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Peace for the Anxious Soul
Ray Tolley
This is an important book which should be read by all Pastors, Church Leaders and Family Counsellors.
At an initial scanning, the book appeared to me that everybody is suffering from anxiety of fear. However, once getting into the book and carefully understanding Catherine Haddow’s message, it can be clearly recognised that she writes from a wide range of professional counselling, public speaking and personal experiences. Not only that, Catherine also speaks from a depth of Scriptural understanding which is both insightful and challenging.
This one book speaks both to those who are ‘weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care’ and also to those who have the responsibility of counselling those who struggle with anxiety. And this includes not only those who work in the privacy of the counselling chamber, not only those Pastors and teachers who work from a public platform but also you and me as we relate to friends and neighbours.
Throughout the book are a number of eloquent ‘case studies’ which clearly and poignantly support her message. ‘Jars of Clay’ challenges each one of us to look more carefully to the Scriptures concerning this whole topic of fear and anxiety.
Thank you, Catherine.
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A book I wish I had read years ago
James, Insane Theologian
The very first chapter in ‘Jars of Clay’ starts with presenting a biblical worldview, which is crucial for approaching this topic from a biblical perspective. Throughout the book the author remains rooted in the bible, drawing from the text and starting with the word of God. This flows through the book consistently with Catherine’s psychology being in subjection to the word of God.
The author zooms in on the key point that we must be Christ–centred in all of life. We must have a biblical perspective and be conformed to God. After laying the foundation for man’s natural condition (fallen and broken), the author then proceeds to cover an array of areas surrounding anxiety, emotions, Christ–centredness, self–centredness, distinguishing between body and spirit in regards to anxiety, but well balanced when discussing both.
The book looks at anxiety in the bible, seeking examples such as the apostle Paul and Jesus, before delving into those texts. We see anxiety will lead to our treasure, which is where we will find our heart. Which is either in Christ conforming to His will, His way and His thoughts or the world.
The book feels like a pushback to believers as individuals and the church as a whole. In terms of the way we think about emotions, being Christ–centred, or looking at things from God’s perspective (biblically). Personally I think the writer hints at it in the book, but in every situation we should ask, what does God want or will? What does the bible say about this?
Filled with helpful diagrams, charts, examples and reflective questions at the end of each chapter, which are suitable for all believers. These questions get you thinking and challenging yourself on where your heart is. It has practical advice and helpful methods for life as we walk with Jesus, as well as being supportive and helpful for those really suffering with anxiety.
It is well presented and written, easy to read and follow. The author handles sensitive topics well, providing information on the issue and bible verses, then leaving it to the reader to follow the bible and their conscience. A good read for all believers.
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Short, manageable chapters
Joanna Shearer, Dunblane Free Church
Do you suffer from crippling anxiety or long to help others in their daily struggle with anxiety? If so, ‘Jars of Clay’ is a very helpful, timely and practical book for you. When experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to focus and concentrate long enough to be able to read much. However, this book is written in short, manageable chapters, each ending with questions for reflection, making it very readable. Catherine Haddow brings a lot of knowledge, understanding and insight to the reader, not just because she is a chartered psychologist, but because she too has suffered from anxiety which lends authenticity to her writing.
The book explains what anxiety is and how it can affect us, at both a physical and spiritual level. It helps us examine if our anxiety stems from putting our trust in material things, our health, or our relationships – treasuring these things more than God. The reader is helped to understand how ‘The outer manifestations of anxiety reveal the allegiance of our inner soul. We put misplaced trust in things other than God.’ Through highlighting biblical truths and showing the reader how ‘the treasure of the gospel is present and active in every uncertainty we face’, Catherine Haddow aims to bring us into a greater relationship with God and to treasure ‘the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ’ above all else in order to find deep and lasting peace in Jesus. She reminds us that God ‘will help us because He loves us’.
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Catherine Haddow aims to bring us into a greater relationship with God.
Joanna Shearer, Free Church Books
Do you suffer from crippling anxiety or long to help others in their daily struggle with anxiety? If so, ‘Jars of Clay’ is a very helpful, timely and practical book for you. When experiencing anxiety, it can be difficult to focus and concentrate long enough to be able to read much. However, this book is written in short, manageable chapters, each ending with questions for reflection, making it very readable. Catherine Haddow brings a lot of knowledge, understanding and insight to the reader, not just because she is a chartered psychologist, but because she too has suffered from anxiety which lends authenticity to her writing.
The book explains what anxiety is and how it can affect us, at both a physical and spiritual level. It helps us examine if our anxiety stems from putting our trust in material things, our health, or our relationships – treasuring these things more than God. The reader is helped to understand how ‘The outer manifestations of anxiety reveal the allegiance of our inner soul. We put misplaced trust in things other than God.’ Through highlighting biblical truths and showing the reader how ‘the treasure of the gospel is present and active in every uncertainty we face’, Catherine Haddow aims to bring us into a greater relationship with God and to treasure ‘the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ’ above all else in order to find deep and lasting peace in Jesus. She reminds us that God ‘will help us because He loves us’.
