Lent is traditionally associated with “giving things up”—chocolate, social media, or that extra cup of coffee. But what if the thing holding you back from a deeper relationship with God isn’t a physical indulgence, but a mental stronghold? In “Give Up Worry for Lent!: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ”, Catholic speaker and author Gary Zimak proposes a radical shift: fast from anxiety and feast on trust.
This blog provides a comprehensive chapter-by-chapter summary and review of Zimak’s transformative guide. Whether you are a lifelong worrier or simply looking for a more meaningful Lenten journey, this book offers a practical roadmap to peace.
Introduction: “The End”
In a clever subversion of expectations, Zimak titles his introduction “The End.” He isn’t referring to the end of the book, but rather the end of relying on ourselves.
Zimak is candid about his own struggles with anxiety. He clarifies that while “giving up” worry sounds easy, it is actually a spiritual discipline. The goal of these 40 days is to reach the end of your own strength so that God’s strength can begin. He sets the stage by explaining that worry is often a “red flag” indicating a lack of trust in God’s providence.
Days 1–4: Week of Ash Wednesday
Laying the Foundation
The journey begins not with a sprint, but with an honest assessment. Zimak uses these first four days to help readers identify their “worry triggers.”
- Day 1 (Ash Wednesday): Focuses on our mortality and the phrase “Remember that you are dust.” This isn’t meant to be morbid; it’s meant to be liberating. If we aren’t in control of our very lives, why do we act like we can control the future?
- Days 2–4: Zimak introduces the concept of “The Peace of Christ.” He emphasizes that peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God. He encourages readers to stop asking “What if?” and start asking “Who is?” (referring to God’s character).
Days 5–11: First Week of Lent
Facing the Desert
The first full week of Lent mirrors Jesus’ time in the desert. Zimak explores how the devil uses worry as a tool of temptation to pull us away from God.
- The Anatomy of Anxiety: Zimak breaks down how worry feeds on the imagination.
- The Power of Scripture: He introduces specific Bible verses (like Matthew 6:25-34) to use as weapons against intrusive thoughts.
- Surrender: The core message of this week is that surrender is an act of the will, not a feeling. You don’t have to feel peaceful to choose to trust.
Days 12–18: Second Week of Lent
The Transfiguration of Thought
The second week focuses on shifting our perspective—moving from the “valley” of our problems to the “mountain” of God’s glory.
- Focusing on the Father: Zimak argues that we worry because we have a “small” view of God.
- The “Jesus Prayer”: He suggests simple, repetitive prayers to calm the mind when it begins to spiral.
- Action over Rumination: A key takeaway this week is that while we can’t always control our feelings, we can control our response. Zimak encourages taking small, faithful steps forward even when scared.
Days 19–25: Third Week of Lent
Identifying the Root
Halfway through the journey, Zimak digs into the “Why” behind our worry.
- The Idol of Certainty: Many of us worry because we worship the idea of being “certain” about the future. Zimak challenges us to replace the need for certainty with the need for Christ.
- Patience in the Silence: Sometimes God doesn’t take away the cause of our worry immediately. This week teaches us how to wait well.
- Intercessory Prayer: Zimak suggests that when we are overwhelmed by our own worries, we should pray for others. This shifts our focus outward and breaks the cycle of self-centered anxiety.
Days 26–32: Fourth Week of Lent
Rejoicing in the Midst of the Storm
(Note: Per the requested structure, we move toward the final weeks, but it’s important to note the transition here involves Laetare Sunday—a day of rejoicing.)
Zimak highlights that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not a byproduct of perfect circumstances. He teaches readers how to “practice” joy even when the “check engine” light of life is flashing.
Days 33–39: Fifth Week of Lent
Trusting in the Dark
As we approach the passion of Christ, the themes become more intense. This week deals with “unanswered” prayers and the fear of the worst-case scenario.
- The Lazarus Effect: Even when things seem “dead” (a relationship, a career, a health situation), God is at work. Zimak encourages readers to trust God’s timing over their own.
- Letting Go of Outcomes: This is perhaps the hardest lesson in the book. Zimak posits that true peace comes when we can say, “Lord, I prefer this outcome, but I trust You regardless of what happens.”
- The Role of the Sacraments: He emphasizes the importance of Confession and the Eucharist in fortifying the soul against chronic fear.
Day 40: Palm Sunday
Entering the Gates
Palm Sunday marks the transition into the holiest week of the year. Zimak reflects on the crowd’s fickle nature—one day shouting “Hosanna,” the next “Crucify Him.”
He compares this to our own emotional states. Our feelings change like the wind, but Christ’s mission remains steady. On this 40th day, the focus is on commitment. Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, we must set our faces toward trust, regardless of the emotional “noise” surrounding us.
Days 41–47: Holy Week
The Ultimate Proof of Love
While Lent officially ends before the Triduum, Zimak follows the journey through Holy Week to provide a complete spiritual arc.
- Holy Thursday: Finding peace in service and the Real Presence of Jesus.
- Good Friday: Zimak addresses the ultimate fear: suffering and death. He shows that because Jesus walked the path of the Cross, we never have to walk our trials alone. Peace is found in the “with-ness” of God.
- Holy Saturday: The “Great Silence.” This day is for those who feel they are in a perpetual “waiting room.” Zimak offers comfort for those who don’t see God moving yet.
- Easter Sunday: The victory over death is the final nail in the coffin of worry. If Christ has conquered death, what is there left to truly fear?
Conclusion: “The Beginning”
Just as the book started with “The End,” it closes with “The Beginning.” Zimak emphasizes that the 40-day fast from worry was just a training camp. The real work begins on Easter Monday. He provides a “Post-Lent Plan” to ensure that the habits of trust developed during the season don’t wither away. He reminds us that peace is a daily bread we must ask for every morning.
What Message Does the Author Want to Convey?
Gary Zimak’s overarching message is simple yet profound: Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change; prayer is a conversation you have with God about things He can change.
Worry is a Spiritual Issue
While Zimak acknowledges that clinical anxiety may require professional medical help, he asserts that much of our daily fretting is a spiritual malady. It stems from a “functional atheism”—living as if God isn’t actually going to take care of us.
Peace is a Person
The author repeatedly hammers home that peace isn’t a “zen” state of mind or a result of a balanced checkbook. Peace is Jesus. Therefore, the cure for worry isn’t “thinking positive thoughts,” but “clinging to a positive Person.”
The Power of “One Day at a Time”
Zimak advocates for the “St. Padre Pio” approach: Pray, hope, and don’t worry. He stresses the biblical mandate to live in the “now.” God provides “daily” bread, not “lifetime-supply” bread. We are given the grace to handle today’s burdens, but when we reach into tomorrow to grab tomorrow’s burdens, we collapse because the grace for tomorrow hasn’t been given yet.
Analysis and Review: Why This Book Works
Practicality Over Theory
Many spiritual books stay in the clouds. Zimak stays in the trenches. He provides “Action Steps” and “Reflections” that feel doable for a busy parent, a stressed student, or a struggling professional.
Relatability
Zimak doesn’t write as a “guru” who has mastered life. He writes as a fellow traveler. His vulnerability about his own panic attacks and irrational fears makes the advice feel earned rather than lectured.
Structure
The 40-day format is perfect for the Lenten season. The entries are short (3-5 pages), making them ideal for morning meditation or a nightly “brain dump” before bed.
Feature | Why It Matters |
Daily Scripture | Grounds the advice in the Word of God rather than self-help psychology. |
Short Reflections | Prevents the reader from feeling overwhelmed—essential for a book on worry! |
Focus on Christ | Keeps the goal on relationship-building rather than just “symptom management.” |
Final Thoughts
“Give Up Worry for Lent!” is more than just a seasonal devotional; it is a manual for mental and spiritual liberation. Gary Zimak successfully argues that while we cannot control the storms of life, we can certainly choose who we invite into our boat.
By the end of the 40 days, the reader isn’t promised a life without trouble, but they are promised a “peace that surpasses all understanding.” If you find yourself constantly playing the “Worst Case Scenario” game, this book is the intervention you’ve been looking for.
“Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” — Often attributed to Corrie ten Boom, a sentiment echoed throughout Zimak’s work.
FAQs
Q1. Is this book only for Catholics?
No. While rooted in Christian faith, its message on worry and trust is universal.
Q2. Can this book help with anxiety?
It offers spiritual tools that many find calming and grounding, though it’s not a replacement for professional help.
Q3. Do I need to read it only during Lent?
Not at all. The lessons apply year-round.
Q4. How long are the daily readings?
Each reflection is short—perfect for busy schedules.
Q5. What makes this book different from other devotionals?
Its focus on giving up worry rather than adding spiritual pressure makes it uniquely freeing.