Putting an X Through Anxiety: Breaking Free from the Grip of Fear and Stress

by Louie Giglio

Anxiety...

It might be the weight on your shoulders, the constant sense of worry by your side, or the cloud of dread hanging over your life. For many, anxiety is a powerful giant wanting to trap you in darkness and defeat.

But there is freedom to be found from its grip.

Knowing firsthand the realities of anxiety, pastor Louie Giglio shares both practical and spiritual ways to live in victory. With encouragement and hope, this book will equip you with the cross of Jesus as your strongest weapon against anxiety



Understanding the root of your anxiety Quickly recognizing and addressing anxious thoughtsReplacing fear and stress with hope and peace

Anxiety can be debilitating, but Jesus has already defeated its stronghold. Find true rest in the Prince of Peace and break free from anxiety.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Faith, Self Help, Christianity

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Eden Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!!! one of my favorite books on anxiety I’ve read - soooo full of truth and covered in scripture & prayer. I loved all of the practical steps it gave as well as encouragement and questions to ask yourself! I love his writing style and definitely will be reading more of his books! highly recommend!

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing Louie Giglio moment here!! Breaking anxiety down, dissecting the causes, and showing how to battle them with Christ as our shield! “His scars were proof of His love for us. Our scars likewise tell the story of Jesus’ victory through us.”

[Kayla Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has intensely battled anxiety in different seasons of my life, this book was an incredible encouragement. Throughout the book, the author keeps directing the reader right back to Scripture. At the end of every chapter, there are fantastic questions that require you to reflect on your own experience. I would highly recommend this book to anyone walking through anxiety, worry and fear. I’m so glad that I read it when I did.

[Stephanie Pflaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t typically write reviews/opinions, but this book deserves one.

I’m the kind of person to fight tooth and nail to prove to myself and others that ‘I can do it on my own’ — but that’s the problem. This book truly puts into perspective our need for God and our inability to ‘figure it out on our own’.

Putting an X Through Anxiety is one of the few resources I have been given that has honestly helped me work towards ‘breaking free from the grip of fear and stress’ without the accusatory “you just need to pray harder” sprinkled in there. The battle Louie Giglio discusses is one that has to start with daily surrender, humbling yourself and realizing that we weren’t meant to ‘do it on our own’.

Anxiety is a long and grueling road that will beat you down whenever or however it can, but that’s not the end of the story. Yes, anxiety can seem big and daunting, but our God is bigger — bigger than anxiety, bigger than depression, bigger than any fear or shortcoming, bigger than whatever ‘giant’ you are facing. This is the narrative provided time and time again throughout the book (I think it was about the 5th time this was discussed before it truly sank in for me).

Yes, anxiety is real, but it is not ultimate, and it doesn’t get to rule over your life. There is a Good Shepherd ready to carry your burden of anxiety, all you have to do is let Him. <3

Matthew 11:28-30

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most people, I struggle with anxiety. It is not debilitating like it is for some people, but it is a struggle. When I happened upon Putting An X Through Anxiety by Louie Giglio, I immediately bought it. Who wouldn't want to do what they can to get rid of anxiety?

Anxiety and its cousins-panic, worry, fear, and dread-are complex. There are spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, genetic, and circumstantial factors that can cause us to fall into the grip of depression, pulling us away from those we love and shuttering our ability to deal with everyday life.

Putting An X Through Anxiety is easy to read. It is relevant and helpful. I loved that the first title is "You're Not Crazy." Recently someone said to me, "Why am I not normal," when discussing their anxiety. Those who struggle with anxiety need to know they are not crazy.

This is not a self-help book or a fix-all, but it is an encouragement for those who struggle with anxiety. At the end of each chapter, there are questions to think about. This is a religious book that points the reader toward God. There are plenty of scripture verses to ponder.

[Rachel Dallalio · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a simple little book that gave me the encouragement i needed in a time of my life where i’ve been very stressed and overwhelmed. a lot of it wasn’t anything i hadn’t heard before but there was also a good amount of things i hadn’t heard or that made realize a lot of things about myself. this helped me refine what i knew about anxiety so i can be better prepared for it in the future. i would highly recommend this to someone who is struggling with anxiety or is very new to it.

[Rebekah Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!!!! Very in depth and practical rather than just cliche. I would read this time and time again. So many beautiful perspectives of God’s grace and wisdom on how we can be set free from anxiety through Christ.
“Our scars aren’t meant to be signs of our failure. They are meant to be stories of Jesus’ victory in our lives.”

[Abby Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooooo good ! simple and profound all at once. louie gives practical Christ-centered approaches to working through anxiety by inviting the Lord into it and letting Him be the source of our strength and healing. very good read — highly recommend whether you have struggled with anxiety or not !

[Lucy Stalowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it in 2 days…so insightful!!

[Sarah Bowen Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I’ll re-read over and over when I need to, this is a really great guide through overcoming anxiety.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me tear up

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Louie does an awesome job of teaching practical steps of “Putting an X through Anxiety”! He makes it personal to the point where you feel like your taking advice from a friend. Mr. Giglio also points you to Jesus on every page showing you that ultimate victory comes through Him.

[Alexis Shippy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated how the narrative is set up to journal and reflect after each chapter. However, the content isn’t particularly original or ground breaking. I wish Louie would have been a bit more personal with his experience as well.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic. Not helpful

[Darren Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Putting an X Through Anxiety: Breaking Free from the Grip of Fear and Stress , Louie Giglio offers a faith-centered reflection on fear and stress that is less a manual for typical management and more a devotional call to spiritual anchoring. Drawing deeply from Scripture and Christian tradition, Giglio doesn't aim to provide a comprehensive psychological exploration of anxiety management tools. Instead, he invites readers into a posture of surrender and trust, framing anxiety not as something to conquer through technique alone, but as a spiritual battle to be faced with Christ at the center.

Giglio’s style is accessible and pastoral, resonating most with readers seeking biblical encouragement rather than evidence-based intervention. The book leans heavily on Scripture—an approach that will deeply satisfy believers who see their anxiety as not just a mental health concern, but a spiritual experience. Rather than laying out a checklist of cognitive-behavioral tools, Giglio reminds his audience that in the midst of darkness, they are not alone. The real thrust of the book is not technique, but theology: trust in a Savior who is near and who does not leave.

One of the book’s most poignant illustrations is what Giglio calls the “stress sandwich”—a metaphor for the way we are often trapped between regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, with the present moment squeezed thin in between. It’s a simple, memorable picture, and one that underscores Giglio’s recurring exhortation to live fully in the now, trusting that Christ is sufficient for each moment. Each chapter closes with a prayer, a feature that may be the book’s most quietly powerful offering. These aren’t generic benedictions, but intimate, raw reflections that feel tailored for those trudging through anxiety in real time. They are reminders to pause, breathe, and speak honestly to God—a spiritual practice in and of itself.

Readers looking for a deep dive into the psychological mechanics of anxiety or structured guidance may find the book lacking in clinical depth. But those seeking a faith-forward companion through anxious seasons will find some comfort in its pages. Giglio’s voice is less that of a coach and more that of a shepherd, guiding the anxious heart back to the one he believes can ultimately quiet it. In the end, the book is less about putting an end to fear and more about redirecting our thoughts. It is a reminder that peace is not found in the absence of trouble—but in the presence of Christ.

[jaimedannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rating: I have heard Louie Giglio's speaks several times and I've always enjoyed his preaching. I had listened to a teaching from him that dealt with his struggle with panic attacks and anxiety. I appreciate in this book that he addresses anxiety that everyone deals with versus panic attacks and anxiety disorder. He does briefly mention a possible need for medication. The focus of this book is finding answers to stress and anxiety and the character of God and the truth of his word. It is a 12 chapter book at the end of each chapter is a section with questions and space to write your answers. There is a lot of really good information. The only reason I'm giving it a three and a half is because I think he preaches on this topic better than he writes on the topic. I wish he had more information of his personal struggle and discussed more when somebody might need professional help. If you're struggling with anxiety I think this would be a great book for you to use as a tool, but don't use it to replace good counseling. As a believer I think it would be best to get counseling from another Christian if possible.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will read it again. I have a copy in my library. I save this rating for my absolute favorite books.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: Finished it, just ok.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it. Probably didn't finish it

[Blake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not all bad, but very basic and problematic at several junctures: 1) Blames too much of our struggles on Satan, not on our own flesh; 2) On page 51 he promotes the philosophy of "Let go and let God," which is popular to society but contrary to Scripture; 3) On page 63 and at other points, there is a subtle (or not so subtle) blame shift when he speaks of "what was causing me to be anxious..." and points to people and other entities. This is not Biblically true. People and circumstances do not cause anxiety. Influence? Yes! Cause? No! This leads to the next point, 4) He confuses influences with causation; 5) On page 103 when he speaks of the roots of anxiety he misses the mark. On page 11 he begins a section on humility which was the strongest section of the book and the one in which I can agree with him.

As a whole, it might help some people but the essence of it leaves so much to be desired. I appreciate Louie and the Lord uses him. This is just not a resource that I believe would be truly that helpful for people who need to change Biblically.

[Carolyn Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book does have some wonderful tips, and encouragement, on how to deal with anxiety, it didn't help with, "How to feel God when your anxiety is so bad you can't feel Him." Even as a born again believe in Christ, there have been times my anxiety was so overwhelming it was hard to trust the scriptures or believe God was hearing my crys for help. I guess what I need to do, to prevent that from happening, is stay close to God and try not to let my anxiety get out of control; stop it when it tries to creep back in.

[Kelli Donaldson Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book that points you to Jesus. I love the abundance of scripture in this book, as well as prayers and thought provoking questions. Louie is authentic, transparent and shares his own battle with anxiety. Great book for anyone suffering from anxiety, or those that want to understand more about it. Highly recommend!

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, quick personally directed self study designed to help a person through anxiety. The self reflection is excellent and the author uses scripture well. It's a small book, but take the time to do the exercises, maybe a couple of times as you walk your road through anxiety. Very well done, and highly recommended.

[MightySSStrawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this I’ve heard before, but it’s important to hear God’s truth over and over, and sometimes you need it presented in a refreshing way. I really like how Giglio explains it. I found encouragement and reassurance in this nice little condensed book. Trust the process of Jesus leading you through the valley and you’ll be stronger on the other side. Your giant WILL fall.

[Alexis Aurelio-Aumuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good! I haven’t been disappointed by his books yet! So much truth, vulnerability, and honestly, along with practical ways to work through anxiety. He doesn’t invalidate anything and really makes you think and helps you put focus on God. He understands it takes time, and the small steps are very tangible to continue to work toward freedom from anxiety.

[Adam Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helpful and practical. The author writes from a place of experience which brings encouragement. Also there are practical reflection questions and prayers at the end of each chapter. These helped me to process and apply what I had read.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good biblical advice. I believe the end, when he talks about the end of anxiety deserved mention of why the anxiety is there in the first place. Overall, a good book for dealing with anxiety by a man of God who knows the disorder on personal level.

[Isaiah Espinoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book and Giglio’s other on worry. Some of it is practical advise others is psychological with an emphasis on a greater power, God. The ultimate cure is to trust in God in whom we profess as our Lord and Savior.

[Brittney DeVine-Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book/study really shows the life and breath of God and how we can use that to slay our giants. If you’ve ever felt down, anxious, depressed or whatever word you want to use you should pick up this book. It’s short and easy to read with tangible advice and direction.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book. Tons of practical advice and especially loved the verses to declare after every chapter, had some good takeaways even if some things were a little blah to me, but good one to refer back to I think

[Brittany Shugart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I have enjoyed all of Louie Giglio's books and this one did not disappoint either. This book covers some great topics on overcoming your anxiety and giving it all to God. Tons of scripture and prayers that made this well rounded book.

[Bonnie Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read Christ-centered and faith-based guide on how to overcome anxiety. The author provides plenty of Scripture as well as questions at the end of each chapter for the reader to contemplate and briefly journal their own experiences.

[David Falldine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet thought provoking. This book will no doubt help those who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Have long appreciated Louie’s faithfulness to God and willingness to be vulnerable.