2024 has definitely taken a toll on my mental health, so I've been praying a lot and leaning on spiritual books to help me find something positive to focus on. They feel very similar to the self-improvement books I have, but the only difference is some of them are a little more faith-based.
With everything that's going on with politics, inflation, and everyday life in general, I think we could all use something to help anchor us during troubling times. I may not know exactly what you're dealing with, but I'm aware that everyone has moments of self-doubt and needs reminders that boost our confidence.
Here are 10 spiritual books I tend to turn to when it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.
Confidently You by Joyce Meyer
Joyce Meyer knows how to tackle modern issues that women face while encouraging them to build relationships with God. In Confidently You, she helps women learn what's blocking them from feeling their best physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She breaks down what it looks like for women to understand the love that's in their lives and how one's faith can help sustain them.
Power Moves by Sarah Jakes Roberts
Released at the end of last month, Power Moves is a beautifully written book that continues the conversation of Confidently You. Sarah Jakes Roberts, daughter of pastor T.D. Jakes, knows what it's like to have moments where confidence falters and wants readers to know it's possible to regain it. It's a book that reminds us that we have access to God's love and vision for our lives in a way that makes me want to walk with my head held high.
However, she makes sure to stress the importance of not relying on external things — like achievements — be the only reason we feel confident. Instead, Sarah encourages us to deepen our relationship with God so we have access to something sturdy as we experience the highs and lows of life.
How We Heal by Alexandra Elle
Although How We Heal doesn't specifically rely on bible scriptures, it's still a spiritual book that helps readers set healthy boundaries and help their inner child heal. Broken into four sections, the book touches on topics that's affected everyone's life at some point and include personal stories from Alexandra Elle's life.
It's one of my favorite spiritual books to read when things feel tough in a specific area and allow me to connect with another person's emotions.
In My Feels by Mac Wilson and Kenz Durham
Let's face it — our feelings often change at the drop of a dime and can cause us to feel a little shaky on top of tough things we may be dealing with. In My Feels aims to let readers know there's nothing wrong with having emotions and that God may be calling for us to fellowship each time we feel something that seems to be deep-rooted.
Diving into 8 emotions aka focuses, In My Feels looks to help us change our perspective our emotions so we don't carry guilt or shame when we don't always have access to positive feelings.
Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima
Inspired by the way some of us experience self-doubt, Jamie Ken Lima wrote Worthy to help remind us that we are truly good enough even when we don't feel like it. She talks about what it feels like to hide from the world and why it's time for you to step into the life you deserve to live.
Jamie also covers some of our tendency to please others so much that we can't hear our own voice. But, no more! Worthy was written in the voice of your encouraging best friend who truly wants to see you shine.
Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
Does it feel like you're battling your own thoughts at times? Craig Groeschel knows which is why he wrote Winning the War in Your Mind.
In a world that empowers us to be the ones to save ourselves, Craig's approach is a little different. He knows we're unable to rely on our own understanding of things because we can't see everything nor do we have all the answers. Using bible scriptures and science, Groeschel helps you understand how your brain works, become aware of your triggers, lies that may creep into it, and how worship can help us change the way we approach situations.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
The Light We Carry isn't the spiritual book you think it is, but the stories and lessons from Michelle Obama feel like it. From talking about her childhood to the way she navigated difficult moments in life, this book is excellent for anyone who's looking to learn about a person who understands what it's like to feel a range of emotions as well as challenges.
Vibrate Higher Daily by Lalah Delia
Just because we don't know everything doesn't mean we're incapable of living full lives — at least that's what Lalah Delia believes. Vibrate Higher Daily is one the spiritual books I turn to when I need to remind myself that I'm not helpless. We may suffer from people-pleasing, but that doesn't mean we no longer have an inner voice.
It's all about being intentional about our decisions so we're able to live healthier and fuller lives.
Sacred Woman by Queen Afua
In Sacred Woman, Queen Afua leans on holistic practices and clean eatings to help women become the best versions of ourselves. The teachings in this book do require us to part ways with things that may be doing more harm than good, but it's all a part of the process to living a better life.
She never rushes through her teachings, but instead takes her time with each lesson that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Tired of Trying by Ashley Morgan Jackson
The name of this book is self-explanatory because we all have moments where we are literally tired of trying. This can look like giving your all in your career, relationships, health, and finances, only for something really inconvenient to happen. It comes to a point where hearing things like "It could always be worse" and "Stay positive" can actually make things feel 10x worse.
Ashley Morgan Jackson knows what it's like to experience this level of burnout that's made her feel like she was literally fighting with God. What she learned is that is usually when we begin to learn that God's ways are not our own and that it's okay to surrender.
Which spiritual books do you reach for when things feel tough? Let us know in the comments, and check out our storefront for even more book recs!
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Lead images via Amazon