Anxiety and depression are not experiences that the average Christian wants to admit to enduring, at least not in the present tense. Doesn’t it mean that you are placing your hope in the wrong place, focused too much on yourself, and worrying about things you shouldn’t? No, not at all, according to Christian leaders Tommy Nelson and Steve Leavitt in their new book Walking on Water When You Feel Like You’re Drowning.
Tommy Nelson and Steve Leavitt tell their stories of falling into depression, anxiety, and obsessive thinking -- one for no apparent external reason (aside from a ridiculously crazy-busy life), and the other following the death of his wife. One could easily sympathize with the impact of grief, but for me, something clicked when Tommy discussed living a very meaningful, fulfilling, and enthusiastic life influencing many lives for the Gospel. While he was consumed with teaching, preaching, and writing at a high point in his life, he became overwhelmed with anxiety and had to stop completely for a time.
As they each tell their stories, they weave in advice and counsel along with Scripture. While there is not a lot of substance (the usual answer of reading the Bible and praying), they do have much to add that you don’t typically hear in Christian circles. If you are struggling with a similar issue, know that you are not alone and there are answers – not easy pat ones about going to church and praying.
They show that there is a place for medication, that it is not something objectionable for Christians. The emotional, spiritual, and mental causes of depression and anxiety have a physical and medical manifestation. Treating the cause does not necessarily treat the physical impact/damage that has taken place. Christians do have a bias against doing anything medical to treat depression or anxiety, but the authors show it may be necessary to bring the body back on track and into equilibrium. Still, the rest of your life, you will have to continually train your thinking, root out the lies, and replace them with truth.
If someone close to you is dealing with anxiety or depression and you want to supportively understand, or if you are experiencing it yourself, this easy read will offer you understanding and hope.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
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