Approved for All Ages

Find Joy

In a difficult, divided world, or when going through challenges, it can be hard to lift our heads and hearts and yet Jesus says He came to bring good news of great joy for all people! It's a promise for us no matter our circumstances! But how do we get there?

In this 60-day devotional, social researcher and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn focuses on eight key elements of finding joy truths that shine out from both science and Scripture.

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Dove Review

From best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn comes a women’s devotional aimed at teaching women how to find joy in everyday life — the madhouse, chaotic, endless to-do-list, spilled-your-coffee-on-your-blouse-before-a-meeting-and-the-baby-is-crying life. The book is a 60-day journey that begins with a rousing and beautiful poetic forward by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, and, as if that isn’t enough to get you excited, there’s also a touching introduction from the author herself which explains that this devotional is a personal journey. Her comforting and friendly words are seasoned with biblical truth, and the touch of a friend who knows the subject matter she’s writing firsthand.

The devotional begins by splitting into eight sections, which Feldhahn dubs “elements of finding joy.” Each beautifully designed page is filled with gorgeous artwork and a story or personal experience that introduces the theme of the day. The first day is a fresh beginning; an invitation to salvation, or a renewal of appreciation for existing salvation, which makes Find Joy a perfect gift for old and new believers, or believers yet to be made.

Feldhahn’s writing is warm, relevant, and easy to understand; she definitely delivers on her promise of delivering a devotional that is both personal and helpful. There is so much wisdom and grace in her words; unlike some devotionals which use unnecessary fluff to meet word count, every stroke of Feldhahn’s pen has a striking thought, a poignant musing, a practical piece of advice. Reading Find Joy is like sipping on a warm beverage surrounded by friends as you explore God’s Word; sipping deeply from the peace and profound depth of His heart.

Along with the “meat” of the devotion, each page contains a prayer or reflection question, a spot for notes, and a stirring quote. Some pages even include online resources, such as YouTube videos, that readers can access to for further reference. I love that Shaunti has chosen to pull from a variety of secular and Christian minds (from Confucius to C.S. Lewis) to reinforce the points made during each day of devotion, but also keeps the book grounded in Scripture, making sure to reinforce each point with a reference from the Bible.

My favorite quote from Find Joy comes from the section called “Living in Awe,” which reads, “We cannot feel despair and awe at the same time.” I also particularly like Day 5, titled “Every Life Has a Story” from the section “Reach Out,” which tells the story of a woman named Andrea who is prompted by God to see people as, well, people, even in the midst of a busy day and a heavy traffic jam. The reminder to pause and see others as having lives, stories, and God-given purpose, just like you and me, is a simple but profound wake-up call. In her non-judgmental, soothing tone, Feldhahn gives women practical, sound, biblical motivation on matters of forgiveness, focus, and yes — finding joy in every situation. Women (myself included) are no strangers to the looming shadow of obligation and exhaustion that hangs over head and tells us we are not doing enough — not Christian enough, not loving enough, not enough. In Find Joy, Shaunti Feldhahn does not point out our shortcomings, but rather, points us to the cross with eye-opening and easy-to-apply lessons that encourage self-examination and spur real change. At the feet of Christ is where we weary and stressed women can lay down our burdens and take refuge in His rest; Find Joy is a beautiful guidebook for adopting an attitude of rest and finding joy in every moment of life, regardless of the circumstances.

We award Find Joy the Dove Seal of Approval for All Ages.

**Special Note: Due to the mention of violent situations and adult problems, it is probably best to read through this devotional before gifting or sharing with very young readers.

The Dove Take:

Find Joy is a beautiful guidebook for adopting an attitude of rest and finding joy in every moment of life, regardless of the circumstances.

Dove Rating Details

5
Faith

Clear message of following Christ.

5
Integrity

Violent situations described; medical situations.

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Sex

None

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Language

None

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Violence

Violent situations described; medical situations.

0
Drugs

None

0
Nudity

None

0
Other

None

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