7 Christian Books to Read for Godly Encouragement

Spending a lot of time at home means that I have a lot more time to do things that I would usually be too busy to do otherwise, like reading! I wanted to share a few books that I’ve read both during shelter-in-place and in the past few years that have really stuck with me and encouraged me in my walk with God. 

1. “Lies Women Believe” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

The enemy is a masterful liar and targets our weaknesses by feeding us lies that make us doubt our relationship with God. Each chapter breaks down a lie that is so ingrained in many of us that we might not even realize that we believe it, then gives us ways to overcome them. I went through this book with my girls’ small group at church, and it gave me guidance on how to seek solace in God’s truth when the way I see myself isn’t the way God sees me.

2. “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis

This is another book that address the lies that hold us back from living our lives the way God intended us to. It is written with wit and unfiltered honesty, and it feels like listening to your best friend talk about the road bumps in her life and the advice she would give you to navigate those hurdles yourself. One of my friends recommended this book to me before she even finished it, and I just knew I had to read it when she insisted she had to finish the last chapter while waiting for our food at a barbecue restaurant! 

3. “Unglued” by Lysa TerKeurst

In the midst of everything that is happening in the world, it is definitely getting harder and harder to keep it all together, especially when it comes to relationships with the people around us. This book gave me both biblical inspiration and practical ways to find peace in the most difficult circumstances, communicate effectively even when it feels like people won’t understand, and react to situations with a sense of calm instead of chaos.

4. “Made to Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst

This book, also by TerKeurst, addresses the struggle that many of us have when it comes to our relationship with food. In times of stress (like now!) or boredom, it’s easy to check out and just raid the kitchen to distract ourselves. This book has detailed steps and reflection questions to help you learn how to break the cycle of looking to food for temporary satisfaction and instead turning to God for unending comfort.

5. “Looking for Lovely” by Annie Downs

This book is a collection of seemingly mundane moments in the life of the author and her reflections looking back and realizing the beauty in them. The goodness of God is seen everywhere, and after reading this book in a women’s bible study, I find myself looking for the lovely in every experience that God gives me. It’s such a valuable perspective to have, especially when dealing with everything that life is throwing our way in 2020.

6. “Jesus Calling”

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a “good morning” text or email from your Savior waiting for you when you wake up everyday? God’s mercies are new every morning, and this daily devotional written from the perspective of Jesus reminds me of that every time I read it. There are so many versions (I have the original and the one for graduates) so there is definitely an edition of Jesus Calling that will cater to you and your stage of life.

7. The Holy Bible

There’s just nothing like going to the source. I’ve been going through the New Testament with my church small group, and no matter how many times I’ve read those passages, I always learn something new about God and our relationship with him. Not only is God the author of the Bible, but He is the author of our lives, so there is no one better to turn to for encouragement in our time of need.

Paul writes in Colossians 2:2 saying, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.” Being encouraged in heart will help us draw closer to God and know Him better, but it’s definitely easier said than done. We all have seasons in our lives that can be discouraging or difficult, but I hope that these books will give you a dose of godly encouragement that you can turn to when the going gets tough.