This book took me by surprise. When I first glanced through it, I wondered whether it was going to be heavy on science, graphs and statistics—a joyless read. After all, the sub-title is: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives. It sounded like another self-help book backed by dense research. But, because it had been recommended to me, I gave it a try and I am glad I did.

It is the single most important book, other than the Bible, that you can read this year! Do I have your attention now? Swenson clearly exposes the root cause of most of our modern problems—lack of margin in our lives. We pack our days to the brim in our effort to be professional, relevant, prosperous, productive and successful. He helps us face the honest truth—that the progress in our world and our lives is costing us our health and stability. Few people, even Christians, are truly happy. As he puts it, “there is a psychic instability in our day that prevents peace from implanting itself very firmly in the human spirit.”

The steps he recommends ring true because they fit what Jesus taught us. Backed by good research, clinical experience and life wisdom, Swenson relies on Biblical teachings as well. Read this book with an open mind and heart, even prayerfully, and I am confident you will be on your way to a restored life.