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When the Noise Won't Stop: A Christian guide to dealing with anxiety
In the first two chapters, Paul relates his own experience of dealing with an anxiety disorder, as well as sharing the (anonymous) stories of other Christians who’ve experienced something similar, before outlining the way that psychology and medicine have developed in their thinking about anxiety.
Chapter three launches the heart of the book: an in-depth consideration of how the Bible forms and addresses our understanding of anxiety. This includes personal teaching and wisdom for those dealing with a disorder for themselves, as well as focused advice for those caring for someone with anxiety.
Throughout the book, Paul shows how the gospel addresses the pain and difficulty of anxiety. For example,what is the relationship between anxiety and sin, and how does the gospel address this relationship? How does the gospel offer hope in the face of this type of suffering?
Chapter three launches the heart of the book: an in-depth consideration of how the Bible forms and addresses our understanding of anxiety. This includes personal teaching and wisdom for those dealing with a disorder for themselves, as well as focused advice for those caring for someone with anxiety.
Throughout the book, Paul shows how the gospel addresses the pain and difficulty of anxiety. For example,what is the relationship between anxiety and sin, and how does the gospel address this relationship? How does the gospel offer hope in the face of this type of suffering?
- GenresChristian
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2022
59 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 23, 2024
A comprehensive and insightful book that explores the complexity of handling clinical anxiety with a Biblical perspective. Grimmond did a good job of exploring the overlaps between "thoughts, attitudes, and behaviour", physiological, and environmental inputs that fuel anxiety and provided helpful principles to shape our responses to each. He is sympathetic to external (and internal) challenges that are out of the control of the anxious person, without losing sight of our own sinfulness and need to draw near to God for his help. A dense read, but a very helpful starter and guide to the topic; I valued that he was able to share from his own experiences and failings. Would recommend to anyone who wants to explore Biblical principles around clinical anxiety, pertinent to themselves or others
April 27, 2024
Quite an interesting book. A good balance of biology, medication, psychology and theology in relation to anxiety. I particularly loved the gospel application which is applicable and practical to so many of our thought processes, not just anxiety.
August 30, 2023
A great balance of theology and practical advice around the area of anxiety that was also very digestible and easy to read!
I started this book quite hesitantly, anxious (pun intended) that I'd be given some purely abstract idea of how the Bible views anxiety. I've finished book knowing far better what anxiety is, how to view it theologically, and most importantly the heart of my Saviour for those that struggle with anxiety.
I started this book quite hesitantly, anxious (pun intended) that I'd be given some purely abstract idea of how the Bible views anxiety. I've finished book knowing far better what anxiety is, how to view it theologically, and most importantly the heart of my Saviour for those that struggle with anxiety.
September 12, 2023
A very solid book on a biblical view of anxiety. It is very thoughtful and sensitive, easy to read, and firm on expressing the truth in love. I especially appreciated Grimmond’s considerations for those in a place of caring for those who suffer from anxiety.
Definitely one of the best books of its kind
Definitely one of the best books of its kind
July 20, 2023
Super honest, sensitive and biblical book on anxiety. Recommend for anyone who struggles with anxiety or cares for someone that does.
February 8, 2024
This was a helpful book to read that sheds light on how God’s word shapes our understanding of anxiety and approach to living with it and/or supporting loved ones. It can be anxiety-inducing reading about anxiety but Paul Grimmond approaches the topic with care and sensitivity. Most comforting is knowing the tender heart of Christ for all who experience anxiety, and that He is with us as we wait for our eternal peace and rest with Him.
May 26, 2024
This is potentially the best Christian living book on mental health/anxiety I’ve ever read!
Paul Grimmond relies on others and his own personal experiences with anxiety to guide this book. He understands and emphasises that everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique and therefore there is not a one-fits-all solution. Additionally the books layout allows for the reader to read sections more relevant to themselves (including a section for people who support others with anxiety).
Grimmond manages perfectly to balance talking about science and faith and its role on anxiety. He mentions the role the church has had in the past in anxiety and expressed carefully how sin is at play whilst understanding the role of biology, attitudes and experiences.
Despite this being a hard, and sometimes taboo, topic, he is able to express the importance of aspects of the Christian faith and how this all has a part to play in changing how we view anxiety without diminishing the role of talking therapies, medication and changing the environment around you.
As someone who was obsessed with self-help books before becoming a Christian, this is the best example of a Christian ‘self-help’ book that focuses so importantly on God as the centre and backs up all points with scripture whilst also providing some practical advice.
Paul Grimmond relies on others and his own personal experiences with anxiety to guide this book. He understands and emphasises that everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique and therefore there is not a one-fits-all solution. Additionally the books layout allows for the reader to read sections more relevant to themselves (including a section for people who support others with anxiety).
Grimmond manages perfectly to balance talking about science and faith and its role on anxiety. He mentions the role the church has had in the past in anxiety and expressed carefully how sin is at play whilst understanding the role of biology, attitudes and experiences.
Despite this being a hard, and sometimes taboo, topic, he is able to express the importance of aspects of the Christian faith and how this all has a part to play in changing how we view anxiety without diminishing the role of talking therapies, medication and changing the environment around you.
As someone who was obsessed with self-help books before becoming a Christian, this is the best example of a Christian ‘self-help’ book that focuses so importantly on God as the centre and backs up all points with scripture whilst also providing some practical advice.
March 8, 2023
Some very insightful comments on anxiety through a biblical lense. In the book, Paul shares from his personal experience in dealing with anxiety and how this condition should be approached in a world marred by the stain of sin.
I would recommend this to any Christian suffering from an anxiety disorder, or who finds themself in a position of care over someone with anxiety.
I would recommend this to any Christian suffering from an anxiety disorder, or who finds themself in a position of care over someone with anxiety.
January 20, 2024
Compassionate and readable, practical yet deeply theological, I really appreciated this book. It was especially valuable as it is clearly grounded in both rigorous scholarship and the author's own experience.
November 19, 2024
"God holds on to us even when we can't hold on to Him"
October 8, 2022
This book deals with the topic of anxiety from a Christian perspective. The author himself shares his own experiences and lays down a scriptural framework. Although the book is primarily aimed at those who struggle, it's also for those who seek to support those who experience anxiety.
The author shared examples of what it means to suffer anxiety. I found it helpful to get a glimpse of what people experience, and it's quite a range! The book was also great with really sound advice on how one might start addressing some of the mental/bodily/environmental roots of the condition.
With what is a very heavy topic, I really appreciated the notes of hope and scriptural encouragement sprinkled throughout. Reminders of how much God cares.
Definitely worthwhile if you or someone you know suffers from anxiety.
The author shared examples of what it means to suffer anxiety. I found it helpful to get a glimpse of what people experience, and it's quite a range! The book was also great with really sound advice on how one might start addressing some of the mental/bodily/environmental roots of the condition.
With what is a very heavy topic, I really appreciated the notes of hope and scriptural encouragement sprinkled throughout. Reminders of how much God cares.
Definitely worthwhile if you or someone you know suffers from anxiety.
December 27, 2023
Excellent readable helpful book. Love the way he engaged as much with questions tangential to anxiety, e.g. understanding science and psychology from a Christian perspective, before going into the content (he says you can skip chapter 1 and 2 but they were really good!)
Also love his way of repeating himself so it's memorable without having to try too hard. But to help me, here's some quotes:
"Start with God's truth, then reflect on what we observe about the created world)"
Anxiety can be a good thing, it shows concern for ourselves and others.
Anxiety is impacted by our mind, our sin and our environment (including our biology) so very complex. But sin is still part of it, but anxiety also causes shame, so being careful in how we approach it.
Also love his way of repeating himself so it's memorable without having to try too hard. But to help me, here's some quotes:
"Start with God's truth, then reflect on what we observe about the created world)"
Anxiety can be a good thing, it shows concern for ourselves and others.
Anxiety is impacted by our mind, our sin and our environment (including our biology) so very complex. But sin is still part of it, but anxiety also causes shame, so being careful in how we approach it.
May 11, 2023
Such a great read! Paul really describes the experience, fears and struggles associated with anxiety so clearly. I was able to confidently nod along to the ideas. And he does so pointing back to jesus. A gentle plea for our minds to be right with God as they will one day in heaven!
May 13, 2025
This book is so incredibly helpful for those experiencing anxiety and/or those caring for others who experience anxiety. It conveys a Christian perspective on an often misunderstood and complex condition. Definitely recommend!!
February 21, 2023
A profoundly thoughtful reflection on the relationship between biological anxiety and the way in which our sin can aggravate and distort our thinking patterns. I would recommend as a balanced approach to understanding anxiety from a theological perspective
July 8, 2023
Really great book that is grounded in the Scriptures. The first few chapters were quite dense, thick with theology and doctrines which is good but enjoyed the second half of the book even more as it was a bit easier to read and still rich with Bible passages and principles.
Overall would recommend to anyone, regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with anxiety themselves or not, as it’s super helpful for all Christians to shape the way we view anxiety, stress, and depression all in light of the gospel.
Overall would recommend to anyone, regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with anxiety themselves or not, as it’s super helpful for all Christians to shape the way we view anxiety, stress, and depression all in light of the gospel.
April 29, 2024
Really helpful at reshaping my perspective and learning to not always see anxiety as a bad thing
July 26, 2023
Grimmond writes about anxiety with compassion, understanding, and complete confidence in God's promises.
This book is easy to read, and great for firm and shaky Christians alike because he explains the relevance of the gospel to anxiety with clarity. Grimmond understands the guilt that besets anxious Christians because we look at commands like 'Do not be anxious' and quickly spiral from 'I'm a bad Christian' to 'I mustn't be a Christian if I continue struggling with anxiety.' This is THE book for those with GAD, seasonal anxiety, chronic stress, social anxiety, and panic attacks, and those caring for them.
The first half unpacks what the gospel has to say to those who are anxious. Grimmond makes no false promises that if you just believe enough or pray enough or do enough that God will take away your anxiety. He gives several biblical examples to the contrary. You might never live free of anxiety this side of Jesus' return, but that doesn't change your security in your salvation.
The second half looks at practical strategies for managing anxiety. You'll have heard them all before - therapy, nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep and rest, stress management, breathing, etc - Grimmond is unique in that he explains the value of each of these to us as bodily creatures. Anxiety is a bodily condition and so are the strategies to help us live with it, and maybe even overcome it.
Particularly valuable for the Christian community is his discussion about the difference between breathing meditation and Buddhist philosophy. Many Christians won't touch any form of yoga or meditation because of its spiritualist connotations. Grimmond acknowledges and validates this concern, and shows how to discern between helpful and unhelpful practices. Ultimately, he defers to Paul, who in Romans 14 and elsewhere, exhorts the church to each be convinced in their own mind, meaning that some Christians will willing to do yoga and meditation and others won't and it's not up to us to convince someone else to do something different to what they're comfortable with.
Grimmond has written a pertinent book for our time, and for the future. All Christians should grab a copy of 'When the Noise Won't Stop' because if anxiety hasn't touched your life or the lie of someone you know yet, it will, and the best thing you can do it to be prepared.
This book is easy to read, and great for firm and shaky Christians alike because he explains the relevance of the gospel to anxiety with clarity. Grimmond understands the guilt that besets anxious Christians because we look at commands like 'Do not be anxious' and quickly spiral from 'I'm a bad Christian' to 'I mustn't be a Christian if I continue struggling with anxiety.' This is THE book for those with GAD, seasonal anxiety, chronic stress, social anxiety, and panic attacks, and those caring for them.
The first half unpacks what the gospel has to say to those who are anxious. Grimmond makes no false promises that if you just believe enough or pray enough or do enough that God will take away your anxiety. He gives several biblical examples to the contrary. You might never live free of anxiety this side of Jesus' return, but that doesn't change your security in your salvation.
The second half looks at practical strategies for managing anxiety. You'll have heard them all before - therapy, nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep and rest, stress management, breathing, etc - Grimmond is unique in that he explains the value of each of these to us as bodily creatures. Anxiety is a bodily condition and so are the strategies to help us live with it, and maybe even overcome it.
Particularly valuable for the Christian community is his discussion about the difference between breathing meditation and Buddhist philosophy. Many Christians won't touch any form of yoga or meditation because of its spiritualist connotations. Grimmond acknowledges and validates this concern, and shows how to discern between helpful and unhelpful practices. Ultimately, he defers to Paul, who in Romans 14 and elsewhere, exhorts the church to each be convinced in their own mind, meaning that some Christians will willing to do yoga and meditation and others won't and it's not up to us to convince someone else to do something different to what they're comfortable with.
Grimmond has written a pertinent book for our time, and for the future. All Christians should grab a copy of 'When the Noise Won't Stop' because if anxiety hasn't touched your life or the lie of someone you know yet, it will, and the best thing you can do it to be prepared.
March 16, 2025
There is too much to say about how wonderful this book is - instead of saying anything I encourage you to read it (borrow it from me if you don't mind some underlines!). Paul Grimmond really understands the pain, fear, weariness, confusion and turmoil that comes with long-term anxiety and he deals with it all with gentle but persistent truths. He doesn't try to 'solve' anxiety, or minimise it, he just plainly talks about what it is, where it can come from, the complexities of it, and how the Bible talks about anxiety and anxiety sufferers (and sinners). He also constantly reminds the reader that there is One who understands our deepest needs and our deepest anxieties - He is there to listen, we need only reach out and talk to Him. I feel this is a book that I will reach for many times in the future - especially for Ch.12, Hope for the Weary.
*also just another note; this really got me thinking about how anxiety can lead to greater blessing in this life. I imagine 10 years ago Grimmond would have never imagined he could write a book that was so helpful on anxiety, yet he did and he can! Makes me think what plans God has in store for me that wouldn't happen if not for my anxiety.
*also just another note; this really got me thinking about how anxiety can lead to greater blessing in this life. I imagine 10 years ago Grimmond would have never imagined he could write a book that was so helpful on anxiety, yet he did and he can! Makes me think what plans God has in store for me that wouldn't happen if not for my anxiety.
September 1, 2023
An interesting look into anxiety from a biblical perspective with some science in there too
July 28, 2025
This is an excellent book in just about every regard, but three particular aspects were:
1. It provides a clear and thoroughly biblical framework for thinking about topics such as mental health. Worth reading for that alone.
2. Paul deeply knows the audience to which he is writing, and his writing brims with pastoral sensitivity and care for those reading. He is with them the whole way.
3. The book offers real and substantial hope for those wrestling with anxiety in a way that gives no cheap promises, but rightly understands both the grace of God and the reality of sin in us and our world.
Highly recommend!
1. It provides a clear and thoroughly biblical framework for thinking about topics such as mental health. Worth reading for that alone.
2. Paul deeply knows the audience to which he is writing, and his writing brims with pastoral sensitivity and care for those reading. He is with them the whole way.
3. The book offers real and substantial hope for those wrestling with anxiety in a way that gives no cheap promises, but rightly understands both the grace of God and the reality of sin in us and our world.
Highly recommend!
January 1, 2024
Excellent book. Clear and easy read. Helpfully combines biblical principles with personal experience and science. Majority of this book is helpful for suffering in general, while I appreciated the clarity of giving principles to then take and apply to personal situations given anxiety is so complex. I will remember the helpful phrase that we are both sinners and sufferers. The chapter on wisdom is fundamental for considering anything like anxiety biblically.
October 11, 2024
Excellent resource which both gives an insight into what anxiety is but also helpfully describes how it feels in the words of real sufferers. It then works through the bibles very nuanced teaching on anxiety - and the ways anxiety is both good and bad. Challenges some of the ways we can misuse texts on anxiety and worries. And ultimately, and helpfully, leads us to Christ and our hope in him that is not just future but for now.
January 20, 2025
A thorough and thoughtful book, probably the best I've come across for any Christian reader wanting to think through anxiety and mental health. Mainly from a pastoral perspective but I can tell the author has considered current mental health practice and research and practical recommendations. I particularly liked chapter 7 and feel it's a useful chapter for Christians in general, not just those experiencing anxiety.
March 5, 2024
As a sufferer of Anxiety this is one of the best books I’ve read on the subject from a biblical perspective. The author, a sufferer himself, is gentle in his approach and very conscious of the triggers and guilt that can come from living with it. I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of whether you have anxiety or not because I guarantee you know someone with it.
October 27, 2024
Great book. Paul Grimmond writes very well and is easy to understand, the book comes across as very conversational. Paul lays out anxiety’s place in Gods good design for the world, how to live with it, and how to help people who struggle with it. Definitely a helpful resource.
September 9, 2022
Writing style: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Engagement: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purpose: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 4.6/5
Engagement: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purpose: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 4.6/5
October 4, 2023
I nearly gave it 4 stars, then I read the chapter on supporting the person you love near the end ❤️❤️
October 4, 2024
The book doesn't go into so many issues which can cause anxiety, still very basic. Maybe I'm too broken for entry level books like these.
March 13, 2025
Biblical perspective on anxiety. I really appreciated understanding God’s good design for anxiety, care and concern, for the things of God. Really helpful and practical advice for dealing with anxiety as well as walking alongside others with anxiety.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews