LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
4MAT Book Review of Untie the Fear Knots of Your Heart
Submitted to Dr. Eric Scalise
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for completion of the course:
PACO 506
Integration of Psychology and Theology
by
Harold Hanson
September 5,2021
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Summary
The book titled ‘Untie the Fear Knots of Your Heart’ by author Ken Nichols has been reviewed
in detail to capture the ultimate message that has been shared with the readers. In life, people
might have to come across a diverse range of uncertain, unpredictable, and traumatic experiences
that can increase their fear. If fear is not treated in the right manner, it could have a damaging
impact on the body, mind, and soul of an individual. The message that Nicholas has shared in the
book revolves around the fact that people can cultivate valuable attribute such as spiritual faith,
personal courage, and practical strategic approaches in order to convert ‘Fear knots’ into ‘Fear
Not’s’ that is found in the promises of the Almighty1. People can be empowered to face diverse
situations in life by working on aspects such as spiritual strength and personal character.9
Fear can take diverse forms in the life of an individual. It could act as a positive motivational
factor, or it could take the shape of a negative manipulating element. Thus, the manner in which
fear transpires in the life of a person depends on how he or she is able to handle it. It is necessary
to identify the issues that exist within the ‘Circle of Concern’ as well as the ‘Circle of Control.’ It
can help individuals effectively manage emotions relating to fear. For instance, people can try to
focus on the things that can be done to ‘ease the situation’ and minimize their fear. In the
prevailing times, a diverse range of emotional complexities and ailments could be associated
with fear knots. In case fear is not addressed effectively and left in a tied-up state, it could likely
cause emotional imbalances in individuals. Fear knots have the potential to damage not only the
emotional well-being of a person but also the physical health aspects. Existing research studies
indicate that it is necessary to address fear and substitute it with positive emotions as it can help
to heal and ease pain in the physical body.9
The author has stated that fear can be considered a fundamental prerequisite for spiritual growth
in individuals. Faith plays an instrumental role to untie the fear knots that might be negatively
affecting an individual. Having such a motivating emotion is extremely important as it can lead
human beings to stretch their faith in God’s faithfulness. Isaiah 41:10 has stated, ‘Fear not, for I
am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will
uphold you with my righteous right hand.’9 The key instruments of Christianity, namely the
Bible and Scriptures, have also highlighted the fact that people need to overcome fear and have
1 Nichols, Ken.Untie the Fear Knots... of Your Heart. Liberty University Books, 2010.
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faith in Jesus Christ at all times2. It is true that faith can play an integral role in addressing fear.
However, it is also necessary to give due importance to hope. It must not be negated as it can
also significantly contribute to untangling the knots of fear. The author has stated that people
need to focus on key elements such as faith, hope, and love as they can help to overcome fear in
the best possible manner. God showers his boundless love for humanity and makes decisions that
are ultimately good for people. The author has stressed the fact that believers of God need to
value ‘three divine treasures’, namely faith, hope, and love so that they can cultivate the ability
to untie the fear knots that exist in their lives and complicate tehri equation with the Almighty.9
Concrete Response
There was a tough time in my life when I had turned my back on God. I was facing some serious
issues in my personal life as my mother was very ill. I started doubting the fact that God would
come to my rescue and help me overcome the hurdle. I was basically scared because I was facing
high uncertainty in my life. Instead of focusing on all the wonderful things that God has done for
me, I started to doubt his ability to help me. As I was so filled with fear, I started to abandon my
faith, and my bond with him started to get affected. The decision that I took to distance myself
from God was extremely personal to me. But I could see that it had affected my life severely.
The decision was really selfish on my part as it caused pain to my mother, which further
worsened her health condition. Now when I look back at the situation, I feel like I would have
handled the situation differently. Instead of doubting Jesus Christ, I would have shown trust and
faith in him. Similarly, I could have prayed to the Almighty more frequently so that my hope
could have increased. After several months, the health condition of my mother improved, and
she was able to lead a normal life. I consider this to be a blessing of God. Even though I
abandoned Him and started to doubt his healing power, He always stood by my side and helped
me to face tough situations in life.9
Reflection
The author has done a commendable job by highlighting the need to deal with fear. It is natural
for each and every person to experience the fear emotion. The concepts that have been covered
in the book, such as ‘practical application’ and ‘personal evaluation,’ can guide individuals to
2 Nichols, Ken.Untie the Fear Knots... of Your Heart. Liberty University Books, 2010.
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handle fear in a better way. According to Nichols, when fear talks the form of a negative
manipulating component, it could give rise to a host of negative implications3.
One of the questions that give readers the opportunity to explore their personal views is ‘How do
fear and our response to it reflect our faithfulness in God?’ People can reflect on how they deal
with fear, and whether elements such as faith, love, and hope help to address the issue or not.
While extending help to a person who is facing fear in life, a counselor could make use of
numerous chapters to assist them with certain issues. For instance, the Fear of Concern/ Fear of
Control Venn Diagram could act as an important resource that would help to identify the main
areas of action where a client could use prayer to deal with a tough ad fearful situation.9
Application/Action
I took some time to understand the message that has been shared by Nichols in the book. But
gradually, I found the content to be extremely captivating and interesting. I started reflecting on
how I approach fear in my life. I realized that I try to run away from fear. While reading the
book, I understood that God has an amazing way of providing what is needed by an individual at
a specific time. The book made me realize that even though I try my level best to avoid fear, I
face situations that give rise to the emotion. In order to effectively deal with fear, running away
is not an option. It is necessary to focus on three important elements, namely faith, love, and
hope. These elements can act as chief pillars that can help to untie ‘fear knots.’9
Bibliography
Nichols, Ken.9Untie the Fear Knots... of Your Heart. Liberty University Books, 2010.
3 Nichols, Ken.Untie the Fear Knots... of Your Heart. Liberty University Books, 2010.
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