Finding Rest: A Survivor's Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life

by Jonathon Seidl, Kirk Cameron (Foreword by)

Overview

"Jon knows, better than most, what it means to battle anxiety and how to forge a path to victory. He also treats it with care, and pushes the conversation to places that it hasn't often gone in the church."
—Kirk Cameron

"A practical, spiritually driven primer on dealing with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depression. . . . Excellent advice. . . . [A] cogent, revealing guide."
—Publishers Weekly

In the aftermath of the pandemic, even those who have never struggled with mental health have found themselves reeling, looking for answers they don't know how to find. For Christians, especially those who've despaired of help from a church that has too often stigmatized poor mental health as a lack of faith, the way forward can be particularly difficult to see.

Jonathon Seidl aims to fix that. Having fought his own way through crippling anxiety, life-altering OCD, and suicidal thoughts, he knows the value of concrete advice grounded in strong biblical truth. Instead of the trite or unsympathetic counsel that's too often given, Finding Rest is practical, personal, and productive. Full of compelling stories, humor from a guide who's still on his journey, and scriptural truths, this book offers real hope and help. It also provides a lifeline for friends and family who long for ways to help relieve the suffering of their loved ones. And it calls to account the church for its historical treatment of mental health and lays out thoughtful, needed paths for the body of Christ to become a refuge of hope for the anxious.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825446719
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	09/28/2021
Pages:	200
Sales rank:	1,020,829
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Jonathon M. Seidl is the founder and president of The Veritas Creative, a digital media consulting and content creation firm. For the last decade he has been telling stories. In fact he’s written over 6,000 of them, first after helping start a top-50 news site, then as the editor-in-chief of the popular non-profit I Am Second, and recently creating and overseeing Kirk Cameron’s media venture, TheCourage. Jon has seen how the power of storytelling can transform people, businesses, and culture, especially after sharing his own story of battling anxiety and OCD. His passion is to help people with mental health struggles, while also sharing what he’s learned telling stories for—and working with—some of media’s biggest names and organizations, including Glenn Beck, Kirk Cameron, and Chip and Joanna Gaines.

His experience in digital media is vast, from serving as the head of digital at a new media startup to hosting Kirk Cameron’s The Campfire podcast. His writing has appeared on I Am Second, The American Spectator, and Fox News. Jon graduated with a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics from The King’s College in New York City. He currently resides in Dallas, TX, with his wife and two children.

Kirk Cameron is an actor and producer, and co-host of The Way of the Master, a faith-based reality TV series. He speaks nationwide on the topic of gospel-centered marriage and family, and lives in California with his wife, Chelsea, and their six children.

Table of Contents

Foreword Kirk Cameron 13

Introduction: Telling the World My Secret 15

1 Call It by Its Name 25

2 The Most Important Book of the Bible 37

3 The Four Deaths 57

4 The Little White Pill 72

5 The Physical Battle 88

6 The Spiritual Battle 102

7 A Prescription for the Church 120

8 An Ongoing Battle 139

9 Help Me Understand 149

10 The Fourteen Truths 170

Epilogue: This Isn't the End 185

Acknowledgments 189

Further Resources 193

Notes 195

Editorial Reviews

09/20/2021

Seidl—founder of the Veritas Creative, a digital media consulting firm—delivers a practical, spiritually driven primer on dealing with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depression. Though he writes of being terrified to reveal he has these disorders, Seidl explains his goal is to “tell your story by telling my story.” He delves into the biblical book of Job to understand the nature of Job’s (and humankind’s) suffering, pointing out that God allows troubles “for our good and His glory.” Seidl also offers excellent advice on medication, physical care, and spiritual care, making strong arguments for developing all three by seeking professional treatment and building a prayer and exercise routine. He also calls on churches to take action (“Church, I understand that mental health may be scary to address and you may feel ill-equipped to deal with it. But that’s no excuse not to try”) and provides advice to those who love a person with anxiety: “your loved one’s disorder is not a curse.” Christians who suffer from anxiety and OCD will benefit from this cogent, revealing guide. Agent: Cyle Young, Cyle Young Literary Elite. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

There’s often an unfortunate hesitancy among Christians to admit that we, too, battle anxiety and depression. The quest for perfection and the confusion that can envelope us is often overwhelming, even suffocating. But in Finding Rest, Jon Seidl offers a raw and selfless look at his own struggles and victories, sending us on a thought-provoking journey toward our ultimate hope: Jesus. Seidl masterfully breaks down the pathway to peace that is desperately sought by so many.

Billy Hallowell

All Christians need to understand a truly biblical perspective about mental health issues like anxiety, OCD, and depression. Jon shares that brilliantly and carefully here, supported by his stories of his own challenges, decisions, and great victories. Your view of God, His love for you, and your trials will change in all the best ways when you read this. You may feel known for the first time. If you’re the friend of someone who struggles, you’ll understand them and their doubts more than ever before. Everyone will find compassion and great hope, practical power and spiritual inspiration, in these pages. You won’t be overwhelmed or shamed. In a perfect world, everyone would read this book.

Dr Kathy Koch

Now more than ever, so many people are fighting mental health battles and desperately need hope. They need to know they’re not alone, they need someone to tell them it will be OK, and they need a guide that shows them why. Jon Seidl is that person, and Finding Rest is that guide. If you are tired, beaten down, and looking for hope, these words will be water to your soul.

Megan Alexander

As a mental health survivor, whenever I see a man or woman of God share their story, I celebrate that we are one step closer to breaking down the stigma and releasing God’s shameless love. Jon Seidl shares his incredible story with great courage, vulnerability, and wisdom, confronting the complexities and unpredictable nature of anxiety and OCD and finding rest throughout it all. With his refreshing insight that mental health is a balance of mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, you will be comforted that you are not lost or alone, that Jesus is not mad at you, and that there is hope for a full and meaningful future.

Sarah E. Ball

I was with Jon the day he first told the world his secret about battling anxiety. I’ve seen the change in his life as he’s implemented the principles he talks about, and I know that God is working through them. Finding Rest is powerful: anyone with a mental health struggle needs to read it and find the rest that Jon has found in Jesus.

John Humphrey

Jon’s voice is a powerful and necessary force in today’s world. With a graceful balance between practicality and spirituality, Jon shares his story of walking through the dark woods of mental illness yet claiming victory along the way. His honesty blazes the path as he leads us bravely into the most vulnerable parts of anxiety and how we talk about it. This is a manual for anyone who needs to know they’re not alone and that God is in the fight, carrying them through the fire.

Hannah Brencher

We need more honest stories like Jon’s, stories that move us toward healing and hope. If you are in the midst of a dark or difficult season, the vulnerability and biblical insight of this book will give you words for the pain you are feeling. Most importantly, though, it will lead you to Jesus, our ultimate source of rest in every season and circumstance.

Patrick And Ruth Schwenk

If you’re searching for peace, calm, and relief from anxiety, Finding Rest will help you find those, not just because of what the book focuses on but because of who it focuses on. True rest will never be found outside of the One who created it, and that person is Jesus Christ. Jon’s found that to be true. I’ve found that to be true. And I believe, through reading this book, you will too.

Kirk Cameron

For those feeling alone or confused and needing answers to the why of their anxiety, this is your book. As Jon relates from his own experiences and spiritual journey, there is purpose in your pain. Jon helps you embrace your struggle and find hope in your beautiful life.

Michael Dawson

As a pastor entrusted with many stories filled with mental struggles (including my wife’s battle with OCD), I can’t tell you enough how much this book is needed right now. The way Jon humbly weaves the weaknesses of his own story with the truth of the gospel is so honest, refreshing, and powerful. If you’re looking for hope in the midst of the hard, then you need to read Finding Rest.

John Elmore

Everyone needs this book—executives, students, parents, pastors, leaders. Even if you don’t struggle with anxiety yourself, this book will help you support those in your life who do. Jon leads an open, honest, and thoughtful exploration of what it means to experience depression and anxiety as a Christian. He gives room for questions and provides clear answers that many are searching for.

Brian And Gabrielle Bosché

Mental illness is a topic the church often avoids, which is why this book is so important. Through his own story of anxiety and OCD, Jon shows us how to be honest and vulnerable about our struggles—and how to have hope and joy even in the darkest moments.

David Roark

Oh my. This book. From the very first paragraph, I knew I’d found a safe place among its pages. Jon Seidl’s raw and compassionate exploration of anxiety, depression, and OCD in the life of today’s Christian gives a voice to those of us who wonder if we’re irreparably flawed or faithless. (Spoiler alert: We’re not.) Finding Rest will rip away the stigma and shame that a misguided church has saddled on believers who struggle with mental health issues. Best of all, it guides us toward practical coping skills that strengthen our faith without suggesting we simply need ‘more’ of it.

Becky Kopitzke

With so many people struggling with anxiety today, I’m so glad Jon took the courageous step to tell his story, ask the big questions, and share what has helped him along the way. This is not a quick-fix book—and that is a good thing. No doubt you will find helpful wisdom here, either for yourself or for someone you love who is battling anxiety.

Arlene Pellicane

God has used and redeemed Jon’s struggle so profoundly and powerfully that he has learned to see how God works all things ‘for your good and God’s glory.’ What an extraordinary message! Every page of Finding Rest is packed with tangible and timely wisdom. Anyone who is fighting a mental health battle needs to read this right now.

Raj Nair

In nearly a decade of cultivating leaders, especially within churches, I’ve consistently seen that when mental health and specifically anxiety are discussed, the results are often disappointing. That’s why Finding Rest is so important. Not only does it give those who are suffering practical tools, but it also gives church leaders the steps they need to take to better support their staff and congregation. I have learned so much from Jon in these pages, and I know you will too.

Holly Tate

Decades of work in the human resources world have shown me firsthand that mental health struggles, especially anxiety, are real and increasing. People who find themselves battling these paralyzing feelings that disrupt their daily lives will benefit from reading Finding Rest. Jon has the rare ability to articulate clearly his journey with anxiety and OCD, creating invaluable insights for those in a similar place. This book should be required reading in the business world so we can all become more understanding of hurting people.

Tom Darrow

If you or someone you love is dealing with the torture of anxiety, Jon’s relentless vulnerability about his own hardships will bring you the words of peace you’ve been desperate to hear. Jon has not only struggled but is still struggling, and he lays bare his heart and his failings as well as his continuing progress to healthier living and understanding. In Jon, you’ll find a kind, empathetic, and humble friend. In the God he leans on, you’ll find true rest and help.

Adam Griffin

This book is unflinchingly honest, gripping, and full of truth that points readers to their Creator and the purpose for which He put us on Earth. It’s for everyone: Most, if not all of us, know someone or love someone who battles anxiety or OCD. This book gave me a deeper understanding of these mental struggles and greater empathy, enriching how I see and interact with those who are fighting internal battles I may never see. Jon also has a talent for dropping nuggets of gospel-centric truth that will resonate with me for years. This is essential reading for both the individual believer and the community of believers.

David Ubben

More people are struggling with anxiety than ever before, but you can find steps to peace and victory through the experiences Jon Seidl shares in Finding Rest. An incredible writer and an incredible person, Jon combines humor, storytelling, and truth in a way that disarms, and you won’t want to put this book down.

Matt Brown

Even the strongest, most influential leaders can and do have mental health struggles. Those struggles do not care who you are or what you do for a living, and they can strike fast. If it hasn’t already happened to you, then you need to be prepared in case it does. Finding Rest shows you how to fight back. Jon’s clear and concise writing is something that leaders need in their toolbox, if not for themselves, then for those around them who may need it as well.

Steve French

In Finding Rest, Jon Seidl provides an honest, practical look at anxiety, faith, and life. Through his own struggles, Jon has discovered a biblical response to the challenges so many followers of Christ face. The church’s approach to mental health has been incomplete at best, and this resource will better equip the body of Christ to walk alongside people with these struggles and needs.

Scott Kedersha

If you want to be a better manager, boss, or leader, then you need to read this book. Even if you don’t struggle with anxiety yourself, you need to understand what those around you and under you are going through. Finding Rest gives you the tools to do just that. Read it for yourself, then give a copy to every manager in your organization.

Kevin Paul Scott

As someone who has been through the valley of depression and written on the topic, I love what Jon Seidl has done in Finding Rest. His stories are incredible, his steps practical, and his takeaways powerful. If you’re looking to take control of what’s going on inside of you, then you need to read this book!

Ben Courson

In Finding Rest, Jon Seidl offers significant help to those suffering from mental health issues and those caring for loved ones who do. Having known Jon as both his pastor and friend, I know this book has been birthed out of a deep conviction to address a topic that sadly has often been shunned in Christian circles. I admire his courage and believe this is a great resource for the church. Jon draws on Scripture and his own experiences to help people unashamedly plot a healthy course through the murky waters of mental health issues. Honest, practical, realistic, and full of hope, this book points us to Jesus, the One who gives us rest for our souls.

Afshin Ziafat

From the personal stories, to the humor, to the nuggets of truth sprinkled like bread crumbs throughout, Finding Rest is powerful. Jon shows how faith and practical advice are both helpful and can coexist for anyone struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues. And the beauty is that he doesn’t speak just to the sufferer but to those around them as well. Everyone needs to read Finding Rest.

Jason Romano

Everyone needs this book—executives, students, parents, pastors, leaders. Even if you don’t struggle with anxiety yourself, this book will help you support those in your life who do. Jon leads an open, honest, and thoughtful exploration of what it means to experience depression and anxiety as a Christian. He gives room for questions and provides clear answers that many are searching for.

Brian And Gabrielle Bosché