A Practical and Prayerful Guide to Overcoming Worry

At the heart of this book is a God who cares about us. He longs to swap our worries for a sense of peace. Speaking through the Bible, God offers us practical advice on overcoming worry with His help. I myself (and others who share their stories in the book) have found this helpful and healing.

Who is Dave says, ‘Don’t Worry’ written for?

I think this book could help anyone who worries. (That’s just about everyone, isn’t it?!) It will take them on a path that leads to peace, written by someone who has travelled the same journey of overcoming worry.

For those who identify as ‘Spiritual but not Religious,’ they will find that the book doesn’t assume nor require any prior knowledge of the Bible. However, it will connect them with the wisdom, spiritual insight, and prayerfulness that the Bible offers.

For Christians, the book will help them on their journey of faith; discovering another way that God brings healing, including overcoming worry.

Here’s what endorsers have said…

“Looking back, I’ve realised Dad never sat me down and taught me this stuff. He lived it. These principles and practices were embodied and exemplified, and I see now how much that shaped our family. If you want the same for your household, digest the wisdom here and take steps to live it out in your day-to-day being.”

Graham Albans, Director of Mission and Outreach at Grace Community Church, Bedford.

“A really good and helpful read, full of practical, earthy advice for a problem that consumes many of us in the modern world. Well worth the time it takes to read!”

The Rt Revd Dr David Court, Bishop of Grimsby.

There are so many books out there. Why do I need this one?

This book offers an easy-read, practical strategy to overcoming worry.

It is personal – written by someone who has been there.
It is practical – using simple exercises with suggestions to follow.
It is prayerful – using prayer and reflection as a helpful tool for overcoming worry.

Ok, I’m interested, but can I read a sample first?

Of course you can! The book itself is formatted with easy to read, specifically designed pages that look like this:

But I’ll copy in the text below so it’s accessible for you to read:

Dave says, ‘Don’t Worry’, Introduction.

I used to be a worrier.

If God hadn’t intervened in my life, I would have qualified for an honour’s degree in worry.

One of my earliest memories in life (perhaps as a six-year-old) is lying awake in bed worrying and crying about the thought of dying. Not something most children of that age worry about.

I recall considering what it might be like to become nothing (to not exist any longer) because that’s what I thought ‘being dead’ might be like.

This idea scared me.

All through my early and teenage years, I worried frequently: about being ‘on time’ for things, making mistakes, getting good school results, not being allowed home after a minor operation, and much more besides.

Worry still comes knocking at the door of my mind, but I have found a way to deal with it.

I want you to know that I come with some experience. But the truth is: we are all experienced in worry.

It affects all of us at some point or other.

For some, it can seem like a constant frame of mind, overpowering and debilitating.

Worry can

Make us ill
Affect our relationships
Prevent us from sensing any joy or peace in life.

Although worries can feel isolating, we are far from being alone in our worries.

Even ancient King Solomon wrote: ‘What do people get for all their toil and anxious striving with which they labour under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.’ Ecclesiastes 2:22–23

It is my prayer that as you read this book, you will start walking the path towards happiness or, better still, find the peace that will replace any worries you have.

This little book is not about transferring information (as if knowledge alone will solve our issues). It is designed to be a guide. As you explore this book and reflect, I hope you will find it is personal, practical and prayerful.

I’m going to share with you a spiritual strategy for alleviating worry.

The solution is not easy.

It will take effort because it involves trust.

For many of us, trust does not come easily. I’m not asking you to trust me! No. I hope that as you read this guide, you will be able to place trust in a God who loves you and cares for you.

God wants to freeyou from the burden of worry, as He did for me.

A tiny grain of trust will do.

If even this seems too big a leap for you at this moment, can I encourage you to read on anyway?

I think you’ll discover that the suggestions made remain reasonable, practical and (most of all) helpful.

I am an ordinary person who’s been in your shoes. However, I’m not a healthcare professional.

If worrying is affecting your daily life or causing you distress, please see your doctor. The advice given in this book can be used at any time, but it is not a replacement for professional medical assistance.

Let’s start by understanding what worry is. Most dictionaries come up with words like Worry: distressed, troubled thoughts; undue concern.

They explain that worrying is thinking about problems (or potential problems) in a way that makes you unhappy or frightened.

But being worried about something is not the same as being concerned. Being concerned is not usually a negative thing. Here are some differences between worry and concern that I’ve found helpful:

Concern is born out of LOVE

It is right and proper to be concerned about some things. For example, when my mum was ill, it was a loving thing to be concerned for her well-being and care. To have had no concern at all would have been, by anyone’s standards, rather cold and insensitive.

Worry is born out of FEAR

Worry is driven by fear. It is like the time I worried that my boss would misrepresent me to management in such a way that my professionally integrity and reputation would be seriously damaged. It was all about my fears…

I want to read more! Where can I get the book?

You can buy paperbacks directly from our shop page here.

Special Offer: The book is just £5.99 anyway, but we are running a special 2 for £10 deal so you can keep one and give one to a friend. Let’s share the important message of this book!

Buy 2 for £10

We also have bulk purchase options for churches and ministries wishing to buy a box of books for their project, congregation or a local cause. Get 50 books for just £150 (that’s just £3 each!) and you can bless 50 people! To buy a box, click here.

If you’d love this book but you cannot afford it, Broad Place Publishing run a bursary program. Please contact us to request a book.

Dave says, ‘Don’t Worry!’