“Fear is a dirty enemy; it doesn't fight fair. It finds our soft spots, our weak links, and mercilessly exploits them. It whispers lies in our ears at night and saps our strength in the morning.”

Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and this is his fourth book addressing issues that have arisen while ministering to members of his congregation. PLAN B, LET HOPE IN and EMPTY PROMISES, like WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?, are all designed to point people back to the main source of help and hope: God Himself.

While every person is unique, there are a number of problems that face each of us at one time or another. Wilson's approach is to lead the seeker to the Biblical solutions that are available to everyone. And, when we look to other sources for approval, acceptance, significance and comfort, we often find disappointment and dissatisfaction instead.

"WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? would make an excellent study for both church leaders and individuals who want to grow in their faith."

Wilson begins by pointing out that we, as individuals, have many freedoms. And one of them is deciding what we will focus on: “But we have to choose wisely.” Throughout these 12 chapters, he offers ways that will help you make wise choices when there are things keeping you awake at night. Some of the suggestions are ones that we have heard before, such as changing our perspective and praying for clarity when we are troubled. Others offer insights that may not be as familiar.

One of the chapters that hit home for me is “Learn to Wait.” A formerly patient person, I now find myself feeling irritated if it takes more than 15 seconds for my computer to boot up. Wilson contends that it is in lines and waiting rooms that we are more apt to turn to God for help, strength and patience. “Waiting also helps us learn the vital lesson that just because a dream is delayed doesn't mean that it is denied.”

“Give Up Your Container” is probably my favorite chapter. When people are hurting and seeking answers, Christians are fond of saying that God has a plan for your life. This is true but not very comforting if we don't know what the plan is. Wilson suggests some very interesting ways to help discover that plan. He also believes that God already may have given us hints that we failed to recognize. For example, what have I always been good at? What makes me feel fulfilled? These are two of the points to ponder as we seek answers.

During my years of work as a counselor and as a small group leader, I have read many books designed to help people find solutions to their problems and peace for their souls. Some were helpful, others not so much. The best ones cause me to make a change or two in how I see or do things --- ways that are better than the ones I have been using.

Each chapter is written in an easy-to-read style, despite the fact that the subject matter may be critical. WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? would make an excellent study for both church leaders and individuals who want to grow in their faith. There is a summary after each section, as well as reflection questions and a challenge to the reader to take the next step by acting on the information.