- October 3, 2019
- Books
We all need a little help from time to time. Even the strongest Christians require encouragement some days. The Apostle Paul and Jesus would seek out the help of the Heavenly Father and the local community of believers when enduring difficult trials. These are also two wonderful resources for us today as we try to navigate life. Another way people may wish to receive help is by reading Christian self help books. Below we have compiled a list of many bestselling books considered to be among the best in the genre. If you need a little help today, or you are simply a reader in search of something highly rated, here are some of the top Christian self help books ever published.
“It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” - Lysa TerKeurst
One of the most reliable experiences in life is disappointment. Whether it’s the sudden death of a loved one, losing your job, or some other devastation, there will be at least one day in your life where you think a thought similar to the title of this book. Lysa TerKeurst has become a favorite among readers of Christian self help books since the publishing of “Uninvited,” “Made to Crave,” and other works.
“Anxious for Nothing” - Max Lucado
If you’ve ever been recommended Christian self help books, there’s a decent chance one or more was written by Max Lucado. The author has put out several popular books in the field, including “God Will Use This for Good” and his latest, “How Happiness Happens.” Lucado has a gift for healing through his written words and of the most successful books in fulfilling this goal is “Anxious for Nothing.” One last recommendation from the writer’s known works is “You’ll Get Through This.”
“Boundaries” - Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Many people who read Christian self help books are looking for a way to better control their lives. That may be through organization, handling relationships, or trusting God. “Boundaries” has a little of all of this, promising the chance to impact your life for the better just by understanding when to say yes or no.
“The Five Love Languages” - Gary Chapman
You’ve probably heard the title of this Gary Chapman book many times over the years, whether it was at a couples conference or in your Sunday School class. Some may see “The Five Love Languages” as strictly a book for romantic settings, but anyone who wants to better understand how others operate can learn something here. At the same time you may get to know yourself a little more in-depth too.
“The Purpose Driven Life” - Rick Warren - Christian Self Help Books
Rick Warren’s book was all the rage back when it was first published. It helped church members become more fully involved, families reconcile, and lives get put back together. The dust may have settled, but “The Purpose Driven Life” is easily one of the biggest Christian self help books of all time. For those who may want help on living a healthier life as a Christian, you can also check out “The Daniel Plan” by Warren and others.
“The Road Back to You” - Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
There have been numerous personality tests and quizzes out there to come and go in popularity. These days it’s all about the Enneagram. In “The Road Back to You,” Suzanne Stabile and Ian Morgan Cron take us through nine personality profiles which we all fall into in some way or another. After you’ve read this one you can move on to “The Path Between Us,” which details how we can form and maintain relationships knowing these different traits.
“The Next Right Thing” - Emily P. Freeman
Decision making can be the worst thing ever presented to us. It doesn’t matter if we’re just planning dinner or having to choose to take a job promotion. In “The Next Right Thing,” Emily P. Freeman wants to help you find a way to cut through the anxiety and self-doubt surrounding decisions and more quickly choose what’s right for the immediate future.
“Sacred Marriage” - Gary Thomas
Since a good portion of people reading Christian self help books are married and/or seeking advice on relationships, we wanted to include one of the best reads on the subject. “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas helps you eliminate what society has always told us concerning marriage and instead presents a Biblical view of a healthy marriage and how we can be better partners.
“Detours” - Dr. Tony Evans
Offering Biblical wisdom and decades of experience as a pastor, the insightful Tony Evans is a wonderful resource for knowledge. “Detours” is a book about learning to roll with the punches of life and understanding that God’s plan doesn’t always look like our own. For those who have experienced career setbacks, failed relationships, and other disappointments, this is a good book to pick up.
“Love Does” - Bob Goff - Christian Self Help Books
When we lose sight of what we really believe, Christianity can sometimes come across as boring or lackluster. Bob Goff wants to challenge you to a higher calling of living an exciting life of loving others. “Love Does” is a collection of personal stories from Goff’s past that highlight the power of selflessness, doing the right thing, and practicing determination.
“One Thousand Gifts” - Ann Voskamp
Gratitude is not something we often come by in our modern world of convenience and self-love. Ann Voskamp wants to change that with “One Thousand Gifts.” Looking through the world with a new lens will help you find the many blessings God has bestowed upon us each day. Following the steps outlined in this book will help you find rich fulfillment with the life you have and entice you to reach for the abundant life God promises us in scripture.
“Through the Eyes of a Lion” - Levi Lusko
Perhaps you’re looking for Christian self help books due to some tragedy in your life. A good read on this subject is “Through the Eyes of a Lion” by Levi Lusko. The book follows the author’s journey of grief and finding a renewed sense of purpose after the death of his young daughter. Even if you haven’t experienced a personal tragedy, the book can be an exciting wake up call to living with determination. “Through the Eyes of a Lion” was selected for the Book Impact Award at the 2017 K-LOVE Fan Awards.
“In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day” - Mark Batterson
The second of two books named after the king of the jungle, “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day” is aimed at those who want to make the most of opportunities life throws their way. Mark Batterson has written several popular books on prayer and manhood. Now he wants to help you avoid regret and take advantage of the opportunities God has prepared you for.
“Unoffendable” - Brant Hansen
The last of our Christian self help books is aimed to reduce the anger and stress we feel in our lives. Today’s culture is one in which victimhood can actually translate to social currency. This trap even consumes many Christians who feel they must always be showing off their “righteous anger.” While we must certainly take a stand for what is right and holy, “Unoffendable” asks us to let go of the anger we feel for others and rest in the grace and love of Jesus.
These Christian self help books offer much to those who are hurting, need direction, or otherwise feel like life has passed them by. Of course our first inclination should be to turn to God in such times, but these books can also have a profound impact on our lives. We hope these books and others like them are able to meet your needs and draw you closer to Jesus Christ.
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