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Life Is Hard. God Is Good. Let's Dance.: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad
"Quirky and inviting essays on what it means to live joyfully in a world full of 'anger and anxiety'...This optimism booster has a light touch and a lasting impact."—Publishers Weekly
This book is about one joy. A deep sense of well-being, regardless of circumstances, is not only possible but is promised to all who follow Jesus. Life is hard, but God is good. And through Him we can start to see the world in a more childlike, humble, and optimistic way.
Brant Hansen doesn't follow a success plan. He just keeps simply showing up and taking Jesus very seriously. And by taking Jesus seriously in all of life, he has become more joyful. More peaceful. And full of laughter. And that attitude is contagious to all who read his bestselling books and listen to his award-winning radio show.
In Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let's Dance, Brant is at his best—sharing stories from around the world, as well as from his own heart and head, with a writing style that will likely make you laugh, cry, and rethink your outlook on life and the kingdom of God. Through his unique life experiences and extensive travels, readers will see how God is moving through people all over the world, and they will learn
See that it's possible to live joyfully in a world of anger and anxietyCompletely trust the character and promises of GodClaim the abundant life mentioned in John 10:10Live each day simply and with a faith and joy that is contagious
Brant says, "In this book, I want to take the format of Bob Goff's Love Does and mix it with my own strange experiences, in a way that I think Ted Lasso would be proud of." Through short, energetic, captivating, and often humorous chapters, Brant's message will leave you with a renewed love for a simpler life that overflows with greater joy than you've ever experienced.
This book is about one joy. A deep sense of well-being, regardless of circumstances, is not only possible but is promised to all who follow Jesus. Life is hard, but God is good. And through Him we can start to see the world in a more childlike, humble, and optimistic way.
Brant Hansen doesn't follow a success plan. He just keeps simply showing up and taking Jesus very seriously. And by taking Jesus seriously in all of life, he has become more joyful. More peaceful. And full of laughter. And that attitude is contagious to all who read his bestselling books and listen to his award-winning radio show.
In Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let's Dance, Brant is at his best—sharing stories from around the world, as well as from his own heart and head, with a writing style that will likely make you laugh, cry, and rethink your outlook on life and the kingdom of God. Through his unique life experiences and extensive travels, readers will see how God is moving through people all over the world, and they will learn
See that it's possible to live joyfully in a world of anger and anxietyCompletely trust the character and promises of GodClaim the abundant life mentioned in John 10:10Live each day simply and with a faith and joy that is contagious
Brant says, "In this book, I want to take the format of Bob Goff's Love Does and mix it with my own strange experiences, in a way that I think Ted Lasso would be proud of." Through short, energetic, captivating, and often humorous chapters, Brant's message will leave you with a renewed love for a simpler life that overflows with greater joy than you've ever experienced.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
271 people are currently reading
6183 people want to read
About the author
Brant Hansen
13 books548 followersBrant Hansen is a radio host who has won multiple National Personality of the Year awards. He also works with CURE International, a worldwide network of hospitals that brings life-changing medical care and the good news of God’s love to children with treatable conditions. Brant currently lives in Northern California with his wife, Carolyn; his son, Justice; and his daughter, Julia. He can be found at branthansen.com and @branthansen on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
March 30, 2024
If you feel like life has smacked you in the face - or that the world is going up in smoke, you’ll come away from reading this with an encouraged heart.
Brant weaves personal stories all through the book - most of the time you’ll laugh - sometimes you’ll tear up - and a lot of the time you’ll find yourself nodding.
Yes the world can be sucky. But it’s also full of beautiful things. With a promise of more coming. Miracles are giving us a glimpse of heaven. We don’t have to carry the burden of a world going to pot. God’s got this. And He’s got you.
Need a pick-me-up book? Then pick this up.
Please write more, Brant!!
Brant weaves personal stories all through the book - most of the time you’ll laugh - sometimes you’ll tear up - and a lot of the time you’ll find yourself nodding.
Yes the world can be sucky. But it’s also full of beautiful things. With a promise of more coming. Miracles are giving us a glimpse of heaven. We don’t have to carry the burden of a world going to pot. God’s got this. And He’s got you.
Need a pick-me-up book? Then pick this up.
Please write more, Brant!!
July 6, 2024
If you struggle with anxiety and worry, you would benefit from reading this book. I found his stories and message very motivating. Honestly, I was drawn to the disco ball, but it was what I needed.
March 6, 2024
“Peace is joy at rest and joy is peace on its feet.”
Full of wit and dry humor, honesty and endearing stories.
I listened to the audio book which was read by the author himself; you can hear the kindness in his voice.
He adds a sense of lightness to heavy subjects without taking the seriousness away.
The author is very involved in the organization called CURE and we learn about some remarkable children and their life changing stories.
This was an enjoyable audiobook and I’m looking forward to reading or listening to other works by this author!
Full of wit and dry humor, honesty and endearing stories.
I listened to the audio book which was read by the author himself; you can hear the kindness in his voice.
He adds a sense of lightness to heavy subjects without taking the seriousness away.
The author is very involved in the organization called CURE and we learn about some remarkable children and their life changing stories.
This was an enjoyable audiobook and I’m looking forward to reading or listening to other works by this author!
February 9, 2024
This was hilarious, encouraging, and inspiring. I recommend!
July 8, 2024
This is a collection of essays by Brant Hansen that would be most appreciated by people who already listen to his radio/show podcast. Brant is socially awkward and quirky and owns it, so if you’re not familiar with him, you might find some parts of the book a bit off.
I’ve been a fan of Brant for ten years now. This is not the type of book I would normally read, but Brant has had a bigger impact on my faith journey than any other Christian writer or theologian. Every single one of these chapters are full of timeless, thought-provoking truths about God and the Christian life.
The chapters also have a lot of personal stories. Normally, I don’t like that in a Christian book, but that’s the nature of this one - it’s supposed to be personal and candid.
I listened to the audiobook read by the author. I normally don’t like audiobooks but Brant writes the way he speaks, so it really works here.
I’m not sure if people who don’t already know Brant would like this book as much as I do, though, so take this review with a grain of salt.
I’ve been a fan of Brant for ten years now. This is not the type of book I would normally read, but Brant has had a bigger impact on my faith journey than any other Christian writer or theologian. Every single one of these chapters are full of timeless, thought-provoking truths about God and the Christian life.
The chapters also have a lot of personal stories. Normally, I don’t like that in a Christian book, but that’s the nature of this one - it’s supposed to be personal and candid.
I listened to the audiobook read by the author. I normally don’t like audiobooks but Brant writes the way he speaks, so it really works here.
I’m not sure if people who don’t already know Brant would like this book as much as I do, though, so take this review with a grain of salt.
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January 26, 2025Okay, I wasn’t going to review this initially because I wasn’t sure how to. But after a FaceTime chat with a dear friend this afternoon where we discussed a totally different book, my thoughts are more articulate. :)
First, there was nothing wrong with the book. Theologically, it’s pretty sound. There were no major red flags or issues that raised eyebrows. Excellent points were made, though a few rabbit trails lost me as to their point.
It was the voicing I was totally unprepared for. To quote my friend: “I’m not used to such a casual tone in the theological books I read.” That’s precisely what I was grappling with and she hit it on the head. Most theology/Christian living books I read are simply more serious. Not dour and doom, just more contained. Hansen’s writing is very casual and very high energy. Depending on your background, it might even feel flippant in places though I know that wasn’t the intent. Please note, I’m not saying this is a bad thing, just different than my usual as read. :)
First, there was nothing wrong with the book. Theologically, it’s pretty sound. There were no major red flags or issues that raised eyebrows. Excellent points were made, though a few rabbit trails lost me as to their point.
It was the voicing I was totally unprepared for. To quote my friend: “I’m not used to such a casual tone in the theological books I read.” That’s precisely what I was grappling with and she hit it on the head. Most theology/Christian living books I read are simply more serious. Not dour and doom, just more contained. Hansen’s writing is very casual and very high energy. Depending on your background, it might even feel flippant in places though I know that wasn’t the intent. Please note, I’m not saying this is a bad thing, just different than my usual as read. :)
August 19, 2025
I was hesitant to pick up this book, because honestly? It does kind of feel like the world has gone mad. Health scares with loved ones, wars going on in the world, a lot going on in the political realm that doesn't align with my values, job stress, etc... I feel like God put this book in my life just when I needed it. I don't even remember putting this book on my TBR list, but it came up as the next book to read on my app, so I added it.
I find that I can often be off-put by some Christian books, as they can feel preachy and self-righteous. As someone that has had ups and downs with finding the right church fit and finding the right faith community. This was not that.
Hansen was so uplifting and positive and it was such a breath of fresh air from the doom and gloom on the news and social media and in my every day. The message was clear: God's got this. Everything is on fire? God's got this. As someone with my own mental health journey, this made an impact. One of the stories that stood out to me was the guy who paid somebody to worry for him. And it helped him! As silly as it sounds, I could kind of relate to that? Like, seriously? When things are good, I'm just anxious because it's my default setting. I do feel like it's important to be aware of what's going on around me. It's important to know about humanitarian crises. It's important to be aware when people's rights are at stake. And... know that ultimately things will be okay in the end.
I find that I can often be off-put by some Christian books, as they can feel preachy and self-righteous. As someone that has had ups and downs with finding the right church fit and finding the right faith community. This was not that.
Hansen was so uplifting and positive and it was such a breath of fresh air from the doom and gloom on the news and social media and in my every day. The message was clear: God's got this. Everything is on fire? God's got this. As someone with my own mental health journey, this made an impact. One of the stories that stood out to me was the guy who paid somebody to worry for him. And it helped him! As silly as it sounds, I could kind of relate to that? Like, seriously? When things are good, I'm just anxious because it's my default setting. I do feel like it's important to be aware of what's going on around me. It's important to know about humanitarian crises. It's important to be aware when people's rights are at stake. And... know that ultimately things will be okay in the end.
December 10, 2024
I LOVED this book. I listened to it and read it also. It wasn’t that it was the most revelatory material (however it was material that we often forget), but it was powerful, encouraging, and uplifting. The witty humor was also an absolute delight! A reminder of how to focus on the joy of Christ and His kingdom instead of this crazy world. Just what I needed.
January 20, 2025
This book was by far the best “Christian self-help book” I’ve ever read. I put it in quotes, since I’m not sure what that is. It almost felt like reading a diary. I want to buy a copy for everyone I know. Phenomenal writing, and I’m putting some of his recommendations into practice. Feels like I really can let go of anxiety this year. :) Good January book.
February 4, 2025
Not only was this book laugh out loud funny, it was full of inspiring stories and profound thoughts to ponder. If you want something encouraging, check this one out! I listened to the audiobook from Libby, and it was awesome because Brant reads it himself. His sense of humor probably isn’t for everybody, but I certainly enjoyed it!
July 26, 2024
11/10! Brant Hansen does an incredible job of presenting deep truths inside hilarious and light-hearted stories. This book brings so much joy and points to where to find even deeper more permanent joy!
June 28, 2025
I listened to this book, and it’s one I wish I read so I could’ve retained more. Brant is like Bob Goff if he had dry humor. Brant does a great job telling stories and admitting that life is hard, but we can choose joy. A really great book and an encouraging one!
July 3, 2024
Hasen does it again.
February 23, 2025
Loved this book! Easy to read, hilarious, and perspective-shifting. It's easy to be stressed out when you're focused on your problems. But when you focus on God and what He already finished through Jesus, the noise of all the bad gets a little quieter. Life is hard, but God is so, so good.
October 12, 2024
Lots of fun to read! Highly recommend
December 17, 2024
What I appreciate most about this book is that it’s not prescriptive, and it doesn’t spend forever talking about anxiety as a concept. I always get nervous when Christians write books about worry/anxiety because mental illness is really sticky and nuanced, especially when you start adding spirituality into it. And a lot of times, unfortunately, you get either very cliched or harmful messages about anxiety being a spiritual issue, or vague advice about just letting it go and trusting God.
What I appreciate most about this book, and Brant Hansen in general is that he never tries to tell you the feelings aren’t real or that it’s bad you’re having the feelings in the first place - he just simply points out that there’s not much use for those feelings, and here’s something better to direct our effort towards. Much like in Unoffendable, he makes the case that worry is human and inevitable, but is not going to change anything — HOWEVER, Brant spends most of the book examining the character of God and how that should change our we interact with our fears. This was a much more helpful approach than I’m used to.
I do think Unoffendable had more tangible/practical advice on what this looks like, but I still appreciated a lot of the points Brant made. Ultimately, this isn’t a book about anxiety - it’s a book about joy, the antithesis to worry. It’s not dismissive or minimizing or saying that a person’s spiritual life is weak for having worries, or saying that if you just do ____, you’ll be healed. What the book does do is continually remind you that joy is bigger, even when it doesn’t feel like it, and here’s how tragedy/worry/etc. fits into our theology, especially in light of the nature of God.
What I appreciate most about this book, and Brant Hansen in general is that he never tries to tell you the feelings aren’t real or that it’s bad you’re having the feelings in the first place - he just simply points out that there’s not much use for those feelings, and here’s something better to direct our effort towards. Much like in Unoffendable, he makes the case that worry is human and inevitable, but is not going to change anything — HOWEVER, Brant spends most of the book examining the character of God and how that should change our we interact with our fears. This was a much more helpful approach than I’m used to.
I do think Unoffendable had more tangible/practical advice on what this looks like, but I still appreciated a lot of the points Brant made. Ultimately, this isn’t a book about anxiety - it’s a book about joy, the antithesis to worry. It’s not dismissive or minimizing or saying that a person’s spiritual life is weak for having worries, or saying that if you just do ____, you’ll be healed. What the book does do is continually remind you that joy is bigger, even when it doesn’t feel like it, and here’s how tragedy/worry/etc. fits into our theology, especially in light of the nature of God.
January 23, 2024
Omg, I laughed so hard that I was practically choking on my walnuts and dried cranberries. The pants stuff and not making religion cool is sooo funny! Plus, the bathroom dedication ribbon cutting thing. Warning:
I listened while driving, and I was cracking up in a way that was almost unsafe. For real, Brant is sooo funny! I connected with central themes about trusting God for today and not stressing about tomorrow. Also, about sitting in gratitude and having a mindset that’s focused on helping others for the favorable results of peace and joy! FIVE big stars with smiley faces too!
I listened while driving, and I was cracking up in a way that was almost unsafe. For real, Brant is sooo funny! I connected with central themes about trusting God for today and not stressing about tomorrow. Also, about sitting in gratitude and having a mindset that’s focused on helping others for the favorable results of peace and joy! FIVE big stars with smiley faces too!
February 6, 2024
A book that made my life better, every single time I sat down to read it!
Brant Hansen’s book brings the physical Jesus to my mind in a whole new way. One that would laugh with me over a table, hang out with the “uncool kid” in the corner and make me feel relaxed in the middle of a storm. Because that’s exactly what He did.
I read a chapter a night and it was difficult to put down because I enjoyed it so much. Brant Hansen is so gifted at making me both laugh and cry in the same chapter.
The humor mixed with heart is something I find to be missing from a lot of works about the Christian life. Because JOY is actually a part of God’s character. He created it and it’s important we recognize Jesus as joyful because He’s the most joyful being in the world 😊 it’s how we ought to be. And it’s how we CAN and should be in light of the goodness of God that’s all around us and the hope that we have for the future.
Brant brings in a lot of personal stories of how Jesus has moved in his own life and shown His character. Jesus models the person each of us becomes when we actually “hang out” with Him. I find Brant’s approach to be beautiful and I think he captures an essence about Jesus that many don’t.
Do yourself a favor. If you’ve been thinking about reading this book — or even feeling anxious lately. (Or all the time like me?) read this book. You won’t regret it. But it will make you smile.
Me? Now I’m gonna go and party because this book reminded me we have so much to celebrate.
Let’s dance. ✨
Brant Hansen’s book brings the physical Jesus to my mind in a whole new way. One that would laugh with me over a table, hang out with the “uncool kid” in the corner and make me feel relaxed in the middle of a storm. Because that’s exactly what He did.
I read a chapter a night and it was difficult to put down because I enjoyed it so much. Brant Hansen is so gifted at making me both laugh and cry in the same chapter.
The humor mixed with heart is something I find to be missing from a lot of works about the Christian life. Because JOY is actually a part of God’s character. He created it and it’s important we recognize Jesus as joyful because He’s the most joyful being in the world 😊 it’s how we ought to be. And it’s how we CAN and should be in light of the goodness of God that’s all around us and the hope that we have for the future.
Brant brings in a lot of personal stories of how Jesus has moved in his own life and shown His character. Jesus models the person each of us becomes when we actually “hang out” with Him. I find Brant’s approach to be beautiful and I think he captures an essence about Jesus that many don’t.
Do yourself a favor. If you’ve been thinking about reading this book — or even feeling anxious lately. (Or all the time like me?) read this book. You won’t regret it. But it will make you smile.
Me? Now I’m gonna go and party because this book reminded me we have so much to celebrate.
Let’s dance. ✨
March 9, 2025
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read - about finding more joy in life. Grounded in scripture and Biblical principles and sprinkled with humor, it was an easy read with good, sound advice on how to live in this crazy world with some extra joy. As a fiction lover who focuses on non-fiction during Lent, this was a great start to my Lent season this year. Though I'm not a fan of Hansen's radio show, I am a fan of his books. This is the 3rd I've read and I have marked the other 2 as "want to read". I enjoy his writing style and have gleaned a great deal from the books of his I've read. This one had some additional humor with the random drawings scattered throughout - probably intended to help bring joy. I enjoyed learning more about organizations like CURE in this book as well and the great work they are doing around the world, showing Jesus to kids with disabilities. If you do read this one, I encourage reading the "extra" footnotes at the end for some extra joy-inducing laughter. And if you live close enough to the author to see him in the grocery store, please be sure to read the acknowledgements.
December 16, 2024
If you are a worrier, this book is for you!!! If you are not a worrier, this book is for you!!!
Truly loved every minute of this book. It is a simple read and a great reminder of the joy you can have following Jesus. Brant Hansen is funny, witty, and encouraging. He makes the joy very practically seem attainable. He does a beautiful job of not negating that life is hard, but showing that joy despite the hard stuff is absolutely possible. This book made me laugh out loud & encouraged me to just have some fun.
Practice gratitude!!!!
Outsource your worry!!!!
Cling to scripture!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!!!!
Truly loved every minute of this book. It is a simple read and a great reminder of the joy you can have following Jesus. Brant Hansen is funny, witty, and encouraging. He makes the joy very practically seem attainable. He does a beautiful job of not negating that life is hard, but showing that joy despite the hard stuff is absolutely possible. This book made me laugh out loud & encouraged me to just have some fun.
Practice gratitude!!!!
Outsource your worry!!!!
Cling to scripture!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!!!!
March 20, 2024
10 stars for this book.
This is an uplifting book and discusses joy and hope and I felt joy and hope and happiness as I read it. Except for when he talked about his dog, and then I actually got tears in my eyes and it was so sad. But it's about love and ... a lots of things that bring joy to our lives.
"If I want joy in life, I have to pay attention to the right things."
I am going to recommend this to lots of people! Absolutely love this.
This is an uplifting book and discusses joy and hope and I felt joy and hope and happiness as I read it. Except for when he talked about his dog, and then I actually got tears in my eyes and it was so sad. But it's about love and ... a lots of things that bring joy to our lives.
"If I want joy in life, I have to pay attention to the right things."
I am going to recommend this to lots of people! Absolutely love this.
August 19, 2024
This book was great. A much needed lift for my soul. I teared up several times with gratitude. A beautiful look at God - His goodness and joy. Brant is funny in a dry humor sort of way. I laughed out loud at least twice. Some stories were repeated from his previous book Unoffendable (phenomenal!) but I didn’t mind because they were applicable and I nice reminders.
Listened on Libby. Read by the author which is a great thing.
Listened on Libby. Read by the author which is a great thing.
February 15, 2025
Another great one from Brant
Brant Hansen has a way of looking at the world and God that is unique. I love his dry and weird sense of humor, but he uses it to make me think about spiritual things in a whole new way. It makes so much sense that I wonder why I haven’t thought of it before. This book focuses on the joy of the Christian life rather than trouble and pain. The icing on the cake are his cartoon drawings that have been included in the chapters.
Brant Hansen has a way of looking at the world and God that is unique. I love his dry and weird sense of humor, but he uses it to make me think about spiritual things in a whole new way. It makes so much sense that I wonder why I haven’t thought of it before. This book focuses on the joy of the Christian life rather than trouble and pain. The icing on the cake are his cartoon drawings that have been included in the chapters.
July 10, 2024
Bad news first: the short chapters and bite-sized episodes were not my thing. Maybe that's because I was reading it on plane rides?
Good news second: Everything else in the book was my thing. The peace and joy and struggle and faith of the author seemed to radiate from the pages. This book was like the feeling you get when you turn on the radio and immediately hear the opening notes of a favorite song. Comforting and thrilling all at once.
It's an easy read, and well worth the time.
Good news second: Everything else in the book was my thing. The peace and joy and struggle and faith of the author seemed to radiate from the pages. This book was like the feeling you get when you turn on the radio and immediately hear the opening notes of a favorite song. Comforting and thrilling all at once.
It's an easy read, and well worth the time.
April 2, 2025
I loved this book! It's simply written - it's easy to understand, easy to read - yet holds a very important and powerful message. He gives many examples and tells many stories about living with joy; choosing not to worry or be anxious, in a world where everything can seem like it's falling apart. But he doesn't dwell on the bad news or heartache in the world, instead he focuses on how good God is and how we can trust in Him and we do not need to worry. This book is also rather funny and I have watched videos of Brant Hansen before so as I'm reading this book, I totally hear it in my head as being said in his voice and with his mannerisms! I would recommend this one!
November 4, 2025
I just finished Brant Hansen’s latest book. I loved "Unoffendable" (I recommend it to everyone), so I picked up Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let’s Dance — and once again, it’s a solid 5 out of 5 for me.
This book is biblically grounded, fun to read, and surprisingly practical. Brant has a way of acknowledging that yes — life can hurt and there is real ache in the world — yet he continually points us back to the goodness, hope, and joy that still exist.
If life feels heavy, this is the kind of book that reminds you that God is still good and there is beauty to notice — even in the middle of the hard. I highly recommend it.
This book is biblically grounded, fun to read, and surprisingly practical. Brant has a way of acknowledging that yes — life can hurt and there is real ache in the world — yet he continually points us back to the goodness, hope, and joy that still exist.
If life feels heavy, this is the kind of book that reminds you that God is still good and there is beauty to notice — even in the middle of the hard. I highly recommend it.
January 29, 2024
Hansen has done it again! A book filled with charming personal stories that had me laughing out loud, along with truly insightful and encouraging passages about joy despite the madness of this world. I listened to the audiobook first (Hansen narrates and it’s awesome!) and just got the physical copy in the mail today! I know what I’m doing this afternoon. I highly recommend this book specifically to anyone who struggles with anxiety like I do.
May 21, 2024
All of Brant's books are amazing, but the audio versions in specific (probably due to his radio experience) are always hard for me to put down. He's such a great speaker and a wealth of gentle, empathetic wisdom. This one is no exception! I hope he keeps making these.
August 20, 2024
Just an all around encouraging book. Author has a great sense of humor and I laughed at different points throughout the book. Short chapters and a really easy read. So appreciate the heart of the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews