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What Keeps You Up at Night?: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams

Pete Wilson

3.98 · Rating details · 230 ratings · 36 reviews

“I just can’t ever seem to shut off my brain and rest.”

It's easy to feel paralyzed by uncertainty. We want our questions answered, our decisions affirmed, and our plans applauded. But life doesn't come with an instruction manual and rarely follows a straight path. How would your life change if you learned to lean into uncertainty instead of waiting on the sidelines for j ...more

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Paperback, 216 pages

Published May 5th 2015 by Thomas Nelson

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Aug 04, 2018 Brian rated it really liked it

This book is a lot about conquering fears. Oh that we would trust God so much that our fears would disappear.

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May 04, 2015 Nathan Albright rated it it was amazing

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.]

As someone whose mind never seems to rest and who is a chronic insomniac, this is the sort of book that was written for someone like myself. And yet there is nothing particularly surprising about this book. It is not as if the author has very much that is new to say, for the essentials of this book are very straightforward: overcoming fear and developing faith and courage require t [Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.]

As someone whose mind never seems to rest and who is a chronic insomniac, this is the sort of book that was written for someone like myself. And yet there is nothing particularly surprising about this book. It is not as if the author has very much that is new to say, for the essentials of this book are very straightforward: overcoming fear and developing faith and courage require trust in God and a lot of practice. The lack of novelty is not a bad thing at all--the author mixes personal stories along with a large amount of accurate paraphrases of biblical passages and insightful examples from history and literature to make his point, and it is well done, entertaining, and immensely encouraging. There is little more to ask for in a book about such an obviously difficult struggle as living a life of overcoming fear than the author does. A solid and heartfelt job of presenting fundamentals is far better than superficial novelty, any day of the week.

In terms of its organization, each chapter of this book is about 20 pages or so, a pretty standard length, and it straightforwardly looks at such issues as impatience, coincidence, truly letting God be in control of one's destiny, trust, fear, conflict, adventure, encouragement, difficulty, and so on. Even though the book's cover features a lot of glitz, looking alarmingly like the last birthday card I purchased (which featured a slightly off-color joke about attractive sheep), but at its heart this is a book that seeks to remind its reader about what it takes to walk along with God. It is not a book that strays into theologically murky waters or debates doctrine, but rather focuses on a clear area of importance in practice that is basically without serious dispute--our need to trust God and develop faith in Him. This book goes about that task with considerable humor and insight, but it remains a straightforward task well-suited to a book like this.

One aspect of this book that pleases me as a reader is that it is filled with explanatory headers, each chapter reviews its main points, and there are thoughtful questions at the end of every chapter for reflection. This is not a novel technique, but it is one that pleases me. It is the little details that make a book great, especially a book which seeks to encourage change in behavior. By keeping points simple, by making sure one's organization and train of thought is clear and marked with plenty of reminders and signposts, it is easier to examine what is necessary to go about doing something worthwhile, even if it merely means feeling a bit less anxious as one waits for God to reveal a solution to a situation that is being set up obviously for one. If such encouragement is not new, at least it is welcome, and that is enough to appreciate without demanding a difficult task. After all, it is hard to surprise someone who reads as often as I do, but that does not make a bit of familiar ground any less welcome. This is a book that should please those looking for encouragement to rest, enjoy God's Sabbath, and build a little bit of trust and faith, to work on it over time and help it grow for times when a great deal of moral courage will be necessary. ...more

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May 11, 2015 Heather King rated it it was amazing

Learning to trust God–His ways and His timing. Sounds easy. We all know it’s not. Pete Wilson’s new book, What Keeps You At Night, is about overcoming paralyzing fear, doubts, and insecurities and moving forward, just taking that next step of obedience and trusting God with the results.

Something about the way Pete Wilson writes makes it easy to connect with him. Maybe it’s his storytelling, his examples, his easy-to-read style; I always enjoy his books. I found myself highlighting and underlini Learning to trust God–His ways and His timing. Sounds easy. We all know it’s not. Pete Wilson’s new book, What Keeps You At Night, is about overcoming paralyzing fear, doubts, and insecurities and moving forward, just taking that next step of obedience and trusting God with the results.

Something about the way Pete Wilson writes makes it easy to connect with him. Maybe it’s his storytelling, his examples, his easy-to-read style; I always enjoy his books. I found myself highlighting and underlining throughout this one. It was encouraging without being Pollyana-style blindly optimistic. He faced hard truths—like we will have trouble in this world, and we will have to wait, and there will be uncertainty, and sometimes we will be rejected or disappointed. But God. That’s really what it all comes down to. Yes, life can be tough, But God.

My favorite quote in the book is housed in his chapter on embracing uncertainty. He writes, “We think the more spiritually mature we are the more clarity we should have. The fact is, the more spiritually mature we are the less clarity we need.” This one sentence nailed it for me. I find that God asks me more and more to live with unknowns or take steps of faith without neon sign confirmation. It’s because He’s asking me to trust HIM and Him alone more and more.

This book includes key ideas and reflection questions at the end of each chapter, as well as an action point of some kind called “Your Next Step.” It’s these next steps that I loved the most. Some of the ‘assignments’ he gave were unique and could really prod you into growing spiritually and stepping out in faith. In one chapter, he asks you to do something you are afraid of this week: Like strike up a conversation with a stranger if you’re shy or go a day without social media if you are addicted to it or speak up about some injustice that you see. On the surface, none of these seemed like life-changing, faith-altering, huge faith-steps. And yet, how often do we let the smallest fears or bad habits turn into strongholds that absolutely keep us from obeying God and His call in our lives? Too often we get hung up on looking for the grand vision for our lives or we are overwhelmed by that one giant of opposition and really God is just asking us to take that next right step.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Jul 07, 2015 Bèbè ✦ RANT ✦ rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-copies

What Keeps You At Night is a lot more than just a study on how to overcome your fear of the unknown and try to get to the bottom of the issue of those thoughts that keep you from getting good night's sleep. This has been one of my problems for a very long time since my brain is always working, figuring out possibilities on the future, the next day, and going over all the worries that I have on my plate.

This book is highly recommended to those that are strong in their faith but also those that a ...more

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Jun 30, 2017 Janka H. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"When God had finished making the universe, He sat back and looked at what He had done. Then He said, “It is very good.”
He made it just as He intended it. Nothing was wasted; nothing was out of place. It was perfect.
I realize that not long after, according to the Bible, sin came along and messed up God’s original intentions for the universe. Humans, aided and abetted by the devil, allowed their own pride and self-will to spoil the perfect relationship God had with His creation. But the principle ...more

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Jul 11, 2017 Amanda rated it really liked it

This is the first and only book I've read (or actually, "listened to") by Pete Wilson, so I ventured into it with neutral expectations. This book ended up speaking to me in a number of ways in my current season of life, for which I'm really grateful for. What I found most encouraging and wise in what Wilson carried as a continual thread throughout as he spoke of the process for discovering and responding to God's specific will for us (taking into consideration our gifts, abilities, passions, etc ...more

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Dec 10, 2018 Brenten Gilbert rated it really liked it

Shelves: faith, 2018readinggoal, non-fiction, devotional

RATING 4.24 STARS

I started reading this book years ago and never finished it. I get distracted sometimes, what can I say. Revisiting this, I found many solid insights and tactics for dealing with fear in my life. Fear, you know, that we all have on some level. I don't know that this book makes it any easier to deal with your fear, but it certainly makes it more difficult to deny it.

As a book, it reads like a sermon series, which is good - easy to put down (maybe too easy) and return to at will. ...more

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Jul 30, 2019 Kristen Hogrefe Parnell rated it really liked it

This book was an easy read, and I appreciated that Wilson was practical and also biblical in his approach to pursuing dreams. Although much of the information I have read in other places, this one book takes some solid ideas and packs them together into one resource. I would highly recommend it for new adults who are embarking on new opportunities or wanting to find encouragement while going for their goals.

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Mar 10, 2018 Becky rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The title implies a motivational book, and it is - but more in a spiritual sense. The author encourages believers’ steps in faith and recognizing God’s will. I underlined quite a few sentences - an indication for me that there is some good counsel to revisit. 4 1/2 stars

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Dec 21, 2018 Tolly rated it really liked it

This is a book to read in chuncks and pieces. Makes the thinking happen.

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Jan 31, 2019 Mike Traveler rated it really liked it

really recommended

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Jan 06, 2020 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: nonfiction, previous-pick-it-for-me, formerly-owned

Good read, worth the read but nothing revolutionary

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May 07, 2015 Katy Sauer rated it it was amazing

5 of 5 Stars (Writing Quality) & 2 of 5 Stars (Personal)

I know I’ve probably confused you right from the start of this review. Why two ratings? After I read the book I actually considered not reviewing it because of some personal conflict with the content. I really couldn’t figure out a way to give a single rating that both incorporated my personal feelings and the actual quality of the book because they are so different. So instead of just one rating – I’m giving two.

Writing Quality

I found this 5 of 5 Stars (Writing Quality) & 2 of 5 Stars (Personal)

I know I’ve probably confused you right from the start of this review. Why two ratings? After I read the book I actually considered not reviewing it because of some personal conflict with the content. I really couldn’t figure out a way to give a single rating that both incorporated my personal feelings and the actual quality of the book because they are so different. So instead of just one rating – I’m giving two.

Writing Quality

I found this to be incredibly well written. The layout for each chapter is just enough to get you thinking before a summary with extra questions to further discussion. Because of this I think it would be great for a group at church. My absolute favorite part was how stories from the bible were retold with a slight modern twist making them far more understandable and even relatable. The style of writing was amazing and I enjoyed it a lot. It didn’t feel heavy or overly pushy. Even with my personal conflicts you’ll read below I never felt it was shoving anything in my face.

Personal

The biggest reason I almost didn’t review this book had very little to do with the book itself. I consider myself a questioning Christian. It’s hard for me to really believe in these “just trust God” type ideas which a majority of the book was really aiming for. I understood the concept completely and feel for many people this works. I often felt irritated by it though because I have such conflict with my own faith, so many questions that simply don’t have answers. I also hold a few big resentments with ‘organized religion’ and it all tainted my ability to just enjoy the book. There were some things in the book that I found incredibly valuable and others that I disagreed with. Again this really is my own very personal issue and not so much a true representation of the book. I did however feel that I couldn’t truly review the book without sharing this aspect of my experience while reading.

In Summary

I think this book has a very specific target audience that I don’t quite fit into. Christians with stronger faiths or more mainstream beliefs than my own would most likely really love this book. As I said before a bible study surrounding just the topics that are in each chapter would be interesting even for me. I’m glad I read the book as it gave me a lot to think about and I’ll most likely reference it in the future as I explore what my own faith is and isn’t. I highly recommend it for the audience it is intended for because it is a very good book. Because of how well it’s written I do think it’s worth a shot for those questioning their faith.

This was provided free from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way effected my opinion and I was compensated in no other manner. ...more

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Jul 16, 2015 Julius rated it it was amazing

Pete Wilson's What Keeps You Up at Night: How to Find Peace while Chasing Your Dreams is a book about learning to trust God, at all times. None of which is easy. That's why Wilson spends so much time in this book reviewing the paralyzing doubts, fears, and insecurities that plague our living faithfully and fully. Taking the next step in faith, living obediently even in the midst of those fears -- that's what this book is all about.

And make no doubt about it, Wilson is an excellent guide on that ...more

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Mar 20, 2016 Allison Miller rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Just because a dream is delayed, doesn't mean it's denied." <---- THIS!

"What would you do if you knew God had already given you the victory?"

"If Jesus, (John 13) who knew all things were being placed in subjection to him, could then turn in humility, to teach His disciples about the true meaning of love, how can anyone who claims to follow Him do otherwise? We do not become less by serving others, we become more."

"When gifts given by God are given freely, they tend to be multiplied back to t ...more

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Jul 09, 2015 Annette rated it really liked it

Summary:
What Keeps You Up At Night is a study on anxiety and fear, and how to overcome them.
Pete Wilson begins by addressing how fear has disoriented us, held us back, and changed our mindset. Further, he explains Satan's battle-plan in using fear to cause us to feel isolated and alone. Wilson explores several points that will pilot away from anxiety and fear, and towards freedom.

Chapters:
"One Steps in the Darkness"
Two Expect Conflict
Three Hang On to What Lasts
Four Embrace Uncertainty
Five Learn ...more

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Sep 01, 2015 Create With Joy rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015-reviews, book-reviews

What keeps you up at night? What is your worst fear?

These are the questions that Pete Wilson greets you with in the Introduction to What Keeps You Up At Night – How To Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams.

What Keeps You Up At Night is a field guide for Christians who need to close the gap between fear and faith in their lives. In each chapter of the book, Pete challenges us to ruthlessly trust in God’s plans and discusses how to embrace God’s call for our lives, based on Scripture and his person ...more

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Jul 26, 2015 Caroline rated it really liked it

Shelves: inspirational, biblical-and-faith-study

I’ve read a few of Pete Wilson’s books now, and they always blend encouragement with conviction, personal stories with biblical ones, and reminders with love. This newest book keeps up with Pete’s recognizable tone.

This book is really about fear, focus, and trust.

“The faithfulness of God is stronger than whatever fears or challenges are holding you back.” – p. 44

Pete Wilson is a good storyteller, and he hears and experiences a lot of stories as pastor of Cross Point. He uses this skill to both ...more

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Aug 27, 2015 Jason Stanley rated it really liked it

Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. What Keeps You Up at Night? is his fourth book, where the main idea is that God has a purpose for each of us. Though Wilson never uses the word, you could refer to it as your vocation. What keeps us up at night is fear and uncertainty about fulfilling this God-given purpose.

From there, Wilson explores various ways in which fear keeps us from chasing our dreams – or God’s dreams for us. Fear prevents us f ...more

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Aug 26, 2015 Tiffany rated it really liked it

I would suggest What Keeps You Up At Night for anyone wanting to take that next step in life (career, school, relationship, dream, etc). The overlying message of this book is to trust the Lord with our uncertainty. Each chapter gives tips on how to do that through waiting patiently, recognizing our dreams vs. God's dreams for our lives, enduring when it gets tough (because the best stories are the ones where people made it through), seeking confirmation from relationships and situations that the ...more

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Jan 03, 2017 D.A. Cairns rated it really liked it

Some of this trended into neat little Christian cliches, but to some extent that is unavoidable and entirely forgiveable. I thought I had selected a book about peace, but What Keeps You Up at Night is not really about peace per se, it's about having the courage to pursue your God given dreams.

So although it wasn't exactly what I expected, I found it really encouraging and inspirational. Wilson;s style is very easy to read, and his nutshellizing of familiar bible stories was very good. He even ma ...more

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May 04, 2015 Elizabeth rated it really liked it

What Keeps You Up At Night by Pete Wilson gives us a clue on "how to find peace while chasing your dreams".

Courage to do what we were meant to do. We all need that. This book will show us how to trust in God to lead us through our dreams. Because doing what we want/need/dream to do isn't always easy. As a matter of fact, the Bible shows that when we do what God wants is usually when we will face the most opposition in life.

That's scary.

This book encouraged me to keep chasing my dreams. Whether ...more

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Jul 20, 2015 Michelle Kidwell rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 01, 2016 Kim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was a great follow-up to The Ragamuffin Gospel. Pete Wilson encourages us to see beyond our fears and see God's hand at work in our lives. He exhorts us to trust in God's perfect timing and arrangement of all the circumstances of our lives, regardless of how they appear to us (Romans 8:28). He discusses how fear is not the only thing that keeps us up at night, that it may be our passion calling out to be fulfilled, if we are open to the risk, danger, and change that stepping forward wi ...more

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Feb 14, 2016 Carter Hemphill rated it really liked it

Shelves: spiritual-development

It took me awhile to finish the book since the book seemed to lack an overall structure. It was when I went back to re-read and highlight the main points that the main messages in the book became clearer. Overall, I think the author makes some good points about how to follow God through the uncertain periods when following your life's calling. I liked the summary of main points at the end of the chapter -- many of which will be useful and motivational. ...more

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Feb 01, 2017 Rachel Martin rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

I was keen to read this book because I'd previously read both his blog, and that of other members of his church. There's lots to like about this book - Wilson's style is engaging and his topic relatable for many people. I was slightly disappointed by the lack of 'weight': this isn't a book which will stay with me. It was interesting and thought-provoking in places, but not life-changing.

I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 12, 2015 Kinggoleafs rated it it was amazing

Very inspiring! This is a book that I will be reading again and again. I see myself using it as a reference manual and as a journal. There is a depth to this book that can both inspire you as well as help you no matter where you are on your faith journey path.

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May 29, 2015 Craig Dyson rated it really liked it

Another great book by Pete Wilson, a good read, easy to understand and Wilson has a great gift of connecting with his audience. Plan B is my favorite of his books (one of my favorite books period), but this one is also well worth the read.

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