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A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts
Are you distracted by racing or anxious thoughts? Distressed by intrusive or irrational thoughts? Struggling with sinful or untrue thoughts? You may feel trapped in your own head, but God and his Word have given you many different ways to find freedom. In this practical and sympathetic guidebook, biblical counselor Esther Smith provides twelve powerful strategies that are targeted to different thought struggles. Each chapter is filled with a variety of exercises so that you can begin to change your thoughts right away and live at peace. “If you struggle with unwanted thoughts and don’t know what to do, this book is your answer.” —Eliza Huie , Director of Counseling, McLean Bible Church, DC Metropolitan Area “Esther Smith has written the most practical and biblically faithful book on navigating unwanted thoughts that we have ever encountered.” —David and Krista Dunham , Counselors “Esther’s book brims with compassion and empathy and is full of practical exercises you will immediately want to implement.” —Jonathan D. Holmes , Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling “Esther offers hope as she shares her own personal story and provides biblical narratives that show how the power of God’s Word can transform your thinking.” —Shannon Kay McCoy , ACBC Biblical Counseling Director, Valley Center Community Church “Esther Smith’s creative and careful new book, A Still and Quiet Mind , directs believers to use Scripture to speak truth to their unwanted and intrusive thoughts. Many of my counselees wrestle with untrue thoughts about themselves, the world, and the Lord. Esther has written a comprehensive and compassionate resource that they can engage as a workbook to reorient their hearts to God’s precious truths.” — Darby A. Strickland , Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); Author, Is It Abuse?
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 26, 2022
Racing and anxious thoughts. Intrusive and irrational thoughts. Sinful or untrue thoughts. Do any of these sound familiar? Do you ever feel trapped in your own head?
When I heard that Esther Smith was releasing a book called, A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts, I was intrigued, and I received a digital advance reader copy in return for a review. I then raved about it so much that my mom bought a paperback copy!
I’m often leary to read books about mental health because Buddhism and New Age thinking are prevalent in many books of this genre, but Esther’s book is written from a Christian perspective and her theology is strong. Esther’s book is divided into three parts, General Approaches to Changing Thoughts, Holistic Approaches to Changing Thoughts, and Specialized Approaches to Changing Thoughts.
A few things I especially appreciated about Esther’s book were her suggested meditation exercises based around the Psalms, her recommended visualizations, and her discussion about what makes a thought sinful or not. I saved the following quote on the latter, “How do we know when a thought has turned into a sin that does need to be taken captive? Our thoughts become sin when we break God’s law with our minds (see 1 John 3:4). We often can’t control the thoughts that enter our heads. We can decide whether we will entertain them. This is the difference between being tempted by sinful thinking and choosing to sin with our thoughts. The actual temptation is not sinful, but it is where the battle begins.” I also appreciated that Esther discussed how our bodies influence our thoughts and how medical conditions affect the nervous system and can cause changes to a person’s thinking.
Esther spends most of her book explaining non-medication strategies to change unwanted thoughts, but she extensively discusses the use of medication for mental health issues in the second to last chapter. Her perspective about it is well-balanced. People tend to be extreme in their views about whether or not psychiatric medications should be used, but Esther begins the chapter with two stories–one of a previously suicidal person who greatly benefited from medication and one of a person, whose misdiagnosed of schizophrenia resulted in her taking heavy antipsychotics for over a decade. The latter person instead had autism, and the antipsychotics were unnecessary and harmful. They prevented her from receiving appropriate help, and she didn’t become herself again until she discontinued her medications. Esther points out that Scripture does not offer any specific passages that prohibit or command the use of medications for mental and emotional struggles, so she concludes that taking psychiatric medication is a Christian liberty. She gives insights on when medication is appropriate, while at the same time cautioning against taking medication simply as a way to avoid troubled thoughts and to numb feelings.
I recommended Esther’s book to everyone, regardless of whether or not they struggle with unwanted and anxious thoughts themselves. Personally, I don’t struggle much with unwanted and anxious thoughts, but I finished the book with a much better understanding of mental health challenges. I can now sympathize better with those who struggle in this area, and I have strategies for addressing the occasional troubled thinking that I do experience.
When I heard that Esther Smith was releasing a book called, A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts, I was intrigued, and I received a digital advance reader copy in return for a review. I then raved about it so much that my mom bought a paperback copy!
I’m often leary to read books about mental health because Buddhism and New Age thinking are prevalent in many books of this genre, but Esther’s book is written from a Christian perspective and her theology is strong. Esther’s book is divided into three parts, General Approaches to Changing Thoughts, Holistic Approaches to Changing Thoughts, and Specialized Approaches to Changing Thoughts.
A few things I especially appreciated about Esther’s book were her suggested meditation exercises based around the Psalms, her recommended visualizations, and her discussion about what makes a thought sinful or not. I saved the following quote on the latter, “How do we know when a thought has turned into a sin that does need to be taken captive? Our thoughts become sin when we break God’s law with our minds (see 1 John 3:4). We often can’t control the thoughts that enter our heads. We can decide whether we will entertain them. This is the difference between being tempted by sinful thinking and choosing to sin with our thoughts. The actual temptation is not sinful, but it is where the battle begins.” I also appreciated that Esther discussed how our bodies influence our thoughts and how medical conditions affect the nervous system and can cause changes to a person’s thinking.
Esther spends most of her book explaining non-medication strategies to change unwanted thoughts, but she extensively discusses the use of medication for mental health issues in the second to last chapter. Her perspective about it is well-balanced. People tend to be extreme in their views about whether or not psychiatric medications should be used, but Esther begins the chapter with two stories–one of a previously suicidal person who greatly benefited from medication and one of a person, whose misdiagnosed of schizophrenia resulted in her taking heavy antipsychotics for over a decade. The latter person instead had autism, and the antipsychotics were unnecessary and harmful. They prevented her from receiving appropriate help, and she didn’t become herself again until she discontinued her medications. Esther points out that Scripture does not offer any specific passages that prohibit or command the use of medications for mental and emotional struggles, so she concludes that taking psychiatric medication is a Christian liberty. She gives insights on when medication is appropriate, while at the same time cautioning against taking medication simply as a way to avoid troubled thoughts and to numb feelings.
I recommended Esther’s book to everyone, regardless of whether or not they struggle with unwanted and anxious thoughts themselves. Personally, I don’t struggle much with unwanted and anxious thoughts, but I finished the book with a much better understanding of mental health challenges. I can now sympathize better with those who struggle in this area, and I have strategies for addressing the occasional troubled thinking that I do experience.
February 16, 2024
First book of the year done! This should be required reading for everybody this new year! Scientific yet Biblically based well written, balanced look at depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Not only the look at all of this but also the application of how to work through this. Definitely recommend.
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
June 21, 2022
If I could pick one book to teleport back in time to my teenage self, this would be it. God was faithful and present in my journey with intrusive thoughts, and I wouldn't want to short-circuit what I experienced, but this is the book that I wanted and looked for then. I read so many different Christian books and articles about thinking, and a lot of them had great advice, but much of it wasn't relevant to me and showed that the author wasn't even aware of circumstances like mine. A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts is a wonderful gift for Christians dealing with thought problems of different types, from distracting mental chatter to full-blown OCD.
Clarity and Wisdom
Esther Smith draws on her knowledge and experience as a licensed counselor, sharing biblical and therapeutic advice for how Christians can manage their problematic, painful, or sinful thinking patterns. She clearly and succinctly explains different types of thought struggles, and she differentiates sinful thoughts from intrusive thoughts, reassuring readers that they do not need to feel guilt and shame over intrusive thoughts they cannot control. She shares many helpful strategies for changing and healing thought patterns, and always provides caveats when otherwise good advice doesn't apply to trauma or OCD. There is also a helpful chapter near the end about factors to consider when pursuing or refusing psychiatric medication.
Throughout the book, Smith offers guided meditations that readers can use to help calm themselves and experience God's presence in their lives. Smith also engages some with potential causes of out-of-control thoughts, writing about how bodily factors impact the mind and encouraging readers to consider how their life story ties in with their unwanted thoughts. I greatly appreciate her holistic perspective, especially since many books like this focus purely on the mind without recognizing how often disordered thought patterns arise from medical conditions, such as autoimmune issues or toxic exposures. Once again, I felt so seen.
Recommendation
A Still and Quiet Mind offers a wealth of wisdom in a concise way, with brief examples and clearly defined strategies that are easy to process and apply. The book is appropriate for teens and adults, and although it comes from a Christian perspective and heavily relies on the Bible, people of different faiths who are open to reading Christian books will also find many of the strategies helpful. I would recommend this to anyone the title resonates with, and strongly encourage counselors and church leaders to read this to better understand and help people who come to them for advice. This book is an incredibly clear, biblical, and helpful book with the power to change people's lives and lead them on paths to healing, and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Clarity and Wisdom
Esther Smith draws on her knowledge and experience as a licensed counselor, sharing biblical and therapeutic advice for how Christians can manage their problematic, painful, or sinful thinking patterns. She clearly and succinctly explains different types of thought struggles, and she differentiates sinful thoughts from intrusive thoughts, reassuring readers that they do not need to feel guilt and shame over intrusive thoughts they cannot control. She shares many helpful strategies for changing and healing thought patterns, and always provides caveats when otherwise good advice doesn't apply to trauma or OCD. There is also a helpful chapter near the end about factors to consider when pursuing or refusing psychiatric medication.
Throughout the book, Smith offers guided meditations that readers can use to help calm themselves and experience God's presence in their lives. Smith also engages some with potential causes of out-of-control thoughts, writing about how bodily factors impact the mind and encouraging readers to consider how their life story ties in with their unwanted thoughts. I greatly appreciate her holistic perspective, especially since many books like this focus purely on the mind without recognizing how often disordered thought patterns arise from medical conditions, such as autoimmune issues or toxic exposures. Once again, I felt so seen.
Recommendation
A Still and Quiet Mind offers a wealth of wisdom in a concise way, with brief examples and clearly defined strategies that are easy to process and apply. The book is appropriate for teens and adults, and although it comes from a Christian perspective and heavily relies on the Bible, people of different faiths who are open to reading Christian books will also find many of the strategies helpful. I would recommend this to anyone the title resonates with, and strongly encourage counselors and church leaders to read this to better understand and help people who come to them for advice. This book is an incredibly clear, biblical, and helpful book with the power to change people's lives and lead them on paths to healing, and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Excellent read. “Will you purposefully linger on thoughts that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise as Scripture invites us to do?” “Your brain is like a muscle that needs to be exercised.” “We can’t assume that a thought needs to be taken captive just because it is painful, upsetting, or unwanted. Painful thoughts do not equal sinful thoughts.” “We often can’t control the thoughts that enter our heads. We can decide whether we will entertain them. This is the difference between being tempted by sinful thinking and choosing to sin with our thoughts. The actual temptation is not sinful, but it is where the battle begins.”
I will revisit this book again.
I will revisit this book again.
July 22, 2023
I must confess. My mind tends to be hurried and unquiet. Esther Smith's "A Still and Quiet Mind" is a helpful book that draws from scripture and points us to scripture to experience the peace God invites us into.
Smith deals with those who have racing, anxious, intrusive, and untrue thoughts. She carefully distinguishes between these and helps us understand what it is for our mind to be made new in Christ. I appreciate how empathetic and thoughtful Smith is. She is neither reductive nor does she provide pat answers to complex issues.
I already want to re-read Smith's book to process it more slowly and mine it fully for myself and I plan on recommending it regularly to those who struggle with their thought lives.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
Smith deals with those who have racing, anxious, intrusive, and untrue thoughts. She carefully distinguishes between these and helps us understand what it is for our mind to be made new in Christ. I appreciate how empathetic and thoughtful Smith is. She is neither reductive nor does she provide pat answers to complex issues.
I already want to re-read Smith's book to process it more slowly and mine it fully for myself and I plan on recommending it regularly to those who struggle with their thought lives.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
December 11, 2023
A much needed book, for anyone struggling with anxiety/depression/spiritual warfare and the people who love them to help them understand ❤️
June 17, 2024
I took my time working through this book, but each time I picked it up, I found something that specifically addressed a question, concern, or difficulty I’d had. Though not every chapter influenced me to an equal degree, some of the tools in here will, I suspect, be anchors to peace for me for a long time.
I think there’s something in this book that would be helpful to just about anyone, especially if they’re believers. It’s for anyone who thinks things they wish they didn’t. And, thank God! I feel less imprisoned to some of those things in my head after reading it.
I think there’s something in this book that would be helpful to just about anyone, especially if they’re believers. It’s for anyone who thinks things they wish they didn’t. And, thank God! I feel less imprisoned to some of those things in my head after reading it.
February 22, 2024
Okay I won’t riff on this one. Actually very solid and offers a pretty comprehensive approach to understanding our minds and the thoughts that govern them.
February 27, 2023
What a helpful, balanced, and biblical book!
September 7, 2024
Highly recommend. This is a Christian perspective guided by good, modern science and is so much more than the usual "Christian counseling" offerings of "well, everyone's a sinner" or "Just Pray More" that are sadly what passes for therapy in conservative Christian circles.
(I blame Jay Adams, but that's a post for another day.)
(I blame Jay Adams, but that's a post for another day.)
April 6, 2024
Esther is both honest yet gentle, confronting the reader with truth about unwanted/unhealthy thoughts but also demonstrating grace and giving practical advice for developing healthier thought patterns. I appreciated the guided meditation within each chapter and the focus on stepping back and analyzing the source of our unwanted thoughts through careful and diligent reflection. Reading it alongside someone else to talk through some of the practical challenges of the book was also such an encouragement. I would 10/10 recommend this book.
June 21, 2022
I was invited to read an advanced copy of this book, and it is a tremendous guide in addressing unwanted thoughts in the context of our Christian walk. I have seen books that claim to be able to help you change thoughts that were based on positivity and shallow theology, or worse, the name it/claim it gospel. Esther's book is nothing like those. It is a combination of her counseling skills and experience with her deep theological knowledge and her own personal experiences.
As a preacher and theologian, I most appreciate that all of Esther's work is grounded in solid theological analysis and reflection and with competent engagement of Scripture. However, what makes Esther's book unique is how she guides the reader through many meditations that actually help get the process started in changing unwanted thoughts.
She is trauma-informed. In fact, that's one of her specialties. Esther is aware that nothing she offers is a quick fix. Each of Esther's strategies are not grounded in having greater willpower, but in resting in the loving presence of our Holy Father. Her suggested activities, therefore, don't feel like a task but an invitation. Every serious Christian can benefit from this book. I can't recommend it enough.
As a preacher and theologian, I most appreciate that all of Esther's work is grounded in solid theological analysis and reflection and with competent engagement of Scripture. However, what makes Esther's book unique is how she guides the reader through many meditations that actually help get the process started in changing unwanted thoughts.
She is trauma-informed. In fact, that's one of her specialties. Esther is aware that nothing she offers is a quick fix. Each of Esther's strategies are not grounded in having greater willpower, but in resting in the loving presence of our Holy Father. Her suggested activities, therefore, don't feel like a task but an invitation. Every serious Christian can benefit from this book. I can't recommend it enough.
September 3, 2024
Wow. So. Crazy. Good.
This book is a must read. “A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts” has changed how I view trauma, anxiety, counseling, prayer, meditation, Scripture reading, and godly living. Ester Smith offers holistic methods to rewiring the brain to taste and see the goodness of the Lord in every thought and situation.
This book is not a “how to” book, but rather it’s a “see Jesus and your life will be radically changed” book. She does this through exercises, guided meditation, and Scriptural wisdom, all of which retrain the brain on how to react in a given moment.
After reading this book for a second time, it’s safe to say that I still have a deep respect for Esther Smith’s wisdom and care as she seeks to share the tender power of God’s care over unwanted thoughts.
This book is a must read. “A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts” has changed how I view trauma, anxiety, counseling, prayer, meditation, Scripture reading, and godly living. Ester Smith offers holistic methods to rewiring the brain to taste and see the goodness of the Lord in every thought and situation.
This book is not a “how to” book, but rather it’s a “see Jesus and your life will be radically changed” book. She does this through exercises, guided meditation, and Scriptural wisdom, all of which retrain the brain on how to react in a given moment.
After reading this book for a second time, it’s safe to say that I still have a deep respect for Esther Smith’s wisdom and care as she seeks to share the tender power of God’s care over unwanted thoughts.
March 21, 2023
An excellent book with lots of helpful practical exercises. I would recommend this to any pastor, counselor, or anyone wrestling with anxious, distracted, unwanted thoughts.
February 1, 2024
I've never finished a book only to immediately begin reading it again, but there's always a first! This is one of the most practical books I've read about what it means to "renew your mind" as you walk through life as a Christian. It didn't feel too simplistic, which is why I am re-reading it to really grasp the strategies and begin to apply them.
The only change I'd make is adding an index or collection of all the strategies in one place with the verses/questions for reference.
The only change I'd make is adding an index or collection of all the strategies in one place with the verses/questions for reference.
December 19, 2022
Excellent book on intrusive thoughts. A must read for me every postpartum. Loved the sections on medication, and meditation.
October 9, 2023
Balanced, Biblical, Holistic, Practical, Concise and with some depth considering how short this book is.
September 14, 2024
An extremely helpful book for people struggling against their own thoughts
March 30, 2023
This book is a delightful breath of fresh air, truth, and love. Esther Smith provides valuable strategies to transform your thoughts. Time and time again, I can find myself believing lies about myself, God, or others, and this was a refreshing read!
I was able to connect with a lot of the exercises and meditations given. Esther's writing is relatable, gentle, and soothing. There was so much truth packed in each chapter, along with reflections and prayers.
In the end, Esther encourges living freely and at peace with the understanding that our thoughts do not define us. Instead of feeling hopeless and burdened, when our minds are relentess, we can turn to God, who knows all and still loves us. It is when we fix our eyes on Jesus, His truth, love, and promises, that our thoughts are quieted.
I was able to connect with a lot of the exercises and meditations given. Esther's writing is relatable, gentle, and soothing. There was so much truth packed in each chapter, along with reflections and prayers.
In the end, Esther encourges living freely and at peace with the understanding that our thoughts do not define us. Instead of feeling hopeless and burdened, when our minds are relentess, we can turn to God, who knows all and still loves us. It is when we fix our eyes on Jesus, His truth, love, and promises, that our thoughts are quieted.
December 12, 2023
Immensely helpful and practical, while still including lots of good stuff on broader mental health topics as well. Even if you don't struggle with your thoughts in a "big" way, you will still benefit from A Still and Quiet Mind (I think pretty much everyone in a digital age should read the "Rest Your Thoughts" chapter). If you want to know more about trauma or intrusive thoughts and how they may differ from other unwanted thoughts, this is also a good starting place.
I'm sure I'll recommend this book often for moms I talk to with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as recommend it for those supporting or counseling such women. It's very accessible and immediately applicable, which makes it a fantastic resource.
I do wish she had spent more time (or written an appendix) about the intersection of secular psychology techniques and Scripture. I don't disagree with any of her strategies and meditations, but did want more foundational information on her viewpoints in this area.
I'm sure I'll recommend this book often for moms I talk to with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as recommend it for those supporting or counseling such women. It's very accessible and immediately applicable, which makes it a fantastic resource.
I do wish she had spent more time (or written an appendix) about the intersection of secular psychology techniques and Scripture. I don't disagree with any of her strategies and meditations, but did want more foundational information on her viewpoints in this area.
May 2, 2024
A balanced, wholistic and biblical way to deal with your thoughts. It combines science with biblical truth wonderfully- I found it very refreshing.
August 26, 2024
One of the easiest and most practical counseling books I have read on “taking thoughts captive”. I just now finished it but have already gifted it to two friends. It is biblically rooted in scripture and full of practical exercises. I am already planning a reread.
March 1, 2024
So! Good! Very encouraging and helpful and points to Christ as our true rest! Thankful for this read!
June 2, 2022
Esther has given us a biblical and practical guide to dealing with unwanted thoughts and biblical meditation. This would be a useful tool for those who are struggling and for counsellors to lead clients through. Highly recommend.
July 24, 2022
A one of a kind book. The guided meditations through Scripture, coupled with the carefully thought out categories introduced in each chapter, made this practical book a gem worth revisiting often.
May 24, 2024
Another not review but word vomitting of my thoughts and a space to keep quotes for future references!
I really enjoyed this book. Many of the strategies in this book are tools to help the reader enter God's presence. There were a few strategies that I will definitely put in my toolbox :)
I think this book answered very well a question that I, and probably many other Christians, have asked, "What do I do with the dissonance between the Bible and who God is with my doubts and fears that have settled deep in my soul and mind?" This book encourages a multitude of helpful practices and strategies that are rooted in faith, and they are all guided by the overall biblical narrative, not just a few focused, isolated passages that could be taken out of context.
Smith provides a non-exhaustive list of the different types of "unwanted thoughts" a person can have that I found to be super helpful. I really struggle with self-depricating thoughts that assign a false identity. These types of thoughts, rooted in shame, come up when we see ourselves differently from how Scripture describes us. I also really struggle with incessant mental chatter, daydreams, fantasies, and mental pictures of past and future events, and also unwanted thoughts about unwanted thoughts (how unnecessarily meta).
This book gave me so much language and camaraderie in some of the shame and guilt I feel. I think there's a very dangerous narrative that has lingered in my mind of God loving other people more than He loves me because they have (fill in the blank). This false gospel whispered in my ear that God blesses those he loves and hates those he does not give what they want. That he rewards good behavior, faithfulness, with desired outcomes and blesses only those who pray longer, fast better, and repent harder. This is just not true! And such dangerous territory!! Ahh!
This book also highlights other niche Christian guilts that I have wrestled with. Some quotes:
"Some unwanted thoughts are painful, yet still obedient to Christ."
"Taking every thought captive doesn't mean seizing thoughts that are distressing and negative and replacing them with thoughts that are pleasant and positive. It means moving toward obedient thoughts that reflect a knowledge of God."
"The distress level caused by a thought does not correlate with the sinfulness or virtue of that thought. Painful thoughts do not equal sinful thoughts. Pleasant thoughts do not equal virtuous or moral thoughts."
Smith does a decent job of distinguishing what thoughts are sinful and what aren't. Something I need more prayer and guidance on!
One of the biggest takeaways from this book is how fast my mind works. And not in a good way, lol. There is a stepping back that I find necessary, being able to observe the passing train, as Smith likes to put it. "Many Christians avoid this process of looking closely and immediately jump to judging and changing." I see now how my quickness to change and address is not always helpful!! To be able to slow down, evaluate, and look holistically is a skill I am trying to build.
The intersection of mental health and Christianity is intricately complex, a realm I'm still trying to comprehend better. As far as I know, there are no explicit Bible verses addressing mental health directly. While Jesus honestly discusses anxieties, worries, grief, and lament, questions arise regarding topics such as therapy and medication within the context of faith. This book brought to light many personal stigmas I harbor concerning this intersection. Food for thought.
Random quotes I want to remember:
"Digital detox": stepping away from information frees up space in your mind. "Come and find rest."
"Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips."
Questions to interrupt our thoughts in real time (to prevent the spiral):
1. Is this thought true?
2. Is this thought helpful?
3. Is this thought appropriate to my situation?
4. Is this thought complete?
"The goal of remembering is not to forget about the negative and focus only on the positive. The goal is for us to move out of our negativity bias and honestly look at our memories and experiences as they actually happened. Instead of skewing our thoughts in one direction, we honestly acknowledge the negative messages that have impacted our thoughts while also purposefully drawing on the healthy messages we so easily forget."
Finding God in our past experiences: Where was God in that moment? --> a visual exercise
"You can't shame yourself into getting better."
"Rest in the God who is with you and for you. He does not condemn you for your struggle or hurry you through your pain."
I really enjoyed this book. Many of the strategies in this book are tools to help the reader enter God's presence. There were a few strategies that I will definitely put in my toolbox :)
I think this book answered very well a question that I, and probably many other Christians, have asked, "What do I do with the dissonance between the Bible and who God is with my doubts and fears that have settled deep in my soul and mind?" This book encourages a multitude of helpful practices and strategies that are rooted in faith, and they are all guided by the overall biblical narrative, not just a few focused, isolated passages that could be taken out of context.
Smith provides a non-exhaustive list of the different types of "unwanted thoughts" a person can have that I found to be super helpful. I really struggle with self-depricating thoughts that assign a false identity. These types of thoughts, rooted in shame, come up when we see ourselves differently from how Scripture describes us. I also really struggle with incessant mental chatter, daydreams, fantasies, and mental pictures of past and future events, and also unwanted thoughts about unwanted thoughts (how unnecessarily meta).
This book gave me so much language and camaraderie in some of the shame and guilt I feel. I think there's a very dangerous narrative that has lingered in my mind of God loving other people more than He loves me because they have (fill in the blank). This false gospel whispered in my ear that God blesses those he loves and hates those he does not give what they want. That he rewards good behavior, faithfulness, with desired outcomes and blesses only those who pray longer, fast better, and repent harder. This is just not true! And such dangerous territory!! Ahh!
This book also highlights other niche Christian guilts that I have wrestled with. Some quotes:
"Some unwanted thoughts are painful, yet still obedient to Christ."
"Taking every thought captive doesn't mean seizing thoughts that are distressing and negative and replacing them with thoughts that are pleasant and positive. It means moving toward obedient thoughts that reflect a knowledge of God."
"The distress level caused by a thought does not correlate with the sinfulness or virtue of that thought. Painful thoughts do not equal sinful thoughts. Pleasant thoughts do not equal virtuous or moral thoughts."
Smith does a decent job of distinguishing what thoughts are sinful and what aren't. Something I need more prayer and guidance on!
One of the biggest takeaways from this book is how fast my mind works. And not in a good way, lol. There is a stepping back that I find necessary, being able to observe the passing train, as Smith likes to put it. "Many Christians avoid this process of looking closely and immediately jump to judging and changing." I see now how my quickness to change and address is not always helpful!! To be able to slow down, evaluate, and look holistically is a skill I am trying to build.
The intersection of mental health and Christianity is intricately complex, a realm I'm still trying to comprehend better. As far as I know, there are no explicit Bible verses addressing mental health directly. While Jesus honestly discusses anxieties, worries, grief, and lament, questions arise regarding topics such as therapy and medication within the context of faith. This book brought to light many personal stigmas I harbor concerning this intersection. Food for thought.
Random quotes I want to remember:
"Digital detox": stepping away from information frees up space in your mind. "Come and find rest."
"Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips."
Questions to interrupt our thoughts in real time (to prevent the spiral):
1. Is this thought true?
2. Is this thought helpful?
3. Is this thought appropriate to my situation?
4. Is this thought complete?
"The goal of remembering is not to forget about the negative and focus only on the positive. The goal is for us to move out of our negativity bias and honestly look at our memories and experiences as they actually happened. Instead of skewing our thoughts in one direction, we honestly acknowledge the negative messages that have impacted our thoughts while also purposefully drawing on the healthy messages we so easily forget."
Finding God in our past experiences: Where was God in that moment? --> a visual exercise
"You can't shame yourself into getting better."
"Rest in the God who is with you and for you. He does not condemn you for your struggle or hurry you through your pain."
August 10, 2024
I could appreciate some aspects of this book, namely the encouragement to take the whole counsel of scripture and not singular verses, along with the idea of analyzing thoughts to determine whether they are “true, helpful, appropriate, and complete”.
I also like that she discouraged against trusting in the content of the book as the key to achieving heart change. But rather she admonishes that the concepts should drive us to pursue the power and glory of Christ and to be transformed by the Spirit.
But overall there were some new-age-adjacent concepts and meditative practices suggested that I am not sure I am on board with. I was also concerned by certain contemplative-practice sources referenced, like Richard Foster. Overall, I think the author’s theology (and the beliefs of some of her chief sources) are at odds with mine. I would counsel discernment and careful comparison with the scripture to those interested in reading this book. I also think the content is better evaluated in print form versus audiobook.
I also like that she discouraged against trusting in the content of the book as the key to achieving heart change. But rather she admonishes that the concepts should drive us to pursue the power and glory of Christ and to be transformed by the Spirit.
But overall there were some new-age-adjacent concepts and meditative practices suggested that I am not sure I am on board with. I was also concerned by certain contemplative-practice sources referenced, like Richard Foster. Overall, I think the author’s theology (and the beliefs of some of her chief sources) are at odds with mine. I would counsel discernment and careful comparison with the scripture to those interested in reading this book. I also think the content is better evaluated in print form versus audiobook.
October 24, 2023
This book was another great read on a difficult and important topic. The issue of unwanted (or in the extreme, intrusive) thoughts is wide-ranging in how many are affected by it. Working with students and families as a Principal and Administrator at a small private school, along with serving in my local Church, led me to look for a resource that would equip me to better help those around me.
This resource did a great job of giving me skills and go-to resources on this important issue It comes from a Biblical Counseling perspective without some of the flaws and extremes that this position can sometimes have. It is rooted in Scripture with Biblical goals and categories. That is key! But, the author does a great job of bringing nuance and compassion to a variety of issues while sticking to Biblical categories.
The book is organized in offering strategies that move from the broadest strategies to the most specific and targeted. I really appreciated her language around trauma towards the end of the book as well as her guidance on medication to deal with these challenges.
A great read!
This resource did a great job of giving me skills and go-to resources on this important issue It comes from a Biblical Counseling perspective without some of the flaws and extremes that this position can sometimes have. It is rooted in Scripture with Biblical goals and categories. That is key! But, the author does a great job of bringing nuance and compassion to a variety of issues while sticking to Biblical categories.
The book is organized in offering strategies that move from the broadest strategies to the most specific and targeted. I really appreciated her language around trauma towards the end of the book as well as her guidance on medication to deal with these challenges.
A great read!
November 9, 2022
This is a must read for any Christian that struggles with anxiety, panic or intrusive thoughts. I plan to reread this several times. Biblically sound, balanced, and is jam packed with practical help. I wish I had this resource a couple years ago when I was in the middle of daily panic attacks. I still personally struggle with daily anxiety and intrusive thoughts and this book offers so many practical steps to combat it. 10/10 recommend. I highly recommend listening to it because the narrator is extremely peaceful and will give you the ability to work through some of the guided prayers/meditations.
December 19, 2023
Much of my reading has been slow this year. Some of that is due to the busyness of graduating college, starting my first job, and getting married. Some of it is due to slowing down on reading after having to do so much for college. However, most of it is due to the reoccurrence of my anxious and unwanted thoughts that I have wrestled with since middle school. I wanted to read slowly this year in an attempt to slow down my mind. Specifically, I wanted to read 2 books (this and A Still and Quiet Mind) meditatively that dealt with the issue of addressing anxiety through a Biblical lens. Both were good, A Still and Quiet Mind being helpful in explaining much of the science around this and this book providing many more practices for addressing it, but I look forward to next year as I hopefully read 2 more that might be a more complete treatment.
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