Imagine your life without fear. That’s what Max Lucado challenges us in his latest book, Fearless, from Thomas Nelson publishing. I think we all could admit that in some area of life, we walk on eggshells or feel this underlying static of anxiety that keeps us from fully engaging in life and relationships with God and others. We are bombarded by bad news and troubling information and even if we have a relationship with God, we’re not always convinced He cares. Lucado addresses these internal and external elements of fear and provides encouraging and motivating help to remind us of Who is really in charge.

I liked the structure of the book because Lucado helps us define our fears, but in a way that does not have to magnify them. In particular, the chapters about “fear of not mattering” or “fear of disappointing God” are a great way for the book to start. Those are not fears we tend to express out loud, or even appear obvious to people. But Lucado helps the reader admit them and open his/her eyes to how a change of perspective can help.

The only hesitation I have in recommending this book is that it can be tempting to read quickly given its fast-moving, punchy cadence. You could fall into the trap of treating this more like a devotional rather than an in-depth treatment of the cancer of fear. Parts of it felt a little “cliché-ish” to me—like when someone tries to comfort you with the statement of “God is in control.” Well, of course He is, but how do you get that gospel truth down deep so that your anxiety is replaced by peace? Despite the book’s pep-rally tone, I think you’ll find the “how” in this book, IF you read it slowly and digest it. Thankfully, a discussion guide (also suitable for self-study) is included which can help you do just that. Print This