The Rested Soul - by Tessa Afshar (Paperback)

I love this author's biblical fiction novels but I'm also a fan of her non-fiction works. In her newest book, Tessa Afshar focuses on three subjects that are especially relevant to her, and her total transparency is a blessing for the rest of us! The Rested Soul targets anxiety, discouragement, and depression and each of the thirty meditations provides nourishment for weary souls. I love that they each follow the same format: God's Word as an introduction, Tessa's reflections, a question to spur our thinking, a prayer to guide us, and encouraging words that promote peace and rest. I'm always inspired by her eloquent insights, but The Rested Soul has so much more! There are lovely photographs taken by Afshar's husband that capture the beauty of God's creation and offer additional proof of His Presence in our lives! Joy, comfort, and assurance are found within the pages of this book! I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book for review purposes. These are my honest thoughts.

Reading this beautiful book was like dipping into a luxurious, warm bath—muscles loosen, chest eases, and body floods with deep and calming breaths. As someone whose personality tips toward worry and who has gone through intense bouts of anxiety-induced insomnia, I understand the wreckage worry havocs on the soul. I’ve tasted and seen how Christ alone is my sustaining comfort in such seasons, and this collection of thirty devotions was a poignant reminder of that truth. In each devotion, the author takes the reader by the hand and walks with her through the dark valley to the truth. She’s been there too and understands the low points on the journey but also the way light pierces through the deepest black and paves a pathway out. With personal stories intertwined with Scripture and deep meditations, the author consistently points the reader’s heart toward Jesus in a loving and gentle way. I’ve included some of my favorite quotes below: “Right now, in this dark place, a part of you is being enlarged. Strengthened to carry the weight of the increase that God has for you. . . . God is increasing His influence in you in order to increase His influence through you” (28, 29). “When you yield your heart to Jesus in the midst of your worst pounding, instead of destroying you, the hammer of your pain adds a powerful weft into your soul. The very hammer that Satan wielded against me came with a significant impartation from Jesus. The impartation of a deeper reliance on God” (82). “You may have enthroned some negative conviction in your mind. You may have elevated a defeatist thought to take the Master’s place in your life. A place of rulership. That false master must be dethroned. . . . No one gets to have the throne of your mind except Jesus” (140). “We are creatures of the Spirit. Miracle-making, miracle-receiving eternal beings. But we are also simple biological things. Jesus never overlooks that. You shouldn’t either. Part of having a rested soul is to make sure you take time for simple rest” (157). Stunning, full-color photos sprinkled throughout and reflection questions and prayers at the end of each devotion, make this book even more of a treasure. I highly commend it to you! Many thanks to the author and publisher for sending an Advanced Review Copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are sincerely my own!

The Rested Soul, the new devotional by one of my all-time favorite authors, Tessa Afshar, was a blessing to me during a tumultuous time. Designed with short, insightful daily readings, this unique book shares wisdom gained through Tessa’s own personal struggles with anxiety and fear. Each section concludes with prompts to “Linger” in the meditation, spend time with God in “Prayer,” reflect on the Lord’s desires for my journey (“Oasis”), and “Rest” in His sheltering arms. I was encouraged by the author’s gentle reminders that Jesus walks with us through all the trials we face. It is illustrated with beautiful photographs taken by her husband that add to the calming nature of the book. I have also read Tessa’s Biblical fiction novels, as well as The Way Home, her Bible study on the Book of Ruth, and I have never been disappointed. The stories she shared in this devotional deeply resonated with me. Without a doubt, I will be referring to it again, and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with anxiety. It is truly balm for the soul. I received a digital Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.