Book Review: "Out of Control" by Ben Young and Dr. Samual Adams

Several months ago, I was asked by Nelson Books to review one of their books. The fact that it has taken me this long to get around to writing a review of "Out of Control, Finding Peace for the Physically Exhausted and Spiritually Strung Out" by Ben Young and Dr. Samual Adams, shows just how much I needed to read it. Although not a huge book (215 pages), Rev. Young and Dr. Adams have been able to pack a massive amount of helpful information into this work. The authors have divided the book into three sections: "Living Freely and Lightly", "Spiritual Practices for Peace and Rest" and "Three Movements for Lifestyle Change". In section one, the book examines lifestyles and ask the question "Are you 'out of control'?" Offering seven "lies" that help feed an out of control lifestyle, a reader can quickly notice just how badly life's priorities are out of sync with what should important. In section two, the authors advise readers to start bring silence into their lives. What better way to hear what blessings God has for us then to just shut ourselves off from the world for a time in order to listen to His will. One often overlooked way of doing this is to observe the "Sabbath". Times have changed so much from when I was a child, with modern day Sunday being almost like any other day of week in regards to work and activities. Section three of the book offers help and workable tips on how to re-adjust ones priorities and give emphasis to what is truly important in life. Complete with a study guide at the end, I found this book to be extremely helpful in determining several things in my life that could do with some 'polishing'. Advocating a move back to basics, the author's approach to accomplishing this is realistic, with no 'ultra radical' changes or completely ridiculous 'processes' required in order to achieve the peace God wants for each and every one of us. Take a moment to read this excellent book, but even further to that, take what it says and apply it to your "out of control" life. I believe it will truly make a difference in how you view all things.