Overflowing Joy: What Jesus Says about a Joy-Filled Life

by Tara Dew

Whether you’re facing the ordinary, daily pressures of squaring away today’s to-do list or an unexpected season of suffering that seems to have no end, sometimes it feels like Jesus’s promise of “overflowing joy” is simply not within reach for your real life.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

By journeying with you through Jesus’s words in John 15, author and Bible teacher Tara Dew reveals three surprising paths to a truly joy-filled life. If you’re willing to take Jesus up on His teaching, you’ll find that God’s pruning, God’s presence, and God’s commands have the power to deliver not just a taste of joy as a fruit God is developing in your life, but an overflowing bushel of it! The question is, are you willing?

If so, prepare to experience a truly, fully, and genuinely joy-filled life—no matter the season or circumstance!

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Non Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Lauren Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciate the thorough, practical teaching on John 15. Tara did a fabulous job explaining so very simply yet impactful the vine & branches metaphor that will stick with me.

Favorite quotes:

- Pruning is purposeful. It’s for our health, beauty, and good. And surprisingly it is the first pathway to having a Joy that is overflowing

If he is pruning you, it doesn’t mean you have done something wrong. It means that your life bore fruit, and He desires for you to bear more fruit

- If he didn’t prune, discipline, train us he would be unloving. Our lives would be overgrown, unruly and have a total lack of discipline

[Tina Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good. I like the way she writes and lets us know that our Joy true Joy comes from God alone. I also had the honor of hearing her talk on her book. I'm so glad that I got to hear her speak. I'm so thankful I picked this book up. it helped me know that I need to abide in Christ

[Mollie Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are called to have His goodness on our lips. To share what He has done for us. To tell others about the difference He has made in our lives.”

Overflowing Joy by Tara Dew is a book that feels like sitting down with a friend and hearing what the Lord has taught them in his Word. Based out of John 15, the book explores what it means for God to be the source of our joy.

Focusing on three ways that God works in us that lead to joy (pruning, presence, and perseverance), the book is conversational and practical and rooted in Scripture.

Overflowing Joy was a very timely read for me, and I was convicted and encouraged to remember that I can do nothing in my own strength but only through Christ in me. I also added some of Mother Teresa’s books to my list as I read ☺️

“Just like Mother Teresa described in her own life, when we love, we allow God’s love to flow through us. We are just the branches, connected to our Vine. He is our fuel and our fulfillment. His love fills us. His joy is in us. And then it results in our joy that overflows!”

Thanks to NetGalley and B&H Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overflowing Joy: What Jesus Says About a Joy-Filled Life by author Tara Dew is a Christian women’s or self-help book. It is a thoughtful book that urges readers to turn to scripture and really understand Jesus’s teachings on living a life of joy. I really enjoyed it.

The author has a welcoming style of writing. It was easy to understand and drew me in. As I read it was like listening to a friend explain to me that God is the source of all joy. It is filled with scripture and encouragement.

I highly recommend this lovely book. It will be one that I will revisit. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest words.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Perseverance means not quitting when your feelings wane.' As the title suggests, Tara's book is about leading a joy-filled life by abiding in Christ as laid out by Him in John 15. It was both encouraging and convicting. It felt like a warm hug and a good chat with a friend. As with all such books, it's disheartening to read about what we know we should be doing whilst painfully aware of all the ways we are not doing it (Rom. 7). As Tara reminds us throughout the book, we can't live lives of joy and love for others in our own strength. Who can rescue us from this body of death? Only Jesus.

[Lexie Darce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
It was not a bad book. It just turned out to be a very basic overview of some basic core components of biblical truth. I think I was just hoping for something deeper.

That being said, the first part of the book is really good. This section about God’s pruning in our lives really impacted me and changed my perspective on some things in my life for the better. I would recommend everyone read the first few chapters relating to John 15/“pruning”.

This would be a good book for a new believer as well.

[Melody T · Rating 5 out of 5]

After spending a lot of time studying John 15:1-11 this book was another great source with the what we need to do to live out this lifestyle. Great reminder how we need to allow God to be our vine and let him guide us in all areas of life.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author uses the Bible, John 15, to suggest a Scriptural way to find true joy in life. This is a serious book that talks about God's pruning, God's presence and God's commands, resulting in the fruit of the Spirit of joy. It was spiritually uplifting. Don't we all need more joy in our lives?

[Sarah Kimmey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a unique experience to read a book written by someone I have talked with and to bea able hear her voice speaking through the words she has written.

S1V1L1

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful, enjoyable read from a friend who doesn't just talk about joy, but truly lives joyfully - thank you Tara!

[Laurin Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book, but basic. It’s not theologically deep, but it is a good reminder of primary a truth. She uses lots of personal examples, stories, etc.