What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do: 8 Principles for Finding God's Way

by Henry Cloud

In this best-selling, award-winning book, Drs. Cloud andTownsend introduce eight persuasive principles that demonstrate how God entersboth the heart-breaking situation and the life looking for more. Life is difficult. Life for everyperson on earth is a challenging journey - with or without God. Those whoinvite God to join them on this adventure believe that when bad things happenthey can trust God to be present and work on their behalf. But just exactly how does He go about thebusiness of helping us when we don't know what to do? Henry Cloud and John Townsend believe God hasgiven us instructions on how He makes a way for us when we call on Him. If you follow God's eight principles in thisbook, you can thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. As clinical psychologists, theauthors deal daily with real people facing real problems, so this book is notjust psychological or biblical theory.It is a life system that captures God's wisdom for coping with our mostdifficult problems.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction, Relationships, Psychology

134 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2002

About the author

Dr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.

As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many times things happen in our lives that we don't understand. We think we understand what God would have wanted in a situation but that didn't happen. Why does God let things turn out the way they did?

This book addresses how we can walk through those times with God. It shows us how we can still rely on God to make a way when we are puzzled about what we should do next. It shows us how we can grow closer to Him through those puzzling seasons of life.

[Efrain Guzman-Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps out, when you begin to doubt yourself and brings biblical teaching to everyday application when you come across uncertain times in your life.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do" was a quick, easy read with practical advice that was easy to understand. The book was aimed at those who "don't know what to do" about their problems anymore. The advice started with God, was God-focused, and was based on Scripture. However, the book didn't dig very deep into Scripture, hardly mentioned Jesus, and didn't mention the Holy Spirit at all--probably to broaden the audience.

The book gave eight general principles that built upon each other and which applied to all tough situations. The authors explained what they meant (in practical terms), how to carry them out, and gave real-life examples.

At the end, there was a bonus section which covered specific categories of "tough situations": discouragement and depression; bad habits and addictions; and sex and intimacy problems. In it, the authors became more specific in their advice on how to identify the specific problem and what to do to get headed out of it. They gave some very useful advice in these sections.

It's a good, basic book. If you're not sure what to do next or how God can help you get through your problems, and you're looking for a short read, then this book will help.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two authors did a great job showing how God can use our troubles and hardships for good, in order for us to be more honest and take up responsibilities for our sins and mistakes. They use 8 important life principles from the Bible to show us how to handle life. I disagree with their views in the chapter about dating and new romance, but I liked all of the other chapters. I especially gained a lot of wisdom from reading about fear and anxiety, bad habits and addictions, guilt and shame, and weight loss and health. Yes, God will make a way to help us solve our problems, but he cannot do it until we honestly acknowledge what went wrong and live out his words.

Favorite Quote: "If I had not faced my fear, I would not have had that incredible experience. It taught me that I could do something that I was afraid of doing. I learned that we can get through fear to the other side, and find more of life. This experience also reminded me that just telling people, 'Don't be afraid, you'll do fine.' does not make the fear go away. Until the reasons for the fear are addressed, it will remain." (Page 185)

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Could and Dr. Towsend present eight practical principles to help you grow closer to God and stand in the midst of adversity. This is an excerpt from the book that I wrote down because it is a reminder to trust God and His plan for our lives: "It serves to remind us that we cannot predict what God's way will be. His plan and purpose for us cannot be reduced to formulas. The way He makes for us is His way, not ours. Our role is to seek Him, to take charge of our own circumstances and to trust Him to do what only He can do.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I was actually led to it and opened straght to the toxic people chapter. It helped me realize that God doesn't expect you to keep people in your life that are a negative influence. You can't fix people and regarless if you believe it or not, you are influenced by peoples energy and egos. Choose your friends wisely.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book earlier. I earlier enjoyed Dr. Cloud's book on 9 things everybody should know and this book co-written with John Townsend is even better (although this book is religious and therefore is for a more limited audience). Whether you're looking for guidance or seeking healing for emotional scars this is a great book.

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent little book that talks about what it looks like to walk with God on a daily basis and to understand how life is a journey and how we need help from others in that journey to help us walk more intimately with God.

[Matthew Webb]

A excellent book for those struggling for direction in multiple areas of life. Biblical based answers with real world application.

[Stinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cloud and Townsend's writing has benefited me in the past, and this book was similarly helpful to a lesser degree. It's an easy read; certain chapters, such as those on anxiety and dreaming, were more applicable and interesting to me than others based upon my place in life. This book would especially benefit someone who is recently divorced, widowed, unemployed or is going through a tough period of his or her life.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books that really opens up the idea that God is truly with you in all situations. No matter what you are dealing with God is with you and He will get you through whatever you are dealing with. This was very encouraging and helpful for me to read. I really like Townsend and his personal stories he had shared that really helped me connect and relate to them.

[Leigh Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This was such a great book. I have read many books by these authors and this one does not disappoint. It is full of information that you can readily apply to your life. A must read!

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think a lot of this I had read before, whether in Cloud and Townsend's other books or elsewhere, so I'm not sure how much I learned from it, but it is a good reminder of many principles for personal/spiritual growth.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read; covers lots of topics.

[Brenda Seefeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical. Helpful.

[Yrag Notsew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read. Short. Helpful. Worthwhile. Pastoral. Deals with suffering.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good book. Although the book covers a wide variety of topics at least half of them were relatable to me in some way (which is less than most books of this nature). For that reason I give it 4/5 stars. Well done.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I thought this book made some good points but I struggled a little with the application in a few areas (eg. depression).

[Noah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pithy sayings

[Angela Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to help with challenges of life grounded in scripture!

[Spectre I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short 50 page. Pretty concise. I’d recommend How People Grow by the same authors for an in-depth look at this concept.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise, practical encouragement for Christians in the midst of those less-than-clear seasons of life. It is a quick, easy read; but the content is rich. This book outlined and reminded me of truths that withstand the many tests of time. It brought to the forefront some areas in my faith that have either receded back or have never been fully developed. I really appreciate that the book is easy to finish quickly. I now feel like I can easily go back and revisit the sections that are most challenging to me at this time. I also appreciate the theology that underpins this book. The authors emphasize that we are helpless without the power of Christ working within us, and they give us practical ideas of areas to examine for sin or distorted understandings. At the same time, as we lean into the power of Christ and admit our shortcomings and sin, we are challenged to take the small steps of action, in faith and in the grace of God, that have been presented before us. This is not a quick-fix book and the authors admit that seasons of confusion or hardship may last longer than we are comfortable with (but always with good purpose from our loving Father). This book gives some deeply encouraging reminders, perspectives, and steps of action that can make life richer as we lean into God no matter what season we are in.

[Teri-K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps my biggest disappointment with this book was simply that I didn't feel the title fit the contents. This is not a book that will help a Christian who is stuck find direction, as the title implies. Instead it's more for those who know the direction they need to go in but aren't sure how to get there. In other words, if you're wandering in the wilderness without direction this book may help a little, but it's really reader for those who know the way out but are having trouble sticking to it. My other objection is that each of the eight points mentioned is touched on only briefly. A reader who truly needs help in this are may find this book a good overview but they'll definitely need to read more to get substantive help.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good to check in with the Boundaries guys to take one's spiritual and psychological pulse at the beginning of a new year. I especially liked the last chapter on Personal Goals and Dreams. Time to get on with it.

[Sofia]

A book to read in chapters if/when applicable -- unless you are interested in psychology and healing from a Christian perspective or both. The writers' views are consistent in other book(s) they have co-authored. As the title connotes, you may find out what you need to do. Happy reading : )

[Bridget]

Have this book

[Michele Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is always a great book. It is especially helpful during those time when self doubt creeps in.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my fave Cloud and Townsend but a good summary book of several others I have. I did enjoy reading it.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so inspirational. It really opens up hope and gives the reader a better outlook on what has happened and what is to come.