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Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections on Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting
Sometimes the most valuable treasures are found in the darkest of times. In fact, it's often in the very heart of our deepest pain and struggle that God chooses to reveal his most precious gifts. Let Katherine Wolf lead you in finding the hope God has for you in your most painful places.
In our lowest, most difficult moments, it's often impossible to see any good thing around us. We suffer, we struggle, we grow weary. We wonder, Is God at work in my life? Is he near me? Is there any point to my suffering and any hope for change?
Though it's easy for our overwhelming pain to cloud our view of reality, the truth is that, even though we can’t see it or feel it, God is at work in the darkness. Our Creator is in the business of bringing dead—and nearly dead—things to life.
Even now, no matter how fresh your wounds might be, he invites you to unearth his hidden treasures in your hurting, to reframe your darkness as a sacred space in which the light of hope can shine most brilliantly. Come join Katherine Wolf as she vulnerably shares her own places of wounding and the life-changing insights she has found there. Treasures in the Dark will guide you as you
find grace for the heartbreak of unmet expectations;explore the surprising intersection of pain and purpose;wholeheartedly embrace the life you never imagined living with perseverance and joy; andrecognize how your healing can be a part of the world's healing.
With her vibrant faith and unique perspective on life as a stroke survivor and person living with significant disabilities, Katherine will inspire, encourage, and strengthen tender and hurting hearts.
In our lowest, most difficult moments, it's often impossible to see any good thing around us. We suffer, we struggle, we grow weary. We wonder, Is God at work in my life? Is he near me? Is there any point to my suffering and any hope for change?
Though it's easy for our overwhelming pain to cloud our view of reality, the truth is that, even though we can’t see it or feel it, God is at work in the darkness. Our Creator is in the business of bringing dead—and nearly dead—things to life.
Even now, no matter how fresh your wounds might be, he invites you to unearth his hidden treasures in your hurting, to reframe your darkness as a sacred space in which the light of hope can shine most brilliantly. Come join Katherine Wolf as she vulnerably shares her own places of wounding and the life-changing insights she has found there. Treasures in the Dark will guide you as you
find grace for the heartbreak of unmet expectations;explore the surprising intersection of pain and purpose;wholeheartedly embrace the life you never imagined living with perseverance and joy; andrecognize how your healing can be a part of the world's healing.
With her vibrant faith and unique perspective on life as a stroke survivor and person living with significant disabilities, Katherine will inspire, encourage, and strengthen tender and hurting hearts.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
307 people are currently reading
4784 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Wolf
7 books185 followersKatherine & Jay Wolf are parents, artists, communicators, and survivors. After meeting in college, they got married and moved to Los Angeles to pursue law school for Jay and the entertainment industry for Katherine. Their son James was born in 2007 and six months later, Katherine’s life nearly ended with a catastrophic stroke. Miraculously, she survived and continues her recovery to this day. Katherine and Jay have shared their journey of whole-hearted living and hope in Christ in many forums since 2008. Katherine, Jay, and their family currently reside in Los Angeles, CA. www.hopeheals.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 18, 2024
Two disclaimers before I begin this review.
1. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway
2. I don’t identify as a Christian
I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, this reads a lot like a memoir and Kathrine has an incredibly interesting story to tell. Plus, the focus of this book is on one of my very favorite subjects, Human Suffering.
I love the subject of human suffering because it happens to all of us. It has happened forever and will continue to happen as long as humans have life. I love this subject because of what comes from the other side of it; art, hope, healing, and a greater understanding of love and the universe.
Kathrine really drives home the fact that we truly only have two choices in this life, to look through the lens of suffering or the lens of hope. When someone has suffered as much as Kathrine has and still has the audacity to be filled to the brim with hope, what is my excuse?
When we aren’t living in hope, we’re living in fear. Fear of what’s next, fear of ourselves and what pain makes us capable of, fear of being alone and/or forgotten. When you look through the lens of hope you see that there is life beyond all of the suffering.
My favorite line from the book, although there are many, “Suffering can feel more bearable when we like who we’ve become because of it.”
I think that line is so beautiful and so true. When you look through the lens of hope, you see all that the suffering gave you rather than what it took from you.
Suffering gives us such an interesting opportunity for reflection and perspective.
I’m really glad this book found its way to me and I hope it finds its way into the hands of anyone suffering.
1. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway
2. I don’t identify as a Christian
I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, this reads a lot like a memoir and Kathrine has an incredibly interesting story to tell. Plus, the focus of this book is on one of my very favorite subjects, Human Suffering.
I love the subject of human suffering because it happens to all of us. It has happened forever and will continue to happen as long as humans have life. I love this subject because of what comes from the other side of it; art, hope, healing, and a greater understanding of love and the universe.
Kathrine really drives home the fact that we truly only have two choices in this life, to look through the lens of suffering or the lens of hope. When someone has suffered as much as Kathrine has and still has the audacity to be filled to the brim with hope, what is my excuse?
When we aren’t living in hope, we’re living in fear. Fear of what’s next, fear of ourselves and what pain makes us capable of, fear of being alone and/or forgotten. When you look through the lens of hope you see that there is life beyond all of the suffering.
My favorite line from the book, although there are many, “Suffering can feel more bearable when we like who we’ve become because of it.”
I think that line is so beautiful and so true. When you look through the lens of hope, you see all that the suffering gave you rather than what it took from you.
Suffering gives us such an interesting opportunity for reflection and perspective.
I’m really glad this book found its way to me and I hope it finds its way into the hands of anyone suffering.
April 24, 2025
Katherine Wolf does such a beautiful job of putting her suffering in a Gospel-Centered perspective- it helps me put words and feelings to what I am experiencing. Her words lead me to deeper prayer and a greater love for the story God is writing for me!
March 21, 2025
First and probably only written GoodReads review, but I just had to!
My expectations were high, but this blew them out of the water. 🥲 If you spend much time on earth you will know suffering. For me, suffering was most profound as I watched my two day old daughter die in my husband’s arms, and the dark months that followed. As soon as I cracked the book open I was like, “Ahh yes, someone who gets it!” The book was so healing and encouraging. The author, genuine and vulnerable. Definitely will be re-reading this for a while. 🫶🏼
“After I read this, it dawned on me: the darkest days of my suffering had taught me things that a pain-free life never could have. In the darkness I experienced peace that transcended my circumstances. I rediscovered my worth apart from my ability. I gave up the illusion that I was in control of much of anything. None of that could have happened in a life lived exclusively in the light of favorable circumstances. […]
My pain is too precious to be wasted.”
My expectations were high, but this blew them out of the water. 🥲 If you spend much time on earth you will know suffering. For me, suffering was most profound as I watched my two day old daughter die in my husband’s arms, and the dark months that followed. As soon as I cracked the book open I was like, “Ahh yes, someone who gets it!” The book was so healing and encouraging. The author, genuine and vulnerable. Definitely will be re-reading this for a while. 🫶🏼
“After I read this, it dawned on me: the darkest days of my suffering had taught me things that a pain-free life never could have. In the darkness I experienced peace that transcended my circumstances. I rediscovered my worth apart from my ability. I gave up the illusion that I was in control of much of anything. None of that could have happened in a life lived exclusively in the light of favorable circumstances. […]
My pain is too precious to be wasted.”
May 3, 2024
This has been a timely read for me. Authentic and soul nourishing. I am not typically interested in devotionals or books with shorter reflections like this one- but I love the way it is laid out. Each reflection offers depth and encouragement, rich with someone’s story of who has gone and is going through hard things, woven with scripture and hope without glazing over authentic feelings and struggles.
Perhaps this is the first book of it’s style I have enjoyed because it is the first one I have read that keeps making me want to come back for more hope and honest experience in suffering and living in dark spaces as a Christian. And one that gives the message that we can find hope IN the dark places/seasons. It validates feeling the difficult emotions, which gives a feeling of being known and not alone❤️
Perhaps this is the first book of it’s style I have enjoyed because it is the first one I have read that keeps making me want to come back for more hope and honest experience in suffering and living in dark spaces as a Christian. And one that gives the message that we can find hope IN the dark places/seasons. It validates feeling the difficult emotions, which gives a feeling of being known and not alone❤️
April 27, 2025
A timely read. I think this book is especially good for when you’re hurting. For when you’re in pain and want someone to come alongside you and say, “there’s still hope.”
That’s what this book did for me. It was exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it. I desperately needed hope from God in my veins again, and to hear from someone whose journey I admire. She felt like a big sister coming alongside me in my hard moments. I admire Katherine for the person that she is — she’s wholesome, funny, resilient. She laughs in the face of pain. Pain forged her. And seeing her story and how God has woven beauty so far in her story in unimaginable ways is incredible.
Exactly what I needed, thank you 🫶🏼
That’s what this book did for me. It was exactly what I needed at the exact time I needed it. I desperately needed hope from God in my veins again, and to hear from someone whose journey I admire. She felt like a big sister coming alongside me in my hard moments. I admire Katherine for the person that she is — she’s wholesome, funny, resilient. She laughs in the face of pain. Pain forged her. And seeing her story and how God has woven beauty so far in her story in unimaginable ways is incredible.
Exactly what I needed, thank you 🫶🏼
June 11, 2024
Katherine has put many words to similar things I have felt in my suffering journey. She is a warrior, and I love watching her get up over and over again to help others. God has anointed her for a very special mission. She has spoken to my heart and mind time and time again. I will be sharing quotes from her book on my social media sites to spread her wisdom and compassion. I couldn't recommend a book more. I will read these short reflections time and time again. I may need to buy another copy because I've already marked up my current copy so much. Highly recommend!
May 1, 2025
I’d give this one more stars if I could. I think it’s safe to say this will be one of my top reads for 2025. It’s So. GOOD. The subject matter, the writing style, the sense of humor, all of it. Ahh! I had to read through it faster than intended because I discovered it at the library, and now I want to get my own copy to reread and highlight (which would probably be on every page!)
January 6, 2025
I will go back to this one, no doubt. It held me in a really hard season and pointed me back to the truth that God offers us bright hope in our hurting. i LOVE katherine Wolf. Would recommend to those experiencing a hard season or grief/loss or recovering from them!!
July 7, 2025
One of the best devotional I’ve ever read!
October 11, 2025
"Hope is not a fixed point i reach"
An encouraging and challenging look at balancing hope and lamentation in a world filled with both.
An encouraging and challenging look at balancing hope and lamentation in a world filled with both.
July 3, 2024
Katherine Wolf’s books have changed my life over the last few years & this was no exception.
April 10, 2024
4.5
Katherine has written a recount of lessons she has learned through suffering. Reading this felt like reading intimate, emotional, vulnerability of Gospel truth despite unimaginable circumstances. She breaks this book into three parts: Hurting, Healing, and Hoping! Would recommend reading this in any season.
Katherine has written a recount of lessons she has learned through suffering. Reading this felt like reading intimate, emotional, vulnerability of Gospel truth despite unimaginable circumstances. She breaks this book into three parts: Hurting, Healing, and Hoping! Would recommend reading this in any season.
May 5, 2024
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book is a keeper; something that can be read again and again to provide hope, inspiration and encouragement.
Part one is a collection of short bits of philosophies that can provide points for meditation and reflection.
Parts 2 and 3 are also short selections that use events of the author's life as examples of coping and finding positive steps to deal with the hard times. She finds a way to interpret them as steps for growth, always seeking the support of God to carry on.
Katherine has an amazing support system. She tries to pay this forward by being available to help others get through their hard times. After each selection she asks the reader to give thought, and perhaps action, to do something similar with their hard times.
I find the contents of this book to be actual treasures as the title suggests, since all of us certainly have our ups and downs in life.
This book is a keeper; something that can be read again and again to provide hope, inspiration and encouragement.
Part one is a collection of short bits of philosophies that can provide points for meditation and reflection.
Parts 2 and 3 are also short selections that use events of the author's life as examples of coping and finding positive steps to deal with the hard times. She finds a way to interpret them as steps for growth, always seeking the support of God to carry on.
Katherine has an amazing support system. She tries to pay this forward by being available to help others get through their hard times. After each selection she asks the reader to give thought, and perhaps action, to do something similar with their hard times.
I find the contents of this book to be actual treasures as the title suggests, since all of us certainly have our ups and downs in life.
April 9, 2025
This book was like a cool drink of water when we were in the desert. A sweet friend gave me her copy of this book when my infant son recently had a long ICU admission filled with bad news and hard diagnoses. As we grappled with how this would impact his life and our lives, we were overwhelmed with anticipatory grief and sorrow. My husband and I took turns reading sections of this book aloud to eachother as we rocked our little one to sleep amidst the beeps of monitors and chimes of alarms. It helped ground us in the truth that God has a plan for our lives and he will use the story that is unfolding. He doesn’t waste our hard experiences. We were touched by the relatable truths, funny anecdotes, and continual nudges to look towards eternal things versus earthly things. I ordered a copy to have on hand to give away if someone I know needs it as much as I have in this season.
Read this book, share it, give it to someone who needs encouragement. You won’t regret it.
Read this book, share it, give it to someone who needs encouragement. You won’t regret it.
July 21, 2025
Love, love, love this book! I also, loved that Katherine read it to us. I cannot even begin to tell you how precious the journey through each reflection has been to me. Every reflection has had a powerful truth, or an impact in such a positive way. And for those who think it might be all sad or depressing it is not, there is humor, joy and so much blessing to be found in learning about treasures in the darkness! I’m coming away, so encouraged and hope filled! Honestly, I’m going to listen to it again and probably again, it is worth it! So thankful for its publication and for this version on Audible!
I loved it so much that I’ve also bought the hardcopy as well. However, I do think there’s something precious about listening to it and hearing Katherine share it with us personally!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5+ Stars
I loved it so much that I’ve also bought the hardcopy as well. However, I do think there’s something precious about listening to it and hearing Katherine share it with us personally!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND 5+ Stars
April 24, 2024
HOPE
Somewhere in the beginning of the year I chose a word for it : HOPE.
Last year, as I stumbled and fumbled through severe depression I had several moments of hopelessness and helplessness.
I prayed that this year would be marked by hope. Not because my circumstances would change, but because I'd choose to reframe and believe and trust, even when I don't feel, see, or understand God.
This book and discovering Katherine was/is probably the best gift of this year.
I recommend for all those in search for hope and light that endures through life's dizzying suffering.
I find the book to be a blend of realism, faith, empathy, love and even humour!
Katherine is like the best friend you'd want to have in any season of life.
💚💚💚
Somewhere in the beginning of the year I chose a word for it : HOPE.
Last year, as I stumbled and fumbled through severe depression I had several moments of hopelessness and helplessness.
I prayed that this year would be marked by hope. Not because my circumstances would change, but because I'd choose to reframe and believe and trust, even when I don't feel, see, or understand God.
This book and discovering Katherine was/is probably the best gift of this year.
I recommend for all those in search for hope and light that endures through life's dizzying suffering.
I find the book to be a blend of realism, faith, empathy, love and even humour!
Katherine is like the best friend you'd want to have in any season of life.
💚💚💚
November 6, 2025
man, I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
Katherine Wolf's story is so difficult, sad, and just awful. The fact that she shared this story to highlight God's goodness, love, mercy, and strength is beautiful beyond words. i cannot recommend this book enough.
Here are quotes from the last few pages that summarize the book-
"May you live out the hardest parts of your life in joyful rebellion against the darkness (Deut. 3:16)"
"I pray that God gives me a thicker skin while he softens my heart"
"We learned that if a bad thing has happened it can happen again maybe even worse next time.... if a good thing has happened then it can happen again maybe even better"
"Hope is an escape hatch from the what-if loop"
Katherine Wolf's story is so difficult, sad, and just awful. The fact that she shared this story to highlight God's goodness, love, mercy, and strength is beautiful beyond words. i cannot recommend this book enough.
Here are quotes from the last few pages that summarize the book-
"May you live out the hardest parts of your life in joyful rebellion against the darkness (Deut. 3:16)"
"I pray that God gives me a thicker skin while he softens my heart"
"We learned that if a bad thing has happened it can happen again maybe even worse next time.... if a good thing has happened then it can happen again maybe even better"
"Hope is an escape hatch from the what-if loop"
January 28, 2025
Speechless
There aren’t words to perfectly describe how much this book has meant to me. Katherine’s writing blows me away. The amount of wisdom in this book is life changing. There are so many things I highlighted that I’ll be saying over myself each morning as I wake up. I might just read this book over and over again throughout my life, through different seasons. It made me think differently and gave me a new perspective on God and why he allows suffering in the world. Katherine’s story is being used to help so many other people live totally different lives. I’m so grateful for this book.
There aren’t words to perfectly describe how much this book has meant to me. Katherine’s writing blows me away. The amount of wisdom in this book is life changing. There are so many things I highlighted that I’ll be saying over myself each morning as I wake up. I might just read this book over and over again throughout my life, through different seasons. It made me think differently and gave me a new perspective on God and why he allows suffering in the world. Katherine’s story is being used to help so many other people live totally different lives. I’m so grateful for this book.
January 19, 2025
Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections on Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf is a rare gem. This author continues to turn her difficulties into hope for others. This is a book to read slowly, process deeply, and read again. It is deep and vulnerable and authentic. I cannot recommend it enough. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
April 10, 2025
This book has been a balm for my soul!! It has come at a time when I was preparing for a Ladies’ retreat, speaking on lessons learned in the wilderness and finding hope in the desert. Who knew that I would be walking through a difficult journey of my own? I consider this book as a sweet gift from the Lord at a time I needed it the most. Katherine speaks in a profound and genuine way. You will absolutely love her!! I know it will help you to find God’s treasures during dark times.
November 30, 2025
I’m not a huge fan of devotionals, but Katherine Wolf is exceptional. She suffered a stroke in her 20s, leaving her partially paralyzed and unable to walk or care for her infant son for a time. When she writes about suffering, her words never ring hollow and always help me put things in perspective. If she can endure her challenges with the help of her faith, that gives me great hope for anything I am facing. Highly recommend this book and her others.
December 1, 2025
Katherine’s story of hope in the hurting and encouragement to seek the treasures God has given to us in the darkness has shifted my mindset on suffering. It is such a gift that we don’t have to allow suffering to define our days. We are given beauty for ashes when we allow Christ to capture every essence of our lives. May I live my everyday in full surrender to His plan and purposes no matter what may come my way.
December 13, 2025
Goodness. I read this book slowly—oh, so slowly. Though each chapter is short and highly readable, Katherine Wolf offers reflections on faith, loss, and healing that are so deep and moving you want to linger, taking in both what she has been through and what she so generously offers the reader.
I would especially recommend this book to anyone walking through suffering—or walking alongside someone who is—as a source of quiet encouragement and hard-won hope.
I would especially recommend this book to anyone walking through suffering—or walking alongside someone who is—as a source of quiet encouragement and hard-won hope.
May 4, 2024
Katherine’s humor and deep faith continue to lift me up. I was so excited to read her newest release. Her earlier book Hope Heals helped me through my darkest days in the hospital after my 13 year old son had an AVM rupture. Thank you Katherine for stepping out in faith to follow God’s calling and path for your life - and for continuing to share your story and for inspiring us all.
April 18, 2025
A great book for those who have a good/hard story but might also be useful for others to gain some understanding of what it is like to have your life peppered with such events. It was kind of crazy how some of the rare events Katherine spoke to were ones my family was intimately familiar with. I pray this book continues to find the correct people.
November 25, 2025
Hope for Restoration
This has been an amazing treasure I’ve clung to these past 3 months. From starting by acknowledging the unfair and impossible to reminders of the redemptive work that’s already happened and which keeps you going.
Katherine is genuine and super relatable. I feel like we’d be good friends and I’m thankful for the redemptive work God has done in her and her heart to share it humbly yet oh so powerfully!
This has been an amazing treasure I’ve clung to these past 3 months. From starting by acknowledging the unfair and impossible to reminders of the redemptive work that’s already happened and which keeps you going.
Katherine is genuine and super relatable. I feel like we’d be good friends and I’m thankful for the redemptive work God has done in her and her heart to share it humbly yet oh so powerfully!
April 25, 2024
Really great book to inspire you to look differently at your low points in life. The author has so much wisdom with deep insights on mourning, hardship, and disability that I've never heard before or considered. Definitely keeping to read some parts over and over again when I need it!
May 1, 2024
"90 Reflections on Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting" - Katherine Wolf has quite a story and as she writes, she uses her circumstances, true emotions and feelings and reframes it all as an opportunity to glorify the Lord and encourage others. A gift.
June 2, 2024
Amazing! I wanted to read the whole book in one sitting. I am having to make myself just read one a day and treasure them.
For anyone going through suffering or has gone through suffering, it it a balm.
For anyone going through suffering or has gone through suffering, it it a balm.
November 6, 2024
90 reflections on pain, suffering, and the hardest things in life. This book feels like texting a friend on your worst day & getting the encouragement through a fresh perspective you need to keep going.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews