Book Review: Rest Assured by Vicki Courtney

The biggest complaint I hear from women is that they’re tired. They’re exhausted. They’re overwhelmed and not sure how to catch up. Their calendars are overflowing with tasks and commitments, and they’re not sure when they got so busy. Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls by Vicki Courtney cuts to the root of our busyness and takes a hard look at our tendency to over schedule ourselves in an effort to feel full and important, when in reality we’re feeling exhausted, lost and empty.

Courtney writes: “A season of frenzy can turn into a lifestyle of chaos unless you make a concerted effort to guard your calendar.” I know that feeling well. My calendar and to-do list are often overbooked, and I always feel like I’m falling further and further behind. And this is despite my intentional efforts to simplify and cut away the chaos. Courtney addresses that too: “Busyness is not a badge of honor. It is the cry of a burned-out soul that desperately needs relief and rest.” Convicted.

It’s hard to cut back when you feel like you should be busy, when you feel like the people around you would think you’re lazy or underachieving if you have free time. But as Courtney stresses, “God would never endorse a pace that allows little time to rest and be still in His presence…If we are too busy to spend time with God on a consistent basis, we are too busy. Period.” It’s not about what other people think. It’s all about our relationship with God and our ability to perceive need and do His work on earth, for His glory, not ours.

Courtney writes: “We will not see lasting change until we admit that our chronic busyness is not the result of a scheduling problem, but rather a sin problem.” Convicted again.

Rest Assured gets to the heart of our chronic busyness and provides a recovery plan to help you recover from worry, exhaustion, and the habit of over scheduling yourself with tasks that don’t get you closer to your calling and your true goals. The recovery plan helps you get your priorities straight, and helps you learn to cherish alone time, unplug when needed, and have deeper relationships.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes through BookLook Bloggers. This fair and honest review contains my own opinions and do not reflect the views of the author, publisher or any other third-party. I have received no other compensation for this review. This is disclosed in accordance with FTC guidelines.

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