Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest

Edward T. Welch reveals God’s plan for encouraging those in the grips of fear.

One of the haunting dilemmas of the human condition is that fear is "an inescapable feature of earthly life." Every person who has lived on this earth has encountered fear. Tragically, for this reason our race for the good life finds us all too often "running scared." In his new release, Running Scared, Edward T. Welch investigates the roots of fear in the human soul and the ramifications of living in the grips of anxiety, worry, and dread.

Welch encourages readers to discover for themselves that the Bible is full of beautiful words of comfort for fearful people (and that every single person is afraid of something). Within the framework of thirty topical meditations, Welch offers sound biblical theology and moment-by-moment, thoughtful encouragement for life-saving rescue in the midst of the heart and mind battlefield of rampant panic-stricken responses.

This comprehensive primer on the topic of fear, worry, and the rest of God will have readers retreating to scripture for invariable constancy, stalwart care, and robust comfort, instead of as Welch terms it, "hitting the default switch" by responding with characteristic human independence, control, and self-protectiveness. Running Scared affirms that, through Scripture, God speaks directly to our fears:

On money and possessions

On people and their judgments

On death, pain, and punishment

Welch’s lively text provides convincing evidences that humanity’s struggle against active and dormant fears are countless. The good news is that God provides both the remedy and the cure for this malady in the person of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and through powerful, life-altering promises in Scripture. Far more than merely another psychology "self-help" guide, Running Scaredserves as a biblical roadmap to a life of serenity and security.

"Fear is the most under-rated emotion of all our troubles. Ed has written a great book that is of great help to those of us who have to struggle with the paralyzing feelings of fear and anxiety."
-Stephen Arterburn, Founder of New Life Ministries and Women of Faith, Author of Reframe Your Life

"Fear can make cowards of us all. It can also cripple the mighty, stripping us of confidence and strength to ever face the challenges of ordinary life—a terrible way to live. In his characteristic voice which is both authoritative and sensitive, Welch inspires us to turn to God as our champion in our battle with fear."
-Dr. Tim Clinton, President, American Association of Christian Counselors

"Worriers are false prophets—that insight alone was worth the price of the book, but far, far more awaits the wise reader who explores this brilliant book by Ed Welch. Ed tells our story of fear and worry with compelling honesty and depth. But even more, he invites us to see how our loyal God refuses to abandon us in our fear; instead, he allows our fear to reveal our fragility and desperate need for his presence. I was not only informed and moved by this book, but I was also invited to worship. This is not merely a book about fear; it is an invitation to a transformed view of God."
-Dan B. Allender, Ph.D., President and Professor of Counseling, Mars Hill Graduate School, Author of To Be Told and Leading with a Limp

"To live is to fret, and Ed Welch understands why. With an impressive grasp of what makes people tick, Ed exposes what lies beneath our fears and escorts us to the One who supplies hope for worriers. Ed's writing is clear, honest, pastoral and, most importantly, soaked with scripture. Read this book, and be not afraid."
-Dave Harvey, Sovereign Grace Ministries, Author of When Sinners Say "I Do"

"Capturing the depth and complexity of fear, Welch provides immeasurable insight into an emotion that is experienced by all, but for some enslaves. Skillfully illustrating the eternal sufficiency of Jesus Christ and the majesty of His glorious Kingdom, Running Scared forces fear beneath the shadow of the Almighty where it dissipates under the loving care of a heavenly Father. A remarkable read!"
-Jeremy Lelek, M.A., President, Association of Biblical Counselors, www.christiancounseling.com

"Ed Welch has thought deeply about the fears we all face and he's found the confidence and hope that we all need: they're found in relationship with a Redeemer who has gone before us and assured us of triumph in Him. Ed Welch is case-wise and he brings that wisdom to you in this helpful book. I highly recommend it."
-Elyse Fitzpatrick, Author of Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D. - Ed is a faculty member at CCEF and holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a neuro-psychology specialty from the University of Utah as well as a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over twenty-six years and has written many books and articles on biblical counseling, including When People are Big and God is Small, Addictions: a Banquet in the Grave, Blame it on the Brain, Depression and his newest book, Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest. He and his wife, Sheri, have two daughters. In his spare time Ed enjoys hanging out with his wife and playing his guitar. His areas of interest and experience include depression and addictions.