I have many many more books I could recommend, but here are just a few for now. In each section, I have highlighted the specific topics or categories that I would identify with the book. Let me know if you find a good read in this list or if you have any book recommendations for me!
MENTAL HEALTH / FEAR
OVERCOMING FEAR, WORRY, & ANXIETY
Our ladies group from church read this wonderful book over the past 12 weeks. We were also lucky enough to have Elyse speak at our church for a women’s worship night. Elyse not only points to practical and realistic examples of when fears and anxiety attacks us, but she also points to much scripture for us to use as our weapon against the enemy. She touches on some topics such as fear caused by perfectionism and fearing those around us. Would definitely recommend for anyone who feels tangled up in fear, worry, or anxiety.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE / SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
REST & WAR
Ben Stuart is one of my favorite Christian authors, and this book again proves the reason why. Just as the title suggests, he talks about the importance of rest within our lifestyles, and the battles we face in this broken world. Our number one enemy has many tactics that he tries to use to attack us: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. However, Ben teaches how to know the enemy’s schemes and how we can learn to fight against him. He does an excellent job at describing the process of sanctification and growth we learn from our progress within our spiritual walks.
VULNERABILITY / PRAYER / SPIRITUAL MATURITY
GRACE FROM HEAD TO HEART
Very thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book with a sweet group of women at my church. I am very grateful for the vulnerability and wisdom that the author shares. He speaks on topics such as sorrow and lamenting and uses personal life experiences, where he went through hardships and watched others journey through them as well. A very good read for those looking for deeper intimacy with the Lord and seeking joy within the times of hardship.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES / LIFESTYLE / PSALMS
A LONG OBEDIENCE IN THE SAME DIRECTION
One of my favorite books that I read during the month of January was this incredible book by Eugene Peterson. Peterson encourages readers to learn the importance of service, humility, community, and work in our lifestyles. He also speaks on how to grow in areas such as perseverance, discipleship, and repentance throughout the hills and valleys of our years. If you are looking for a book on spiritual disciplines or how to better carry out obedience in your current circumstances, I would highly recommend this book.
LIFESTYLE / SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES / ROUTINES
THE COMMON RULE
Started off the new year with this read. I really loved how Justin goes into many different spiritual disciplines such as fasting, praying, spending time in community, and reading the Word. He not only gives you practical advice on how to carry out these habits, but he speaks about how habits shape us into who we are becoming. He talks about being reflective of our habits and understanding that our habits are reflective of what we worship.
IDENTITY / THE GOSPEL / COMPARISON
TAILOR MADE
I so love this book. Gives a great understanding of how God created you so uniquely and wonderfully. It also taught me so much about the importance of seeing others in the way that God sees them. This was the first book I read by Alex Seeley, and it so did not disappoint. I would recommend The Opposite Life by her as well.
REST / GOD’S CHARACTER / THE GOSPEL
GENTLE AND LOWLY
Dane Ortlund takes Matthew 11 and allows Christians to grasp a greater understanding of the gospel. Ortlund mentions many different aspects of the basis of the heart of Christ that can transform your understanding of God’s character and love for His people. Check out his other books as well: Deeper and Surprised by Jesus.
ANXIETY / MENTAL HEALTH / SPIRITUAL REST
ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING
This was one of the first books that I read by Max Lucado. It is one of my favorite Christian books to this day. I love how Max highlights the life of Paul and his ministry work. He also speaks about anxiety, the symptoms and causes, as well as spiritual principles that believers can lean on to find rest and peace in Christ alone.
RELATIONSHIPS / MENTAL HEALTH
GOOD BOUNDARIES AND GOODBYES
I love how vulnerable and real Lysa TerKeurst is in this book. She offers a perspective on boundaries that was truly life-changing for me. She also gives helpful advice on how to tell when a relationship becomes unhealthy or unsustainable and how to let go of some relationships that are meant for just specific seasons of life. I love the little reflection and review that she does at the end of each chapter with her Christian counselor, Jim Cress, who offers a psychological perspective on mental health and relational conflict.
RELATIONSHIPS
SINGLE, DATING, ENGAGED, MARRIED
One of the best books that I have read about Christian relationships. Ben Stuart highlights each season of life you find yourself in, singleness, dating, engagement, and marriage. I think his perspective on singleness is so sweet. He also talks about pursuing dating with clarity and purity. Throughout the whole book, he gives practical implications on how to continually seek the Lord throughout each relational stage of life.
By Grace Through Faith 