, an abiding sense of happiness, solidly middle-class, very Christian, a pleasant life, a normal life, a life I could have."
This book is for those who are grappling with the reality of lives that do not reflect this image. And if most people can't bring into fruition this view of "the good life," either we have to concede that most people's lives are not good, or we must redefine what constitutes a good life. Noble makes the case that all life is good. Existing is good. Over and over he says that suffering is a normal part of life. "Tremendous suffering is the normal experience of being in the world. Beauty and love and joy are normal, too, but so is suffering." If you are depressed, or bored, anxious, or have nothing to look forward to, there is still virtue in getting out of bed in the morning and doing the next thing. And your willingness to keep on living your life in turn affirms the lives of others.
Noble anchors his contention that all life is good on the grounds that life is created by God. "Usefulness is the sole criterion for the world [...] but you have no use value to God. You can't. There is nothing He needs. You can’t cease being useful to God because you were never useful to begin with. That’s simply not why He created you and why He continues to sustain your being in the world. It was gratuitous, prodigal. He made us just because He loves us and for His own good pleasure. Every other reason to live demands that you remain useful, and one day your use will run out." Reading this passage immediately brought to mind my dad who has early onset Alzheimers, and who deals with depression as he little by little loses what he perceives to be his usefulness. I want him to believe that his life is good, independent of his ability to be useful and productive. I want to believe that about my own life, as well.
The book is short, it normalizes mental illness, and it clearly articulates why a life of suffering is still a good life.
This book is for those who are grappling with the reality of lives that do not reflect this image. And if most people can't bring into fruition this view of "the good life," either we have to concede that most people's lives are not good, or we must redefine what constitutes a good life. Noble makes the case that all life is good. Existing is good. Over and over he says that suffering is a normal part of life. "Tremendous suffering is the normal experience of being in the world. Beauty and love and joy are normal, too, but so is suffering." If you are depressed, or bored, anxious, or have nothing to look forward to, there is still virtue in getting out of bed in the morning and doing the next thing. And your willingness to keep on living your life in turn affirms the lives of others.
Noble anchors his contention that all life is good on the grounds that life is created by God. "Usefulness is the sole criterion for the world [...] but you have no use value to God. You can't. There is nothing He needs. You can’t cease being useful to God because you were never useful to begin with. That’s simply not why He created you and why He continues to sustain your being in the world. It was gratuitous, prodigal. He made us just because He loves us and for His own good pleasure. Every other reason to live demands that you remain useful, and one day your use will run out." Reading this passage immediately brought to mind my dad who has early onset Alzheimers, and who deals with depression as he little by little loses what he perceives to be his usefulness. I want him to believe that his life is good, independent of his ability to be useful and productive. I want to believe that about my own life, as well.
The book is short, it normalizes mental illness, and it clearly articulates why a life of suffering is still a good life.
September 5, 2024
Aug 2023
I wish I had this book 10 years ago
Sep 2024
"Life will inevitably crush you, at one point or another, and your response to that suffering will testify to something. There will be times when subjectively you will be convinced that life is not worth living, and that existence is not beautiful or good but onerous and meaningless. When those times come, your obligation is to look toward others as witnesses of God's goodness, to remember your responsibilities to care for others, and to remember that you are always a witness, whether you want to be or not. But most of all, remember that you are God's beloved. This means acknowledging the objective reality that life is good, and that despite our distress, we must get up and carry on.
Your existence is a testament, a living argument, an affirmation of creation itself. When you rise each day, that act is a faint but real echo of God's "It is good." By living this life, you participate in God's act of creation, asserting with your very existence that it is a good creation." (36)
"Living with a mental illness looks a lot like falling into the same hole day after day. It's mundane and awful and tedious and inexplicable to those around you. It gets old fast." (63)
I wish I had this book 10 years ago
Sep 2024
"Life will inevitably crush you, at one point or another, and your response to that suffering will testify to something. There will be times when subjectively you will be convinced that life is not worth living, and that existence is not beautiful or good but onerous and meaningless. When those times come, your obligation is to look toward others as witnesses of God's goodness, to remember your responsibilities to care for others, and to remember that you are always a witness, whether you want to be or not. But most of all, remember that you are God's beloved. This means acknowledging the objective reality that life is good, and that despite our distress, we must get up and carry on.
Your existence is a testament, a living argument, an affirmation of creation itself. When you rise each day, that act is a faint but real echo of God's "It is good." By living this life, you participate in God's act of creation, asserting with your very existence that it is a good creation." (36)
"Living with a mental illness looks a lot like falling into the same hole day after day. It's mundane and awful and tedious and inexplicable to those around you. It gets old fast." (63)
December 24, 2023
“On Getting Out of Bed” should be a go-to resource for those suffering mentally, along with friends and family members who care for them. This book should also be required reading for those “in ministry,” as Alan models thoughtfulness, compassion, and nuance. I’m very grateful for this book.
September 10, 2024
This book is beautiful. I’ve never read a book that I felt more accurately and graciously spoke about living with suffering and mental illness, and it is the first time I’ve ever encountered writing on the subject that I found to be actually helpful. This wasn’t a feel good book or a self help situation, and I’m so glad it wasn’t. I will keep this book on my table for rereading and remembering and recommending time and again.
As a side rant for those interested:
This book was helpful and kind and understanding in all the ways I found Emotionally Healthy Spirituality to be the opposite for people experiencing mental illness. My recommendation is this: if you feel that you’re mostly fine, read EHS, I think there is some good stuff one can learn. If you know that you are not fine, or you love someone who isn’t fine, or think you might one day run into someone who is not fine, read this book.
As a side rant for those interested:
This book was helpful and kind and understanding in all the ways I found Emotionally Healthy Spirituality to be the opposite for people experiencing mental illness. My recommendation is this: if you feel that you’re mostly fine, read EHS, I think there is some good stuff one can learn. If you know that you are not fine, or you love someone who isn’t fine, or think you might one day run into someone who is not fine, read this book.
Read
January 22, 2025Wow Alan Noble does it again. I found it both gracious and helpful to people suffering with mental burdens. A major theme throughout this book is that living life as faithfully as we can while facing mental suffering is a testament to our neighbors that we believe God’s goodness. That’s a weighty call, but I don’t necessarily disagree. Overall, I’m glad that I read this book for my own sake, and for help when I am sitting with someone experiencing mental suffering.
August 18, 2024
Wonderful! So many conversations I’ve had with students flooded my mind when reading this…and I wish I had this book to give to them then. But more, I wish I had this book for myself years ago.
Mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts, or even the normal wearing of life….this is one of the best books to be seen and known…then pushed to Jesus without cliches and quick fixes.
Mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts, or even the normal wearing of life….this is one of the best books to be seen and known…then pushed to Jesus without cliches and quick fixes.
December 4, 2023
This book started out really great, with an engaging and relevant first chapter that established how so many outside entities are trying to sell a "one-size-fits-all" approach to life -- but acknowledging that one doesn't exist. Then, the book proceeded to use the next 75 pages to push an evangelical lifestyle claiming that all one must do is submit to God and everything else will work out. Talk about hypocrisy. I wouldn't have finished it if it weren't so short.
May 10, 2023
This was so good. Very helpful for anyone who has ever struggled to find the courage to get up in the morning or if you know someone who has (all of us). Best Christian book on mental health (or mental suffering as Noble calls it) that I have ever encountered. Affirms the experience of living in an inhumane world while staying rooted in the Biblical story that ends in joy. Just beautiful.
February 8, 2024
Everyone needs to listen to or read this. Normalizing suffering and the mental weight it carries is a key piece of living life well with other believers. There’s so much help to be found in this book, and I loved the consistent message that life given from the Lord is always a good thing, even when we can’t see it that way. We do not trust our own understanding, and can submit ourselves in faith to him knowing he promises a beautiful new beginning.
May 7, 2023
This book is full of wisdom and kindness. If you struggle with depression, whether diagnosed or otherwise, these words will be a balm and encouragement to your soul. I read this in a day and it really ministered to me. I will be rereading it and giving it to others.
December 3, 2023
I rarely feel this seen... such a great book.
July 14, 2025
This would have been a very precious and needed read for me years ago, thankful to have it as a resource in future / to pass on to friends.
February 17, 2024
I really didn’t like this one- not because it was all bad or poorly done, I just didn’t think it was a good tone. It wasn’t mean, but it wasn’t empathetic. It continually said that having a bad day and chronic mental illness are not the same, but then fell back on no matter your struggle you have to want it to change. I guess I am tired of short books on complex topics- I know this book was originally two essays/blog posts, but either develop the idea to book length with actual science/theology or maybe just leave it as a short form.
I think much of the content was good and encouraging, but lacked necessary nuance. My fear would be a well-intended grandmother handing this to an overwhelmed college student (or vice versa) and saying, “just try a little harder, sweetie, because your decision to get out of bed either honors or rejects God’s goodness and we are all counting on you.”
I think much of the content was good and encouraging, but lacked necessary nuance. My fear would be a well-intended grandmother handing this to an overwhelmed college student (or vice versa) and saying, “just try a little harder, sweetie, because your decision to get out of bed either honors or rejects God’s goodness and we are all counting on you.”
February 7, 2023
This book is a must read. We are all going through SOMETHING. Our hearts and minds are cluttered, our souls feel weighed down. Alan offers a measured, biblical perspective on what it means to live with that weight. Can’t recommend this book enough and will certainly be leading some groups through it.
August 6, 2023
I consider myself a closed book.
How did he read me so well 😭💀
How did he read me so well 😭💀
September 11, 2023
I wasn't sure about this at first, how encouraging it would be for people suffering from depression and anxiety. Ultimately, I think people might find motivation and maybe some comfort in it, and loved ones who read it may increase their understanding and empathy. The author is a Christian, and his faith is the basis for his arguments for getting out of bed (meaning it both literally and as a metaphor for choosing life in the midst of mental anguish). It's compassionately written, and he refutes notions that are put forth by some church folk about only needing enough faith to get better, etc. I think he has a wise head on his shoulders and has good things to say, but I did find some of them more discouraging than encouraging. The main one is the idea that you may never be free of your depression or anxiety. That thought, when I think of loved ones who are suffering in this way, is not something I want to accept.
He's clearly speaking from experience, even though he doesn't share personal anecdotes, and the reality he presents about how and why to continue to choose life is based on his beliefs. I'm not sure how helpful this will be for people who don't share his faith.
I did like the points he made about how we're responsible to others and our actions send messages whether or not we mean them to. He says, "This is a hard teaching, but we are responsible for one another, even when we are in the midst of great suffering and sorrow," and towards the end of the book, he says, "None of this makes the duty of living easier, but it does remind us that our lives are never, ever only our own. We belong to God, and so we also belong to those around us, whether we know them or not." It's an interesting way of putting it, and I'm still rolling it around in my head.
He's clearly speaking from experience, even though he doesn't share personal anecdotes, and the reality he presents about how and why to continue to choose life is based on his beliefs. I'm not sure how helpful this will be for people who don't share his faith.
I did like the points he made about how we're responsible to others and our actions send messages whether or not we mean them to. He says, "This is a hard teaching, but we are responsible for one another, even when we are in the midst of great suffering and sorrow," and towards the end of the book, he says, "None of this makes the duty of living easier, but it does remind us that our lives are never, ever only our own. We belong to God, and so we also belong to those around us, whether we know them or not." It's an interesting way of putting it, and I'm still rolling it around in my head.
May 18, 2025
A friend I love recommended this book to me. This was difficult to read in the beginning, but a very eye opening, truthful, and encouraging reading of the pain of suffering that mental illness brings. It provided a hope in embracing and choosing life with Jesus. It provided greater understanding of and acceptance of the beauty of a life, any and every life. I feel like I know the author after reading this as he honestly tells his story and the story of others. Mental illness affects everyone, those that suffer and those who are close to them.
Although I've had episodes of suffering of anxiety and/or depression, the peace has significantly outweighed the lows. It is not that way for many people. Some experience mental anguish every day, although there is much hope. Mental anguish can feel just as difficult or worse than physical anguish, because it is felt in the body as well as the soul and mind.
I have grown closer to God in both the highs and the lows of my life, but as I look back seeing how the Lord has grown me through it all is such a blessing. This book as well as my church's sermon series on "fear not" have further enriched my understanding of it all and I feel like I am in a much better place to support those I love and myself. Also, it reminded me how to deal with suffering in a healthier, more godly way. It has taught me how to pray and how to recognize those around me who may be suffering and to give them the right support.
Because life is precious and God gives all of us purposes, we can get out of bed and do the next right thing. God is good all the time and life is always worth living.
Speaking to myself here...
Get up every day, give a prayer of thanks for your life and all the good things God has given you. Then act in such a way that points to the goodness and joys of life, even when you aren't feeling it. This will honor God and also point those around you towards Him! What you do matters! Your life will testify to others. What do you want it to say?
This daily act of courageous living, with the help of God, will demonstrate to the world of the goodness of God and testify of our Savior's love, who holds all things together!
There is no shame in getting help from others/professionals as needed to overcome the hurdles of mental anguish that you might suffer. "Never ever feel guilty about seeking help!" Do not be ashamed to be real and daily run into the arms of God (and your community) every day for strength, support, and love. Don't waste your life running to the wrong things out of pain, run to the truth, not to the lies. Believe the truth, not the lies. The lies of this world can drown out the truth, fight for the truth to surpass the lies, through the power of Jesus.
Choose to live life, with all your struggles, live, and live well. Daily serve and give to others, don't stop, just keep moving forward.
Quotes:
"It's never a good time to sacrifice for others, but it's always the right time to sacrifice for others." Whether you are being too hard or too easy on yourself, "Pray for wisdom and discernment" and then act in love, no matter how you are feeling, "there is a way for you to love others right now. There are responsibilities you can handle right now! Take them up."
On allowing others to help you..
"Your burden is a blessing for them to share. They might not always agree but it's true anyway. Who are you to hinder someone else chance to help you."
Bring your small act of love, to your family, or coworker. Listen to them, be present with them, even if you don't feel like it, or can't escape your racing thoughts, it may mean the world to them!!
He gives you breath in your lungs every day, what a privilege to live in a way that honors Him!!
"You don't know whose life you may save by honestly and faithfully enduring a mental illness."
Every day fight for life! Persevere!!
"You are His beloved child!"
I highly recommend this short, and impactful book!
Although I've had episodes of suffering of anxiety and/or depression, the peace has significantly outweighed the lows. It is not that way for many people. Some experience mental anguish every day, although there is much hope. Mental anguish can feel just as difficult or worse than physical anguish, because it is felt in the body as well as the soul and mind.
I have grown closer to God in both the highs and the lows of my life, but as I look back seeing how the Lord has grown me through it all is such a blessing. This book as well as my church's sermon series on "fear not" have further enriched my understanding of it all and I feel like I am in a much better place to support those I love and myself. Also, it reminded me how to deal with suffering in a healthier, more godly way. It has taught me how to pray and how to recognize those around me who may be suffering and to give them the right support.
Because life is precious and God gives all of us purposes, we can get out of bed and do the next right thing. God is good all the time and life is always worth living.
Speaking to myself here...
Get up every day, give a prayer of thanks for your life and all the good things God has given you. Then act in such a way that points to the goodness and joys of life, even when you aren't feeling it. This will honor God and also point those around you towards Him! What you do matters! Your life will testify to others. What do you want it to say?
This daily act of courageous living, with the help of God, will demonstrate to the world of the goodness of God and testify of our Savior's love, who holds all things together!
There is no shame in getting help from others/professionals as needed to overcome the hurdles of mental anguish that you might suffer. "Never ever feel guilty about seeking help!" Do not be ashamed to be real and daily run into the arms of God (and your community) every day for strength, support, and love. Don't waste your life running to the wrong things out of pain, run to the truth, not to the lies. Believe the truth, not the lies. The lies of this world can drown out the truth, fight for the truth to surpass the lies, through the power of Jesus.
Choose to live life, with all your struggles, live, and live well. Daily serve and give to others, don't stop, just keep moving forward.
Quotes:
"It's never a good time to sacrifice for others, but it's always the right time to sacrifice for others." Whether you are being too hard or too easy on yourself, "Pray for wisdom and discernment" and then act in love, no matter how you are feeling, "there is a way for you to love others right now. There are responsibilities you can handle right now! Take them up."
On allowing others to help you..
"Your burden is a blessing for them to share. They might not always agree but it's true anyway. Who are you to hinder someone else chance to help you."
Bring your small act of love, to your family, or coworker. Listen to them, be present with them, even if you don't feel like it, or can't escape your racing thoughts, it may mean the world to them!!
He gives you breath in your lungs every day, what a privilege to live in a way that honors Him!!
"You don't know whose life you may save by honestly and faithfully enduring a mental illness."
Every day fight for life! Persevere!!
"You are His beloved child!"
I highly recommend this short, and impactful book!
November 12, 2024
11/11/24 Update: Ha, didn’t realize I read this almost exactly a year ago, when I said I’ll probably be reading it ever year. Still a great, short reminder of God’s goodness and grace and love.
11/21/23 Update: Still great. Definitely going to be reading this every year (or every six months).
03/09/23 Original Review:
I got this book yesterday from the college bookstore where I work (don’t ask me how they got it a month early), read it last night, and already gifted another copy to someone today. Read this book.
It’s the most candid and empathetic reflection on mental affliction I’ve ever read. Noble is open and honest. He’s Henri Nouwen for the digital world. It’s clear this is a deeply personal book for him, but you won’t find many personal stories. Usually these books are filled with the author’s personal experience with the subject, but not this one. And I think it’s the right call (good on IVP for not feeling the pressure to pad the page count).
There’s one complaint that could be made with this book: it’s repetitive. It is. Noble uses the same phrases multiple times and makes the same points in slightly different ways. But it works. And not only does it work, it’s necessary. Mental affliction is repetitive and treads the same ground over and over. We need to hear these words of life multiple times. When we can’t get out of bed, we need a new liturgy, the same words, the same truth, spoken to us over and over again.
Keep it by your bed. Read it today, next week, next year. Give it to your spouse, friend, neighbor, pastor, child, and anyone else who might need a little encouragement to get out of bed every morning.
“God asks only that we serve Him now.”
“If your existence is a good creation of a loving God, then you honor God by caring for that creation.”
“But life is also a gift. And as it turns out, the greatest gifts are always also burdens: love, wisdom, beauty, salvation, children.”
“My hope is in God’s promise to preserve me, to work all things together for my good, to finish the good work He started in me. And finally, to love myself properly, I must endure all things—including the torments of my own mind.”
11/21/23 Update: Still great. Definitely going to be reading this every year (or every six months).
03/09/23 Original Review:
I got this book yesterday from the college bookstore where I work (don’t ask me how they got it a month early), read it last night, and already gifted another copy to someone today. Read this book.
It’s the most candid and empathetic reflection on mental affliction I’ve ever read. Noble is open and honest. He’s Henri Nouwen for the digital world. It’s clear this is a deeply personal book for him, but you won’t find many personal stories. Usually these books are filled with the author’s personal experience with the subject, but not this one. And I think it’s the right call (good on IVP for not feeling the pressure to pad the page count).
There’s one complaint that could be made with this book: it’s repetitive. It is. Noble uses the same phrases multiple times and makes the same points in slightly different ways. But it works. And not only does it work, it’s necessary. Mental affliction is repetitive and treads the same ground over and over. We need to hear these words of life multiple times. When we can’t get out of bed, we need a new liturgy, the same words, the same truth, spoken to us over and over again.
Keep it by your bed. Read it today, next week, next year. Give it to your spouse, friend, neighbor, pastor, child, and anyone else who might need a little encouragement to get out of bed every morning.
“God asks only that we serve Him now.”
“If your existence is a good creation of a loving God, then you honor God by caring for that creation.”
“But life is also a gift. And as it turns out, the greatest gifts are always also burdens: love, wisdom, beauty, salvation, children.”
“My hope is in God’s promise to preserve me, to work all things together for my good, to finish the good work He started in me. And finally, to love myself properly, I must endure all things—including the torments of my own mind.”
April 9, 2025
On getting out of bed book notes
* Your life is a good gift from a loving God
* It’s hard not to think like jobs friends - life likes to promise if you work hard you will succeed
* We live in a world of technique where there is always advice for getting over something
* If there is something wrong it is due to us not taking advantage of these techniques
* The unknown is frightening
* Where does agency end and diagnosis begin?
* Medication can not bring us back to reliance on God and our neighbor - that is our choice
* It is easier to trust others perceptions of you when your own life is in question
* Harm reduction is not the ultimate good
* Your existence testifies
* We remain in Gods image
* What do our actions convey about the value of the human person?
* Every action we take conveys a message about God
* Sin is serious because it is never something we can make right it is action that ripples throughout time the consequences are something we could never understand the seriousness of
* By living we are participating in God good creation
* God has said this creation is good
* Getting out of bed and choosing to live every day is a decoration that God is good and this is an act of worship
* We offer our lives as sacrifice by living
* Faithfulness is an obligation for the present
* Choose to do the next thing because it honors God
* The choice to see this life as good and worth living is putting trust in God
* It is an offense to God not to love ourselves
* My hope is in Gods promise to preserve me
* We always have the ability to choose - it is our responsibility to act on that choice
* Evil wants nothing more than to convince you your life is worthless
* We need joyful habits that help remind us of God’s truth
* We honor love and respect others lives but disregard our own
* Don’t mock Gods Grace by choosing to ignore His good gifts
* We must choose to act on the truth of hope - even if we cannot perceive it
* If your existence is good from a good God you honor God by caring for it
* Enduring requires sharing your suffering
* Your life is a good gift from a loving God
* It’s hard not to think like jobs friends - life likes to promise if you work hard you will succeed
* We live in a world of technique where there is always advice for getting over something
* If there is something wrong it is due to us not taking advantage of these techniques
* The unknown is frightening
* Where does agency end and diagnosis begin?
* Medication can not bring us back to reliance on God and our neighbor - that is our choice
* It is easier to trust others perceptions of you when your own life is in question
* Harm reduction is not the ultimate good
* Your existence testifies
* We remain in Gods image
* What do our actions convey about the value of the human person?
* Every action we take conveys a message about God
* Sin is serious because it is never something we can make right it is action that ripples throughout time the consequences are something we could never understand the seriousness of
* By living we are participating in God good creation
* God has said this creation is good
* Getting out of bed and choosing to live every day is a decoration that God is good and this is an act of worship
* We offer our lives as sacrifice by living
* Faithfulness is an obligation for the present
* Choose to do the next thing because it honors God
* The choice to see this life as good and worth living is putting trust in God
* It is an offense to God not to love ourselves
* My hope is in Gods promise to preserve me
* We always have the ability to choose - it is our responsibility to act on that choice
* Evil wants nothing more than to convince you your life is worthless
* We need joyful habits that help remind us of God’s truth
* We honor love and respect others lives but disregard our own
* Don’t mock Gods Grace by choosing to ignore His good gifts
* We must choose to act on the truth of hope - even if we cannot perceive it
* If your existence is good from a good God you honor God by caring for it
* Enduring requires sharing your suffering
Displaying 1 - 30 of 743 reviews