“It was as though I sensed a large tiger in the house, and I went from room to room to see if something was wrong.”

This simple, yet visceral, description of the onset of JP Moreland’s first panic attack immediately let me know that there is something different to the type of anxiety 20% of the population suffers through. Something far greater in volume and different in kind than what I experience when I have "ordinary" anxiety.

In getting ready for my sermon on “Loving Those with Anxiety” I relied heavily on the work of Dr. Moreland in his book, “Finding Quiet: My story of overcoming anxiety and the practices that brought peace.” He helped take me further into my biblical understanding of what a holistic vision of ourselves and our healing should look like. (Though, for the idea of looking to the story of Elijah, I have to thank Mike Cosper.)

As a book, I found Finding Quiet refreshingly accessible (even though Dr. Moreland is a distinguished philosopher) as well as practical as it aims to bring help to sufferers and bring understanding to the general population. I think it is especially a must have for Christians who haven’t necessarily had the greatest track record in understanding anxiety disorder and depression.

Once again, I want to recommend his book (available on Amazon), but just in case you can’t get your hands on it, but still want to learn more, I found this great interview by our very own Dr. Sean McDowell and fellow Talbot professor Dr. Scott Rae, talking with Dr. JP Moreland about the experiences that led to writing his book.

Here’s an excerpt where Dr. Moreland talks about two reasons why he was willing to share his own personal story:

Number one, I wanted people to know that I understood what they were going through, if they read the book or give it to somebody. And the second one was that you don't need to be embarrassed or ashamed in sharing your struggles with other people. We're also broken. I mean, have you ever heard of the fall? It's actually true. And we're broken people, and we all are broken in one way or the other,…

Listen to the interview or read the transcript here.

We want South Shores Church to be a safe place for broken people to find healing, in our bodies and our souls, with our ultimate healing found in Jesus Christ.

If you would like to talk to someone, please check out our South Shores Church Counseling Ministry. There is no cost to you. Find the help you need.