We're All Freaking Out (and Why We Don't Need To): Finding Freedom from Your Anxious Thoughts and Feelings

by David Marvin

Free yourself from anxiety by discovering and applying principles given by God to lead us away from panic and toward peace.
 
“These pages will feel like a lifeline for the anxious, overwhelmed, and burned out.”—Jennie Allen, New York Times bestselling author of Get Out of Your Head

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by panic, fear, worry, or anxiety, you’re not alone. A part of the human experience often involves anxious feelings that paralyze us, keep us up at night, rob us of our ability to live in the moment, and pretty much suck the life out of us. But this doesn’t have to be the case. You can stop freaking out.  
 
Sound too good to be true? It is true. In fact, it’s a promise from God himself.  
 
At least 366 times, the Bible commands us to not fear . God loves us and doesn’t want us to be ruled by anxiety. Not surprisingly, most people don’t understand what the Bible actually teaches about anxiety, fear, and worry.

Consider this book a practical resource to help you connect the dots between your anxiety and what God has to say about defeating it. As you are about to discover, you really can stop freaking out .

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Faith, Health, Mental Health, Audiobook

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[akacya ❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with how to overcome your anxiety in a Biblical way. It has the perfect balance of anecdotes, statistics, and, of course, scripture. David Marvin’s style of writing as well as this book’s organization made for an easy, but memorable, read. I learned so many practical methods to becoming free from anxious thoughts through God. This is perfect for all ages!

[Titus Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written. I already respected David Marvin a ton from his preaching that I had heard from his time serving at The Porch and his guest speaking at Breakaway, but this brought him to a whole new level for me.

This book is written in a way that reflects his teaching style. He writes telling stories from his own personal life and experiences and then connects those stories to his idea and then provides a ton of scripture for backing his idea. I loved how much scripture Marvin pulled from to address this topic of anxiety and worrisome thoughts. It provided strong biblical back up for what he was talking about which was great.

All in all, I believe this is a great book to read for anyone. Not just those who struggle with anxious thoughts. It provides a great way to refocus your attention and gives good perspectives to reflect on. It’s super easy to read, making it accessible for anyone at any reading level. I would highly recommend checking this book out.

[David Blynov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and scriptually holistic guide to dealing with fear, worry, and anxiety. Marvin provides readers with the Biblical tools necessary to recognize sources of anxiety, replace destructive root beliefs and values with Godly ones, and live a life "swimming against the current of anxiety".

4.7/5

"The object of our anxiety is always smaller than the size it grows to in our thoughts."

"Pretending we are not anxious when we are does not mean we are more spiritual; it means we are in denial."

"Faith and fear also require the same soil to grow: uncertainty. Without uncertainty, fear cant grow, but neither can faith. The same unknowns of the future related to your marriage, job, health, family, and finances provide just as much an opportunity to grow your faith as to grow your fear."

"As Christians, the irony of worrying through this life is that we have trusted God with our eternal lives. So to be anxious is like saying, 'God, I trust you with all my eternity, just not with my presentation on Thursday.' "

"When you find yourself overwhelmed with anxiety, pray. Turn to God and express your desires to him, but embrace a posture that says, 'Your will before mine, God.' That posture produces peace."

"What looks chaotic and random on the ground is purposefully, beautifully, woven together intentionally when seen from above."

"Whatever someone did to you, as evil and hurtful as it might be, it pales in comparison to what you have done to God. He chose to forgive you, and you must choose to forgive."

"The question is not 'How much can I do each day?' but 'What should I do each day.' If you want a life full of purpose and peace instead of stress and anxiety, you must learn to resist the temptation to do it all... Rather than coming up with a list if all that you need to do today, focus on 'What would Jesus have me do today?' Getting every single thing you want done is not usually possible. Prioritizing what God wants you to do is always possible... 'What does God want me to do today?'... [According to Matthew 22:37-40] Love God and love people."

"Living out the purpose of your life doesnt require you to find your 'match'. Just as a glove was made in the image of a hand, you have been made in the image of God. Your purpose is found in living directly in relationship with him and serving him, whether or not you end up doing that with another person made in his image... As long as the person shares your commitment to Jesus as Lord and first love of his or her life, everything else is pretty much negotiable."

"No matter what your job is or who your boss is, you work with all your heart because you are working for Jesus... whether you become a barista or banker is not as important as what kind of barista or banker you are. In both cases, God commands that you put your heart into every latte you make or account you manage, as though it is for Jesus himself."

"Jesus says how we handle money is an issue of the heart, not a number. A willingness to steward God's money however he would direct reflects that God, not money, has our hearts."

[Moses Gunaratnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Marvin brings his years of experience with his trademark humor and sincerity to give us a great book on anxiety. This was a surprisingly relevant read as each chapter seemed to align precisely with what I was going through. I’ve already used the TRUTH acronym multiple times and I’m grateful that I read this! 9/10

[Obadiah Dalrymple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is FILLED with helpful information. However, as helpful as it is, my opinion is that it is not a well written book - meaning, it's not super polished or super entertaining. For example, the chapter titles are written in an amusing manner, but to the reader, they don't really come across as humorous, they just make it hard to figure out what the chapter is about. Because of this, the chapters come across as disjointed. It is also not a well read book. The audible reading was the choppiest book I've listened to. There are hardly five words in a row without a pause (probably not an accurate word count, but it was a rough listen from that perspective). So my opinion is that the execution of the book was not great. However, Marvin covers TONS of good information from a Biblical perspective. Further, he covers lots of young adult specific situations and stressors. Craig Groeschel's book "Winning the War in Your Mind" is a better written book, but Groeschel's has a far more specific emphasis. Groeschel's book is almost completely about reframing thoughts. Chapter's 5 and 6 of Marvin's book focuses on reframing thoughts, but overall covers a much wider range of issues, specific to young adults.

Neither book is entirely proactive against environmental causes of mental health issues, with the exceptions of dealing with sin and the past. Both books are good tools in a fight against mental health issues. If you are struggling with mental health, don't let my evaluation of the execution of this book stop you from the books wise and worthy message.

[Garrett English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read but with biblical, practical truths. Great read for anyone at any stage in life!

[Matt Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super accessible for those struggling with anxiety. A very easy read. A good book to start your journey in uncovering and healing from your anxiety

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title caught my eye in Libby, so I checked it out. When I started listening, I realized it was a Christian book, and COLOR ME SKEPTICAL, but often Christian mental health advice ain’t great.

I decided to listen to it anyway, to see what I could glean from it, and I ended up mostly liking it. I have a few minor quibbles (and I skipped the chapter on dating anxiety since I’ve been married for almost 17 years…) but by and large I thought it had some helpful advice on replacing anxious thoughts and relying more on God.

He does specifically address counseling and medication in the conclusion, and when he thinks those are useful. He mentions medication as “controversial” which I find annoying, but then talks about people who genuinely need it, which is good!

[Artyom Shuparskiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like his sermons David Marvin's writing is easy to follow, it's full of analogies and relatable stories with which he breaks down biblical truths in ways that show how we can apply these truths in our lives.

Tackling an important topic (or rather a group of related topics) David explains why we're all feaking out as a society and how we should deal with that.

This book breaks down the different areas of life we may find ourselves worrying or being anxious about and just the same way he addresses how we should approach each issue from a biblical standpoint.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS! I've listened to David Marvin for over 5 years now and really admire him and his teachings. I've listened to a lot of his sermons so I have heard many of these stories before, but I didn't mind reading them again because a lot of them are silly. I especially loved the last section of the book that discussed anxiety pertaining to specific topics. I desperately needed to read all of those chapters and I really appreciate his insight and wisdom on those topics. Highly recommend this book!

[Anna Lanier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! The analogies helped make concepts more clear and I really enjoyed the author’s anecdotes! It was interesting to read about both Christian and psychological approaches to viewing anxiety.

[Addie Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great read! Even if not an anxious person there are really great practical applications throughout the book! And it’s a very easy read.

[pianogal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good Lent read for 2022. We're still definitely recovering from COVID and dealing with all the fallout from that. I liked this author. He was funny but still taught a good lesson.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, Biblical, practical help to work through anxiety.

[Marleon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good and practical insight of anxiety. Not too much, not too little, just exactly perfect. The greatest thing is when psychology and Bible insights bring some healing or better when you Find out the Bible has a lot of psychological insights. Recommend this book to everyone!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straight forward and well laid out book that discusses how we get into our own minds to create anxiety. This is linked with some biblical passages for those so inclined but does not push it down your throat. Worth the read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of helpful info but I think it was written for those in a different “season of life” (younger than me).

[Lilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

In "We're All Freaking Out" breaks down the basics of mental health for Christians in an approachable. He focuses on anxiety particularly in light of COVID-19 as well as other life choices and does not shy away from sharing anecdotes from his own life. As a fellow believer, I am glad that from the get-go, he clarifies that struggling with mental health is not a sign of weak faith but part of the human experience. Given, his conversational tone, this would be a great audiobook to read on the go particularly for young adults who might not know where to begin with mental health issues.

Originally reviewed on Netgalley.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was an informative and enjoyable read about approaching anxiety from a biblical perspective. David has an entertaining writing style that paired well with his practical advice on dealing with anxiety. I also really enjoyed how he used a combination of anecdotes, statistics, and Scripture to back up his advice and make the book feel more relatable! As a Christian myself, I thought David did an excellent job tackling this subject in a helpful and realistic manner without shaming anyone. I think this would be a great resource for young adults and up!

[Samuel Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you personally deal with anxiety (like so many young adults do), this book will give you a biblical response to it.

If you don’t personally deal with anxiety, you know or will know someone who does. This will make you a better husband or wife, brother or sister, friend, or pastor.

[Berkley Prestridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a new way to think of my anxiety! taught me where anxiety comes from and how to deal with it when it’s there! has definitely reduced my overall level of anxiety!!

[Olivia Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book for those with anxiety! David Marvin does a great job of giving practice ways to reduce anxiety and understanding the root of it!

[Sam S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not realize it was a religious focused book, still had a lot of great themes about reducing anxiety. Very digestible.

[Louisa Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved. 6/5 so good and want to practice everything this book talks about. feel like it was a breath of fresh air and perspective on the world we are living in and how to have peace

[Rae Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's funny reading two books that say something similar but come at it from different perspectives. This perspective is entirely biblical whereas "the Subtle Art of not Giving a F..." is not. Both talked about values and metrics and how what we believe and place value on forms how we present and walk through this life. I'm glad to read about it again because I need to be reminded (again). Trusting God will always be the path that is most familiar and comfortable for me but sometimes because it is I can bring my own narrative into the book and you will find me arguing in the margins with the author. But what I found interesting was how he laid it out had me going from "yeah but" and "you need to be careful with this" to just high lighting more and more. I started understanding with a simple word change "let your requests be made known to the God.." rather than "Make your request...". The posture of those two words is so different and makes all the difference. As a recovering control freak this is HUGE. As soon as I made this switch I could see the practice he was suggesting has to come from a place of vulnerability and a relinquishing of control. And that we will never "get over" our anxiety it will always be there waiting to sweep us away in its current. The battle is reframing and practicing over and over stepping out of that current and towards peace. I do wonder if I would have received this book as well as I did had I not read the "Subtle art.." first and I will never know. I enjoy when there is an invisible thread 🫶 connecting all the books I read showing me the value of being intentional and asking the Holy Spirit what to read next. All is well. 🙂

[Kristin Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty quick and commonsense read, especially if you know the Bible. Not being religious myself, I reinterpret the verses in a humanistic, psychological (appropriately, he mentions CBT, or cognitive behavior therapy), and practical manner. However, having been a religious book reviewer for a prestigious firm (not the one you're thinking - the other one), I found this to be Scripturally sound for the believer as well.
This book is particularly useful because people who think they are good, justice-minded, and socially conscious have in the last 15 years lost their minds, preferring to blame only the other side (MAGA, etc.) without looking at their own anxieties, insecurities, and conflict-oriented thinking and behavior. When one points a finger at anything or anyone, there are three fingers pointing back at one - and what of the thumb, which distinguishes us as human beings? (The whole idea of black-and-white political "sides" is irrelevant and childish, particularly today, if people are paying attention to an administration full of former "other sides.") Speck, meet beam; it's still true today.
If you believe in God, you shouldn't be afraid. If you're an atheist like me, there's nothing to deeply fear anyway. It doesn't matter what you are - truth matters. Face your fears squarely, and you will be a lot happier.

[Des · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Marvin is a young adult pastor in Dallas, TX and he released his first book last year on practical ways to find freedom from stress, anxiety and comparison that plagues our culture. Marvin uses stories from his own life and Biblical examples to lead readers into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ invitation to a life of peace - and how that is still available today in an age of more and now. While this book is definitely written to a Gen Z reader (there were a couple of references I didn’t get and now I feel old) and example scenarios tend to be around dating, applying for jobs, etc, I still found it encouraging and applicable. Chapters are short and full of humor, so it’s a great one to read right before bed or when you have 5 minutes to spare. Marvin also has a well-known podcast called The Porch you can check out!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was watching The Porch livestream on Youtube a few weeks ago, and that prompted me to check out this book written by the pastor. I thought it was a really solid read. I'm sure there are many books like this. This book deals with anxiety and the events in life that stress us out. I think it provides many good strategies and a lot of Biblical insight into how one should conquer anxiety. I also appreciate that the author distinguished between anxiety caused by mental illness or hormonal imbalances and that caused by situational stress. I didn't feel like the book was amazing, but I loved the author's anecdotes and really liked the book overall.

[Carmella Quintos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I recently started attending the Porch, a young adult ministry in Dallas attended by thousands weekly. David Marvin is a phenomenal leader and speaker at the Porch who gave a sermon series on his first book. Carlee Miller and I chose to read this book and discuss for book club and I expected the book to be similar to the series but I ended up learning so much from both. This book covers how anxiety is normal for Christians and non-Christians and we live lives that will experience ebb and flows of peace and anxiety. Marvin tells us how we can practice fighting anxiety and how to trust God through scripture and his promises. He specifically talks about Romantic Anxiety, Career Anxiety, Financial Anxiety, and Insecurity Anxiety, all chapters that felt relatable. This book is an incredible asset not only to those who feel like they are constantly battling anxiety but to all young adults. Marvin provides a biblical take on mental health while respecting counseling services, medications, and other scientific spaces for the treatment of mental health. 4.7/5 stars.

[Elijah Connatser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very good book. Written like he is talking to you or giving a sermon which is one of my favorite styles of writing.

If you are needing a reminder of the way Christians are supposed to be living and need an encouragement that you are not alone, this book is extremely helpful.

I grabbed this book with my mind scattered and unsure of what I was going to moving forward. This book helped me to see life with an eternal perspective, to lean into a living a life of Christlikeness, and to pursue a more intentional and deeper relationship with Christ.