Ordering Your Private World (Revised and Updated) - A Review

Ordering Your Private World. That was the phrase that grabbed my attention when the opportunity for this review came my way. Like so many others, order, in both my public and private life, often seems elusive. I can't tell you how many planners, calendars, and other organizational tools, have found their way into my shopping cart. Oh, my intentions are good, and I often keep up at least a semblance of neatness and harmony. But...it never lasts.

I don't think anyone would disagree that our society tends to focus on the superficial aspects of life. Christians are not exempt from that way of thinking. When I open my email in the morning, it's common to see several various planners being advertised. They claim that "this" organizational resource will be the only one you ever need.

Why oh why is it such a struggle to get there? The answer is as close as the book's title (a book by the way, that I received for free, in exchange for my honest opinion and review.)
While we may assume that when a person appears to have it all together on the outside, the heart often reveals a different story.
Ordering Your Private World challenges the reader to consider that what needs to be transformed is the internal world, the private world.

Gordon MacDonald started this book with a preface which provided the back story for the material. It's powerful, and it's relatable. He tells of the instance where he "hit a wall", and God commanded MacDonald's attention. For me, it offered a promise of hope. If an important man like Gordon MacDonald was at a point where, in spite of all of his outward signs of togetherness, he was forced to recalibrate, maybe I could as well.

This book is rich with biblical wisdom, offered from the viewpoint of one who has walked the road of superficial order. Using personal anecdotes, colorful word pictures, and examples straight from the Bible, MacDonald takes you on a journey to attain a change of heart, a spiritual order.
He contends that it is only when a person deals with the chaos of the heart, and realigns with God's Word, will order be reached and sustained.

This updated version features a study guide at the back of the book. Use it for personal devotions, or with a small group.

This is a fantastic book. I appreciate the fact that the content within came from MacDonald's personal  journey. Someone compared his tone  as that of a father's, and I agree. It is an honest account pointing the reader to rest in God, where real order is found. My husband has put in his dibs to be the next in line to read it.

As far as I'm concerned, this book should be on every believer's personal bookshelf.
Until next time, go get a copy!

Find it at Amazon

Find it at Barnes and Noble