Richard Underwood reviews Control Freak by Jonny Ivey.
“Wanna hear a joke about a control freak? Yes, you do!” Jonny Ivey’s Control Freak: Let your restless heart meet the reign of Christ is no laughing matter. It’s a candid, witty, and pastorally warm invitation to trade the illusion of personal sovereignty for the peace of Christ’s rule.
Writing as a self-confessed micro-manager, Ivey names the anxious drivenness many of us sanctify as prudence, then gently exposes its spiritual roots: a restless heart that wants guarantees more than God. The result is not a scolding, but a gospel-centred pathway towards freedom.
The book’s centre of gravity is theological, not therapeutic. Ivey argues that the burden of running the universe crushes us. “Every day seems to be an away match” (p.39). Security comes not from a firmer grip, but from a daily surrender to a sovereign, good Father. He makes that case with humour, disarming personal vignettes and skilful use of Scripture, keeping the tone accessible while avoiding platitudes. Each chapter lands in prayer, guiding readers to practise trust rather than merely admire it in theory.
The book follows a clear three-part arc – from Restlessness (what drives our control), through Reign (how Jesus’ kingship reframes it), to Rest (what surrender looks like on the ground). It sets out to help us name our patterns at work, in relationships, and in our spiritual lives, then it offers concrete steps for loosening our white-knuckle hold. Ivey’s pastoral voice is compassionate without being preachy, and the blend of confession, Biblical reflection and everyday application makes us feel understood rather than lectured.
At 136 pages, Control Freak is a short, purposeful read – ideal for those already stretched thin by anxiety. It offers a timely, hope-filled antidote to our culture’s obsession with control: stop gripping the reins and rest under Christ’s reign. For both the hard-core perfectionist and the secret schemer alike, this is profoundly good news – inviting not just nodding agreement, but a changed posture of the heart. It’s a case of letting go and letting God… rule!
CONTROL FREAK: Let your restless heart meet the reign of Christ
By Jonny Ivey
Union Publishing. 136 pages. £11. 99
ISBN 978 1 068 394 614
