Happy Wednesday friends! I’ve been talking a lot about self care in recent blog + IG posts and it’s something y’all have really identified with. During these weird / uncertain times where we’re all staying home for the forseeable future, I think it’s especially important that we are filling our minds with truth and wisdom and encouragement every single day. I personally try and wake up before Michael and Shiloh and try and spend 30ish minutes reading my Bible or a devotional and praying and journaling. Our minds are inundated with information and news updates all day long, which can be great, but can also cause a lot of anxiety. So, starting your day off with truth and encouragement is SO important. Today I wanted to share my current 5 favorite books / devotionals, especially during uncertain times!
1. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
Like I mentioned above – I typically read my Bible and/or a Christian devotional book in the mornings, and the Daily Stoic actually isn’t a Christian book necessarily! But I’d heard so many people rave about it so I decided to give it a try. I’ve only read about a week’s worth so far, but I really like it! It’s 366 days on wisdom, meditation and the art of living. Most of the days are really short but it’s a really great way to start your day off in the right mindset and challenges you to really think about how you are living each day. If you want a great book to start your day off in the right mindset, but you don’t necessarily want a ‘Christian’ book…definitely check this one out! “By following these teachings over the course of a year (and, indeed, for years to come), you’ll find the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live well.”
2. Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst
If you’ve been following me on IG for a while, you know how obsessed I am with this devotional. Lysa gives you a verse or two to read everyday and then shares her Biblical wisdom / insight into so many topics we battle on an everyday basis – conflict, comparison, insecurity, worry, etc. God has majorly used this devotional in my life over the past year, and even though I’ve made it through all 100 days, I’m definitely going to re-read this periodically throughout my life because it’s been SO helpful and encouraging. This devotional really has brought me closer to Jesus and helps me focus on Him at the beginning of my day, and throughout the rest of the day! If you’re looking for a devotional that will help you feel closer to God, you will love this one.
3. It’s Not Supposed to be This way by Lysa Terkeurst
This one is a book – not necessarily a devotional. I’ve had it for a while but haven’t actually read it yet because I kept thinking “I’m not really going through a tough season right now!” (Face palm ha). But this book is especially great if you are going through heartache or trial or…something like social distancing / isolation which we are all experiencing right now. The book is specifically about “finding unexpected strength when disappointments leave you shattered“. I know alot of you guys have had to cancel big trips, postpone weddings, experienced job shifts or lay-offs…so this book would be perfect anyone going through a rough season from those types of disappointments.
4. New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp
This is another long time, all time favorite daily devotional of mine! This is different from Embraced, in that the devotionals are actually dated. I have gone through this devotional at least twice now and still pick it up from time to time because it encourages me so much, and is packed with SO much truth. I also like that at the end of each day it says “for further encouragement: read ___” and gives you a scripture you can read that day…if you have extra time or are wanting more time in the Word. This devotional helps you start every morning in the Word of God with truth from the gospel, to help you live your day to glorify God in all you do. Again, an all-time favorite of mine!
5. The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
This is a new book for me, and not necessarily specific to ‘challenging times’ but I’ve been loving it so I wanted to share! It’s SUPER small – like you could read it in a day, but packed with so much truth! It’s all about what are the marks of a true, supernaturally changed heart. I just started it yesterday so I don’t have a lot of additional insight to share yet but I’m definitely loving it already and wanted to recommend it to you guys! I also just love Tim Keller and want to read ALL of his books!
What are you guys reading right now?! Share any faves – Christian or not, fiction or not – below! I think we’re all spending more time reading right now so I’d love any and all recs!
Thanks for reading!
xo Lauren
