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Walking on Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning: Finding Hope in Life's Darkest Moments
Today more people than ever are suffering from emotional distress. Whether they are dealing with depression, anxiety, obsessiveness, fear, worry, or stress, their lives are limited and compromised by the ill-effects. People who suffer from emotional distress often feel isolated and unloved, either by God or by others, and often believe that there is no hope and no way out.
There is good news, however! A truly biblical approach to healing emotional distress focuses on a holistic cure that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Even when we feel truly alone, God is holding us in His hand. Even when we feel truly hopeless, God offers comfort and purpose. And even when we feel like we will never escape the pit of emotional distress, God sets our feet on firm ground and promises to never let us go. No matter what we have been through or what we are going through now, God can bring critically needed healing and transformation into our lives when we adjust what the authors refer to as “stinkin’ thinkin’.”
There is good news, however! A truly biblical approach to healing emotional distress focuses on a holistic cure that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Even when we feel truly alone, God is holding us in His hand. Even when we feel truly hopeless, God offers comfort and purpose. And even when we feel like we will never escape the pit of emotional distress, God sets our feet on firm ground and promises to never let us go. No matter what we have been through or what we are going through now, God can bring critically needed healing and transformation into our lives when we adjust what the authors refer to as “stinkin’ thinkin’.”
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
29 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Tommy Nelson
96 books34 followersTommy Nelson has served as the pastor of Denton Bible Church, located in Denton, Texas, since 1977. He is also a best-selling author (The Book of Romance, Better Love Now, A Life Well-Lived) and popular national marriage conference speaker. Nelson holds degrees in education and biblical studies and has been married to his wife Teresa for more than thirty years.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 15, 2021
“I realized that when I was in a dark wilderness with no concept of what God was doing, His lovingkindness and truth followed me all my day.”
As I am currently walking through the valley, Tommy & Steve’s words have been able to put to paper the fears, anxieties, and sorrows laid on my own heart (and I’m sure many, many others). Thankful for men of great faith who humbly share of their darkest days and how Jesus continues to redeem and revive!!
As I am currently walking through the valley, Tommy & Steve’s words have been able to put to paper the fears, anxieties, and sorrows laid on my own heart (and I’m sure many, many others). Thankful for men of great faith who humbly share of their darkest days and how Jesus continues to redeem and revive!!
March 31, 2022
This book has definitely helped me in realizing that depression and anxiety are not things that should be concealed and be ashamed about. Because if I tried to hide it then it could get worse and turn into something that I can't walk back from. But that God is still beside me, even if I can't feel Him, urging and helping me through every step to go to Him for comfort. But that sometimes it is okay to get external help.
September 9, 2022
Hugely valuable insight into the challenges of anxiety and depression from the perspective of those who've walked with the Lord through the depths of despair. Whether in the throws of trial currently, walking with someone as they battle, wanting to better empathize with those who experience these challenges, or simply wanting to rejoice in the Lord for the clarity of thought you currently enjoy, this short, easy read is a great resource.
January 16, 2023
This book was EXCELLENT!!! I did not agree with everything doctrinally, and I would definitely recommend having a KJV Bible handy, as none of the Scripture references are King James. But there was a lot of VERY HELPFUL, practical information in here for anyone who is or has dealt with depression or anxiety. Would highly recommend to any Christian going through this, or who knows someone going through this. It was a help to me!
May 19, 2023
I read this book in portions, sometimes more than once, over many years, and I finally read the last couple of chapters, beginning with the one on medication and reading to the end. This is tied with my other favorite book on anxiety, Finding Freedom from Anxiety and Worry by Dr. William Backus. Lots of good things in this book, and I will definitely return to it and keep it on my shelf for the seasons when I need to be reminded of how to get through.
February 25, 2022
This is a great resource if you suffer with depression or know someone who does.
September 5, 2017
Highly recommend to anyone experiencing depression or anxiety or wanting to understand more about it. Tommy Nelson is a Christian pastor who has experience severe anxiety and it is a particularly relevant story for anyone in ministry.
November 18, 2012
Tommy Nelson is senior pastor at Denton Bible Church; Steve Leavitt is an ordained minister and Christian counselor. As such, they are more than qualified to offer counsel. But, more than that, both men suffer from crippling anxiety and depression.
The first section is titled The Dark Descent and follows each man as his life changes. Neither holds back. You can feel their pain, confusion, desperation to learn what is wrong; to understand what is happening to them.
Leavitt's case is more obvious, more classic in its beginnings. The loss of his wife triggered an avalanche of emotions, some of which led to an OCD-like fixation on his health. Absolutely understandable.
Nelson is probably a text-book example of the over-achiever. Just reading his schedule exhausted me. And, eventually, it would take him down. It was almost inevitable.
Part Two asks and attempts to answer some hard questions; questions that those of us with anxiety disorders and/or depression have all asked: How did I get here? What's going on in my mind? my body? my spirit?
In the last section, Keys to Recovery, is some of the best advice I've read on living with depression, anxiety, compulsions, and obsessive thoughts and behaviors.
I must confess, I was concerned that this would be a come-to-Jesus, heal-this-sinner approach to very real, and debilitating, conditions. Or that a pastor and a Christian counselor would be reluctant to address all treatment options.
But the information and guidance, while naturally Christian-focused, is broad and thorough. From setting personal limits and learning to say 'No'; to asking for help and involving family in your recovery.
There is a perception, not unique to the Christian community but prevalent nonetheless, that taking medication for something like depression or anxiety is a sign of weakness. That a 'real Christian' doesn't get depressed or anxious; that a truly faith-filled life is immune to mental health problems.
Happily, this book addresses that, too. The use of medication is clearly explained and respected. As is prevention. Not prevention of these conditions, but learning to recognize personal triggers.
And keeping them from spiraling into full-blown depressive episodes or crippling panic attacks.
I recommend this book for those suffering with anxiety or depression, and for their families and loved ones. It isn't easy to explain what it feels like. And it isn't easy, if you've never been there, to understand.
Nelson and Leavitt do both.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The first section is titled The Dark Descent and follows each man as his life changes. Neither holds back. You can feel their pain, confusion, desperation to learn what is wrong; to understand what is happening to them.
Leavitt's case is more obvious, more classic in its beginnings. The loss of his wife triggered an avalanche of emotions, some of which led to an OCD-like fixation on his health. Absolutely understandable.
Nelson is probably a text-book example of the over-achiever. Just reading his schedule exhausted me. And, eventually, it would take him down. It was almost inevitable.
Part Two asks and attempts to answer some hard questions; questions that those of us with anxiety disorders and/or depression have all asked: How did I get here? What's going on in my mind? my body? my spirit?
In the last section, Keys to Recovery, is some of the best advice I've read on living with depression, anxiety, compulsions, and obsessive thoughts and behaviors.
I must confess, I was concerned that this would be a come-to-Jesus, heal-this-sinner approach to very real, and debilitating, conditions. Or that a pastor and a Christian counselor would be reluctant to address all treatment options.
But the information and guidance, while naturally Christian-focused, is broad and thorough. From setting personal limits and learning to say 'No'; to asking for help and involving family in your recovery.
There is a perception, not unique to the Christian community but prevalent nonetheless, that taking medication for something like depression or anxiety is a sign of weakness. That a 'real Christian' doesn't get depressed or anxious; that a truly faith-filled life is immune to mental health problems.
Happily, this book addresses that, too. The use of medication is clearly explained and respected. As is prevention. Not prevention of these conditions, but learning to recognize personal triggers.
And keeping them from spiraling into full-blown depressive episodes or crippling panic attacks.
I recommend this book for those suffering with anxiety or depression, and for their families and loved ones. It isn't easy to explain what it feels like. And it isn't easy, if you've never been there, to understand.
Nelson and Leavitt do both.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 17, 2012
Walking on Water when you feel like you’re drowning—Finding hope in life’s darkest moments, is a book about how to find help with your anxiety, panic attacks, obsessiveness and depression.
Both of these authors have been through it—they know what it’s like to be paralyzed by anxiety because they’ve lived it. This shows through in the way they make the reader feel understood.
I think that is the best thing this book has to offer—understanding. If you or someone you love is suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, obsessiveness or depression, contained within this book will be understanding. Finally, you will be able to understand what is happening or what has happened to you or your loved one. Finally, you will feel like someone really understands you.
I loved the section on biblical affirmations as I’m a firm believer in those. The whole section on believing truths vs. lies was very good. What was missing though, was a call to action or clear instructions on how to implement these. I would encourage readers to pick out the lies that “jump” out at you, that seem true to you, concentrate on those and memorize the opposite truth from scripture and to actively proclaim these out loud as often as necessary.
I liked the way the authors emphasized that the issues talked about are compound and complicated and cannot be solved in only one way. They included a lot of different angles from believing truth, to taking healthy care of your body, to getting others to help you and to consider taking medication (without the guilt!).
Even with all the various things they mentioned in their book, I found a few things missing however. They were clear in the need for Bible intake but there was no mention of obtaining help from the Holy Spirit. There was no mention of the need for confession. Because, yes, if there is any root of unbelief involved or lack of trust in God, then it needs to be confessed. And, lastly, there was no mention of the possibility of demonic involvement.
Even though I found those things lacking, the strength of the understanding contained within this book may be just what some readers need. If what you most need is understanding about what is happening to you or your loved one, then this is the book for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Both of these authors have been through it—they know what it’s like to be paralyzed by anxiety because they’ve lived it. This shows through in the way they make the reader feel understood.
I think that is the best thing this book has to offer—understanding. If you or someone you love is suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, obsessiveness or depression, contained within this book will be understanding. Finally, you will be able to understand what is happening or what has happened to you or your loved one. Finally, you will feel like someone really understands you.
I loved the section on biblical affirmations as I’m a firm believer in those. The whole section on believing truths vs. lies was very good. What was missing though, was a call to action or clear instructions on how to implement these. I would encourage readers to pick out the lies that “jump” out at you, that seem true to you, concentrate on those and memorize the opposite truth from scripture and to actively proclaim these out loud as often as necessary.
I liked the way the authors emphasized that the issues talked about are compound and complicated and cannot be solved in only one way. They included a lot of different angles from believing truth, to taking healthy care of your body, to getting others to help you and to consider taking medication (without the guilt!).
Even with all the various things they mentioned in their book, I found a few things missing however. They were clear in the need for Bible intake but there was no mention of obtaining help from the Holy Spirit. There was no mention of the need for confession. Because, yes, if there is any root of unbelief involved or lack of trust in God, then it needs to be confessed. And, lastly, there was no mention of the possibility of demonic involvement.
Even though I found those things lacking, the strength of the understanding contained within this book may be just what some readers need. If what you most need is understanding about what is happening to you or your loved one, then this is the book for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 8, 2012
A pastor and a Christian counselor, respectively, co-author their experience with anxiety and depression from their own personal lives. They use their own personal struggles to explain just how anxiety and depression can feel, and affect a person. Using biblical teachings, therapy, and sometimes medication, the author’s let the reader know that one can recover. In this book, they show us just how this can be achieved.
The book is written in easy to follow text, not at all with medical or physiological terminology. It is a comforting read, especially to anyone who may feel that they are having any type of anxiety and/or depression. Each co-author shares his story, and describes the actually body and mind feelings that they had. They explain how to identify those feelings, how they got there, what’s going on in the mind, as well as, what’s going on in the body.
They offer keys to recovery, using biblical text, and reliance on God as the back bone to recovery. They quote from various scripture, especially the Psalms, which I found most comforting. I would recommend this as an easy read to anyone of faith who is suffering, or has a loved one suffering with emotional distress, although not to replace medical or physiological counseling.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book is written in easy to follow text, not at all with medical or physiological terminology. It is a comforting read, especially to anyone who may feel that they are having any type of anxiety and/or depression. Each co-author shares his story, and describes the actually body and mind feelings that they had. They explain how to identify those feelings, how they got there, what’s going on in the mind, as well as, what’s going on in the body.
They offer keys to recovery, using biblical text, and reliance on God as the back bone to recovery. They quote from various scripture, especially the Psalms, which I found most comforting. I would recommend this as an easy read to anyone of faith who is suffering, or has a loved one suffering with emotional distress, although not to replace medical or physiological counseling.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 22, 2013
Feeling frustrated or overworked? Depressed or anxious about the future? Well-known author and pastor, Tommy Nelson, and Steve Leavitt have been there too. Readers who have a life that has fallen into despair will be able to relate to the stories they tell. This book is written in a way that puts the reader at ease and makes him or her feel not as much alone. The message of Psalms 14:18 is repeated throughout the text: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
This book takes a reader through the process of falling into depression and anxiety, answers questions that you might ask, and shows how to get help from God to recover. It is a very easy read, but very powerful. I would recommend this book to people who want to understand why they or someone in their lives are struggling with depression or anxiety.
This book takes a reader through the process of falling into depression and anxiety, answers questions that you might ask, and shows how to get help from God to recover. It is a very easy read, but very powerful. I would recommend this book to people who want to understand why they or someone in their lives are struggling with depression or anxiety.
November 1, 2012
Tommy and Steve portray some of their experiences with depression. They both suffered with emotional distress due to very different incidents or reasons but in both cases it was quite incapacitating. They then evaluate how they got there, who else has been there, what's going on with body mind and spirit, and then the steps they took to escape. They provide guidance for when it is appropriate to seek medication.
This was a well written, well planned book for depression, anxiety and more. I liked the way each chapter was split up and the topic was addressed from a Tommy perspective then from a Steven perspective. It provided a more clear path for us to follow the progression of each of them. If someone is suffering from any of these stresses, this is a really good resource to utilize. It provides a greater understanding of the why, what, how and how to get through it.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Tyndale. All opinions good or bad are mine.
This was a well written, well planned book for depression, anxiety and more. I liked the way each chapter was split up and the topic was addressed from a Tommy perspective then from a Steven perspective. It provided a more clear path for us to follow the progression of each of them. If someone is suffering from any of these stresses, this is a really good resource to utilize. It provides a greater understanding of the why, what, how and how to get through it.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Tyndale. All opinions good or bad are mine.
May 18, 2013
A Christian perspective on Anxiety and Depression, written by two pastors who both went through clinical depression or severe anxiety. Very helpful as a first-step resource, especially if you're not sure about taking medication (they do recommend it in conjunction with counseling and life adjustments). The book is mainly about the two authors telling their personal stories and then expanding on certain points like panic attacks, biological effects of anxiety/depression, benefits of medication, etc. It's not a perfect standalone resource for combating anxiety and/or depression; deeper resources, including counseling, for the truly anxious/depressed person will still be necessary, but this book helps to dissuade a lot of the fear, self-doubt and misconceptions about faith, depression and seeking treatment.
October 30, 2012
This book is important because it does not skirt around the issues of depression and anxiety with pat answers. Rather, through the story of Tommy Nelson and the counsel of Steve Leavitt, this book offers a healthy dose of wisdom and candor from the struggle with anxiety and hopelessness. Dealing with issues of medication, suffering and pain, Nelson and Leavitt seek to bring God's wisdom to bear on these difficult subjects.
December 18, 2012
Incredibly simple but specific and helpful both as a self-diagnostic tool as well as aiding others. Strong admonishment to reject the "tough it out" stereotype of mainline Christianity. Both Nelson and Leavitt share with much vulnerability and courage. This is a tool for all of us to further understand the complexity of how the mind affects the spiritual, emotional and physical spheres.
March 14, 2013
While I didn't agree with 100% of this book, I did appreciate it and will find it helpful for clients who are struggling with why their faith may not be enough to treat mental illness. I liked the straightforward approach, and that both authors themselves had struggled with depression and anxiety.
October 24, 2013
Some great insight and advice for those who have suffered from panic/anxiety/depression. Writing is mediocre.
May 3, 2017
Book was a blessing to read
I was blessed reading this book, written by two men of God who experienced depression. They shared biblical truths and showed ways to deal with depression. Hearing how to deal with it from people who have suffered from it helps a lot.
I was blessed reading this book, written by two men of God who experienced depression. They shared biblical truths and showed ways to deal with depression. Hearing how to deal with it from people who have suffered from it helps a lot.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews