Spiritual awakening in a book!

I've been looking for this book for a long time - I just didn't know it.

I've been looking for a book about how to draw nearer to God, how to find out what God wants, how to live a life that will please God.

I know...I know...just read the Bible. I do. I also find that supplemental material from other Christians is very useful.

This is the most useful book about Christianity other than the Bible that I have ever read! After the Bible itself, this would be my number one pick for my bookshelf. Yes - it would even supplant some C.S. Lewis material.

John Piper examines it all - prayer, purpose, and life. He does so under the spotlight of joy - God's joy and our joy. He takes the discussion away from the clutter of theological terminology by focusing on joy - that often overlooked aspect of our faith.

Don't get me wrong. This book is comprehensive and well researched - he often quotes other authors (including C.S. Lewis), and his teaching is Biblically based. He just keeps it focused by concentrating his efforts on the topic of joy. His style is not as conversational as that of some other authors, but he strikes the right chord.

I would recommend this book for anyone. I will be listening to this book again many times over because I think I've just become addicted to true joy.

19 people found this helpful

Wonderful encouragement

The first several chapters about the theology of joy and desire changed my life. And the last chapters on practical application are wonderful. This book normalized my times of lacking joy, showed me that joy in the christian life is something that must be cultivated, and then taught me how to cultivate.

11 people found this helpful

Helpful and encouraging

Any additional comments?

This book is so helpful when someone you know is going through a very difficult time in life. There are practical applications and encouraging thoughts.

7 people found this helpful

Dry

Although I am sure the book is good if read, listening to it with this narrator is next to impossible. I have tried at least 3 times to get into the meat of what John Piper is trying to say, but have been defeated each time by the very dry narration if this book. Too bad in that it defeats the Title of the book.

5 people found this helpful

Narrator was very dry

Narrator was very dry and doesn't have any of Pipers enthusiasm. I was able to get through a few chapters but it was like listening to someone read a phone book.

5 people found this helpful

Great read; hope reminding

Often we seek happiness in place of joy; despair of war or lack of peace in spite of hope abounding. To fight for joy we must latch hold of that which along brings hope which is no mere giddy laughter... We must seek Christ.

5 people found this helpful

Must-read for all Christians!

I am a pastor, and I would honestly say that if you're not living the Christian life out of an overflow of Jesus' joy this book is an absolute must-read. Fantastic work.

3 people found this helpful

Great book

Would you consider the audio edition of When I Don't Desire God to be better than the print version?

The audio on for this book is a bit difficult to listen to. I would deffinately suggest the book if you can make time to read it. It all you have is listening time than the audio is worth getting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is not a book with characters. This is a training and instructional book

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The information in this book will definitely cause you to grow in your relationship with God and John Pipers view on the Church and fighting for Joy is inspirational. I would highly recommend that you listen and read the book if you are wanting to consider the joy of serving our great God.

6 people found this helpful

Perspective-changing read!

This will challenge the way you think about God, joy and your Christian life, but will help you grow!

2 people found this helpful

Hearty, accessible, practical

This is such a good read/listen. I'm grateful for the guidance, the reassurances, and the challenges.

1 person found this helpful