Always In God's Hands: Review

Jonathan Edwards is one of the earliest most respected American theologians. In Always In God’s Hands Owen Strachan invites us to meet the real Jonathan Edwards: thinker, father, and reformer. Edwards believed that God is ever-present in each of our lives—caring for and encouraging us in every moment. This devotional is rooted in that perspective and truth; Owen takes us into the heart of the faith of Jonathan Edwards. Always In God’s Hands is a one-year devotional. Each day begins with a quote from Edwards, continues with a reflection from Owen, and ends with a scripture for the day. Each devotion is short and sweet—easy to digest when you sit down for some reflection time. 

I did not know what to expect from Always In God’s Hands. I was intrigued by the fact that it is based on Jonathan Edwards’s teachings. Early theologians fascinate me; their wisdom and devotion to Christ is inspiring. The devotions I have read are both encouraging and thought provoking. By the end of this devotional one will have read over 30,000 words from Edwards, which is more than most will read from him in a lifetime. If you are a church history buff or would like a new to you perspective on truth, I think you will enjoy this one-year collection of devotions. Always In God’s Hands would make a great Christmas gift and an excellent way to start the new year. 

- Hannah

*I received this devotional from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. 

Expectations

Thanksgiving has passed, and we are inching closer to the next round of holiday festivities.

As we wrap-up this last week of the last series of 2018, my prayer is that we would loosen our grips and grow roots. 

Expectations. As the cheesy Christmas movies and commercials kick into high gear, I feel the pressure and strong desire for the “picture ready” family. I want the picture-perfect Christmas holiday with all the memories, traditions, and togetherness. It makes me sick how much I want what it is not mine to have. 

Expectations. I grip my hands so tight over what is only a fantasy. I pray and hope that one day it might be my reality. Not just seeming merry and bright but actually living it out. The problem is that others cannot fulfill the desire of my heart. A close-knit family can’t give me joy or peace. It looks that way on TV and those delightful Hallmark movies but there is more to experiencing the holiday spirit. The Spirit. 

Expecting people to fulfill roles they were never meant to play will only lead us to more and more resentment and disappointment in what this time of year and life in general is about. Joy. As we seek it we find it only in Jesus. As we start to experience it, our lives start to shift. It becomes more about Jesus and others than us and what we are trying to force to happen. 

The spirit we are searching for and we crave to feel during this time of year isn’t something our family time can give us. It can only be found through Jesus. We can create and set the stage for family togetherness, but that deep rooted joy is not from the experience but from God. 

We have to let go of expecting our families to fulfill what they never will be able to. We have to let go of trying to curate joy and peace. Our expectations and desires are beautiful. They are. But joy, peace, love, and transformation of our hearts is freely given and done by Christ. Expectations turn into surrender when we let go and trust that He can fulfill what we want more than a pretty picture.  When we are with Him, that is where our joy will be found.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

God, thank you for these friends. Help us let our families off the hook for what only you can give us; joy. When we are looking at all the pictures, buying gifts, and dreaming up ways to make Christmas happen, help us to remember that you are why we have this day. Joy is only found in knowing you. Help us to trust you and let go of trying to make joy happen. Thank you for being our source of everything we desire and giving us the precious gift of family. We love you. 

- Hannah

Defiant Joy: Book Review

Joy is a choice, a choice Stasi Eldredge knows well. Life circumstances have taken her from extreme highs to extreme lows. We all do our best to hang on to happiness, but the emotions of day to day life crumble us. So, how do we follow what scripture says and be joyful always? In Defiant Joy, Stasi walks us through her story and truths that have helped her to choose joy instead of hanging on to emotions. Joy is so much more than a feeling. It is a mindset and belief that the hard times do not have the last word, but God does. Defiant Joy is about choosing joy and believing that the choice to believe despite circumstances will never be in vain, but will lead to deeper faith in who Jesus is in our lives. 

I have been a fan of Stasi’s writing for years. Captivating was one of the first books I read as a young woman that helped me see myself through the eyes of Christ. When I heard about Defiant Joy, I knew I needed it in my library. Joy has always been a tricky subject for me. I have grown up believing that joy is found when I live with a Jesus, others, me mentality. I believe that is true, but what happens when life crumbles? We have to choose joy, fight for and hold on with all we have got to our Savior before we hold on to emotions. Joy is not found in how we feel, but in what we believe and choose to continue to believe in our hardships. The pain we experience does not have the final word over our lives, even when it seems it does, it doesn’t. God has the final word and always will, and that is the root of having Defiant Joy. I found encouragement in Stasi’s latest offering, and I think you will too. If you are struggling with finding joy, Defiant Joy is a book you will enjoy. Stasi writes with a humor, heart, and wisdom that makes this a great book to read as part of a Bible study. This would also make a great Christmas gift for the reader in your life.

*I was provided a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.