Book review: A Non-Anxious Life
Alan Fadling, A Non-Anxious Life: Experiencing the Peace of God's Presence. (Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2024). 121 pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fadling's earlier book, An Unhurried Life,so I was looking forward to reading this one. He did not disappoint. He notes that between 2008-2018, feelings of anxiety doubled among 18-25 year-olds (2). But in 2020, with the advent of the Covid pandemic, there was a 24% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide (2). Anxiety is now at epidemic proportions. Sadly, Christians are not exempt.
I appreciated Fadling's honesty about his battle with anxiety. I personally struggle more with hurry, so his earlier book spoke more directly to me. Nevertheless, this book addresses a huge issue we all face today.
Fadling notes that "...anxiety is a deep-rooted habit that has formed in me over time" (4). He adds, "I'm learning how to upgrade my internal operating system from anxiety to peace" (4). He notes, "...anxiety is a result of focusing on our circumstances, and peace is a fruit of focusing on the Prince of Peace" (6).
Fadling is candid about his own struggles with anxiety. He confesses, "Anxiety is not an especially wonderful counselor. The advice anxiety has given me over the years has not borne good fruit" (6). He continues, "I've worried a lot. I sometimes worry about how much I worry" (9). Interestingly, Fadling suggests that "My anxiety is like buying in to a conspiracy theory" (10).
Fadling clarifies that an anxiety-free life is not the result of a problem-free life: "Now let me be clear: a non-anxious life is not a life without concerns. It is not a life without difficulties. A life completely free of cares would be a life in which nothing matters to me" (11). He suggests that "Anxiety equals care minus God" (20).
Fadling includes a number of great turns of phrases throughout the book. He notes that "Jesus wants us to experience his Father's table, not just serve at it" (21). He adds, "Anxiety might get me moving and get things done, but if anxiety is fuel, it's fuel that burns dirty" (23). He also makes the interesting confession, "In an odd way, my anxiety is an attempt to be a god to myself" (31).
Fadling offers numerous suggestions for how to take a different approach to life than merely embracing anxiety. He suggests that "Rather than my life being mostly full of bad things to fear, it is actually full of so many good things to celebrate...Gratitude helps me enter into a flourishing life that is far better than an anxious life" (32). He also suggests that "We can learn to translate our anxiety into prayers." (34). He cautions that "Pride is an orientation to life with little to no confidence in the practical good of God's presence in my life" (37).
Fadling comments that "Noticing and taking in beauty is a place of peace for his soul" (79). He regularly goes on retreats and getaways to meditate, pray, and think. He certainly inspired me to do more of that.
Concerning God's peace, Fadling notes, "His peace doesn't require a change in our circumstances ...There is a difference between the peace that comes when nothing troubling crosses our path and the peace that is the fruit of communion with the Prince of Peace" (132). I liked his quote, "Peace is grounded in a vision of a solid God in a shaky world" (133).
Fadling suggests a number of practices that can help us overcome anxiety and embrace peace. One practice he suggests is embracing "sameness." He suggests that "The practice of sameness might be among the harder disciplines for us these days" (155). Fadling also encourages readers to practice retreat. He claims that "I let retreat train me in peace when the world around me seems bent on training me in fear, worry, greed, or urgency" (155).
Fadling points out that "Stability teaches me to notice God where I am rather than imagining that God is easier to notice somewhere else" (157). He urges readers to practice Sabbath and rest, even when doing so appears impractical. He argues, "Simply put, who will do better work? The one who is tired, burdened, and overwhelmed, or the one who is at peace, refreshed, and energized?" (161). He concludes, "...it just might be that rest for our souls is the very best facet of Jesus' good news of the kingdom" (162).
I liked Fadling's comment that "Wisdom is knowing how truth works by experience" (175). He also offered an interesting discussion of how he prays over his work the night before and then works out his prayer the following day (177).
Fadling grew up as a Baptist but became an Anglican priest in later life. He is clearly drawn to the liturgical aspects of Anglicanism. Perhaps he was burned out by evangelical culture.
As I mentioned, I am not necessarily plagued by frequent anxiety, but I certainly have to address it periodically. Our society is immersed in it, especially after the Covid pandemic. I appreciate Fadling's calm approach to addressing stressful issues. I have had Fadling as a guest on my podcast, and I would like to have him return to discuss this book. I think it will encourage you.
 | Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and lives in Georgia. He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace as well as on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard regularly ministers to Christian CEOs and business leaders. He has written or co-authored 33 books . This article was first published on RichardBlackaby.com. Used with permission from Blackaby Ministries International. Learn More » |
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