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Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Guthrie persuasively renders the evolution of a hard-won religious belief that makes room for imperfection and "does not require us to ignore... the sorrows we experience or the unjustness we see but to believe past it." This openhearted offering inspires. - Publishers Weekly
Mostly what God does is love you.
If we could believe this, really believe this, how different would we be? How different would our lives be? How different would our world be?
If you ever struggle with your connection to God (or whether you even feel connected to a faith at all!), you're not alone. Especially in our modern world, with its relentless, never-ending news cycle, we can all grapple with such questions. Do we do that alone, with despair and resignation? Or do we make sense of it with God, and with hope? In these uncertain times, could believing in the power of divine love make the most sense?
In this collection of essays, Savannah Guthrie shares why she believes it does. Unspooling personal stories from her own joys and sorrows as a daughter, mother, wife, friend, and professional journalist, the award-winning TODAY show coanchor and New York Times bestselling author explores the place of faith in everyday life.
Sharing hard-won wisdom forged from mountaintop triumphs, crushing failures, and even the mundane moments of day-to-day living, Mostly What God Does reveals the transformative ways that belief in God helps us discover real hope for this life and beyond.
A perfect companion to your morning cup of coffee, this incisive volume—not a memoir but a beautiful tapestry of reflections crafted as a spiritual manual—includes:
• a fresh, biblically rooted look at six essentials of faith: love, presence, grace, hope, gratitude, and purpose;
• an honest exploration of questions, doubts, and fears about the love of God;
• a dose of encouragement for the faith-full, the faith-curious, and the faith-less; and
• …and much more.
This deeply personal collection is designed to engage the practical ways that God loves you—not just the world, but you—and to inspire you to venture down a path of faith that is authentic, hopeful, destiny-shaping, and ultimately life-changing.
Guthrie persuasively renders the evolution of a hard-won religious belief that makes room for imperfection and "does not require us to ignore... the sorrows we experience or the unjustness we see but to believe past it." This openhearted offering inspires. - Publishers Weekly
Mostly what God does is love you.
If we could believe this, really believe this, how different would we be? How different would our lives be? How different would our world be?
If you ever struggle with your connection to God (or whether you even feel connected to a faith at all!), you're not alone. Especially in our modern world, with its relentless, never-ending news cycle, we can all grapple with such questions. Do we do that alone, with despair and resignation? Or do we make sense of it with God, and with hope? In these uncertain times, could believing in the power of divine love make the most sense?
In this collection of essays, Savannah Guthrie shares why she believes it does. Unspooling personal stories from her own joys and sorrows as a daughter, mother, wife, friend, and professional journalist, the award-winning TODAY show coanchor and New York Times bestselling author explores the place of faith in everyday life.
Sharing hard-won wisdom forged from mountaintop triumphs, crushing failures, and even the mundane moments of day-to-day living, Mostly What God Does reveals the transformative ways that belief in God helps us discover real hope for this life and beyond.
A perfect companion to your morning cup of coffee, this incisive volume—not a memoir but a beautiful tapestry of reflections crafted as a spiritual manual—includes:
• a fresh, biblically rooted look at six essentials of faith: love, presence, grace, hope, gratitude, and purpose;
• an honest exploration of questions, doubts, and fears about the love of God;
• a dose of encouragement for the faith-full, the faith-curious, and the faith-less; and
• …and much more.
This deeply personal collection is designed to engage the practical ways that God loves you—not just the world, but you—and to inspire you to venture down a path of faith that is authentic, hopeful, destiny-shaping, and ultimately life-changing.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2024
2238 people are currently reading
6539 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,031 reviews
February 29, 2024
Maybe if I had very high hopes about this book it would have been 'just okay' but I had little to no expectations and was surprised how various parts hit me....and how much scripture was bathed in each chapter. There is something odd about TV personalities. We think we know them when really we just see a tiny part of them, just one slice. I was surprised how relatable her moments of motherhood and her faith journey were to me. The audiobook was interesting as she gave you 30 seconds of quiet reflection at the end of each chapter.
February 20, 2024
Made me love Savannah even more. Could’ve listened to her voice all day (which I kind of did considering I listened to this in a day…)
This was a pleasant surprise! Encouraged by her boldness.
This was a pleasant surprise! Encouraged by her boldness.
February 26, 2024
Filled With Spiritual Insight and Scripture
It’s unusual for a journalist/ lawyer like Savannah Guthrie to write a personal and spiritually revealing book like MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES. The book is full of pointed insights and personal stories combined with Scripture. The short chapters are divided into four sections: LOVE, PRESENCE, PRAISE, GRACE, HOPE and PURPOSE.
Here’s an example: “I once heard a pastor say God is like a radio station that is always on, always transmitting. Whether we tune in is up to us. Whether we turn up the volume or leave it as background noise—again, our choice. God is here, and his speaking to us does not depend on our speaking to him. He doesn’t wait to come until he is called. We don’t summon him with our pious practices and diligent spiritual routines. They help us tune in. They open the window through which his light is ready to shine. But he is present to us, whether or not we are present to him.” (Page 50)
Keep your highlighter handy as you read this book, I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
It’s unusual for a journalist/ lawyer like Savannah Guthrie to write a personal and spiritually revealing book like MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES. The book is full of pointed insights and personal stories combined with Scripture. The short chapters are divided into four sections: LOVE, PRESENCE, PRAISE, GRACE, HOPE and PURPOSE.
Here’s an example: “I once heard a pastor say God is like a radio station that is always on, always transmitting. Whether we tune in is up to us. Whether we turn up the volume or leave it as background noise—again, our choice. God is here, and his speaking to us does not depend on our speaking to him. He doesn’t wait to come until he is called. We don’t summon him with our pious practices and diligent spiritual routines. They help us tune in. They open the window through which his light is ready to shine. But he is present to us, whether or not we are present to him.” (Page 50)
Keep your highlighter handy as you read this book, I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
February 22, 2024
The book felt like a big hug from a mom. It was so gentle, which is sometimes more impactful for me than a deep dive into the theology of God’s love.
March 1, 2024
Is it weird to say I’m proud of you, Savannah?
This is an excellent book! What a brave endeavor for a well known broadcast journalist to present such an honest and vulnerable view of her personal faith journey, especially in our current culture.
I saw Savannah on the Today Show the morning of this book’s release. Her honest dialogue and the sincere love and support from her friends and colleagues was beautiful. She seemed so sincere, so I knew I wanted to read this. But I honestly didn’t expect such a profound work of spiritual exploration. She does a phenomenal job of combining her own faith journey, her personal stories, and deep spiritual truths into this combination of spiritual memoir and motivational book.
I listened to this on audio, and it was great to hear Savannah’s perspective in her own words and voice. I think it’s a book I need to buy a physical copy of. I want to go back and underline so many great truths. There is a wonderful emphasis on Scripture, and she does a great job of unpacking it as well as including quotes and ideas from spiritual leaders. She covers a lot! But the overarching theme is based on Ephesians 5:2 (from The Message) - Mostly what God does is love you. Through the ups and downs and all of life’s adventures, Savannah tries to make it really clear that God’s love is available to everyone. It is simple, yet profound.
This really is a lovely book. I thoroughly enjoyed it! More than I expected to. I may not agree with the author on everything in life, but I definitely resonated with her on her faith perspective. I’m looking forward to going deeper with it soon. I definitely recommend it.
This is an excellent book! What a brave endeavor for a well known broadcast journalist to present such an honest and vulnerable view of her personal faith journey, especially in our current culture.
I saw Savannah on the Today Show the morning of this book’s release. Her honest dialogue and the sincere love and support from her friends and colleagues was beautiful. She seemed so sincere, so I knew I wanted to read this. But I honestly didn’t expect such a profound work of spiritual exploration. She does a phenomenal job of combining her own faith journey, her personal stories, and deep spiritual truths into this combination of spiritual memoir and motivational book.
I listened to this on audio, and it was great to hear Savannah’s perspective in her own words and voice. I think it’s a book I need to buy a physical copy of. I want to go back and underline so many great truths. There is a wonderful emphasis on Scripture, and she does a great job of unpacking it as well as including quotes and ideas from spiritual leaders. She covers a lot! But the overarching theme is based on Ephesians 5:2 (from The Message) - Mostly what God does is love you. Through the ups and downs and all of life’s adventures, Savannah tries to make it really clear that God’s love is available to everyone. It is simple, yet profound.
This really is a lovely book. I thoroughly enjoyed it! More than I expected to. I may not agree with the author on everything in life, but I definitely resonated with her on her faith perspective. I’m looking forward to going deeper with it soon. I definitely recommend it.
February 28, 2024
I’m not usually a re-reader of books, but when I finished this one I thought “I’ll probably read this again.” I could not have loved this book more. Thoughtful, funny, honest, real stories from Savannah’s life that made me laugh and tear up multiple times. A gentle and truth filled reminder that through all the ups and downs of life, mostly what God does is love us.
April 30, 2024
1.5
I bought this on a whim and had immediate buyer's remorse. I love the Today Show and Savannah Guthrie has done so many interesting interviews, I'd hoped this may be a survey of interesting conversations she's had around the theme of faith. It was not that - it was really just her musings and experiences with the love of Jesus, which I love for her but was just not that compelling.
The problem with famous people is that they sometimes conflate being famous with having something interesting to say, which just didn't seem true here, it was the kind of Christian lite and milquetoast faith that just doesn't amount to much. I knew what I was in for as soon as she mentioned being friends with Shauna Niequist.
There were a few tidbits that were enjoyable but I just did not find myself reaching for this book or making any especially profound points. It also struck me as an example of something I have noticed lately by personalities that want to be universally liked in an era where anyone can be cancelled, and that was a kind of self-conscious disclaimers to overly qualify and explain every point to avoid misinterpretation. What results is a kind of watered-down writing that is distracting, palatable to everyone, but not especially relevant to anyone.
I agree with her a lot about a God that loves us unconditionally and unfailingly and something this made me think a lot about is that for a very religious (very Christian) country, we are tribalist and SO far from acting in a way that shows a deep and abiding ability to love and forgive. So in one way at least, she did make me think meaningfully about faith.
There was one section where she just reads like 12 psalms in a row and it was so annoying.
I bought this on a whim and had immediate buyer's remorse. I love the Today Show and Savannah Guthrie has done so many interesting interviews, I'd hoped this may be a survey of interesting conversations she's had around the theme of faith. It was not that - it was really just her musings and experiences with the love of Jesus, which I love for her but was just not that compelling.
The problem with famous people is that they sometimes conflate being famous with having something interesting to say, which just didn't seem true here, it was the kind of Christian lite and milquetoast faith that just doesn't amount to much. I knew what I was in for as soon as she mentioned being friends with Shauna Niequist.
There were a few tidbits that were enjoyable but I just did not find myself reaching for this book or making any especially profound points. It also struck me as an example of something I have noticed lately by personalities that want to be universally liked in an era where anyone can be cancelled, and that was a kind of self-conscious disclaimers to overly qualify and explain every point to avoid misinterpretation. What results is a kind of watered-down writing that is distracting, palatable to everyone, but not especially relevant to anyone.
I agree with her a lot about a God that loves us unconditionally and unfailingly and something this made me think a lot about is that for a very religious (very Christian) country, we are tribalist and SO far from acting in a way that shows a deep and abiding ability to love and forgive. So in one way at least, she did make me think meaningfully about faith.
There was one section where she just reads like 12 psalms in a row and it was so annoying.
May 5, 2024
What a delightful surprise! This collection of essays is broken down into six sections or themes: love, presence, praise, grace, hope, and purpose. Savannah shares openly about her life as a simple platform to bring these themes to center stage. I knew Savannah would be a good writer, but I didn’t expect the level of personal vulnerability, spiritual/theological depth, and ever-present scripture references. Though I was already sold on loving this book soon after beginning it, it was her decision to dive into the intricacies of the book of Job later on in the book that made me even more sure… More sure I would want to read it again too! She did not shy away from some hard topics! Go, girl! *High Five*
Savannah’s narration of this book is a delight. She encourages readers to read slowly and she includes 30 seconds of meditative silence between essays, which is nice!
In short, it felt like a warm hug from a spiritual sister and was also thought provoking and challenging. Would definitely recommend.
Savannah’s narration of this book is a delight. She encourages readers to read slowly and she includes 30 seconds of meditative silence between essays, which is nice!
In short, it felt like a warm hug from a spiritual sister and was also thought provoking and challenging. Would definitely recommend.
May 10, 2024
One of my favorite books so far this year. I’ve already bought several copies for friends and family! I was really impressed with her writing, and she comes from a place of solid faith.
January 14, 2025
My last book of 2024! Savannah is so inspirational and I really loved her non-judgmental view to religion that acknowledged were all imperfect here on earth. This was like a warm hug.
August 17, 2025
I have read dozens if not close to 100 Christian non-fiction and rarely (never?) give 5 stars to Christian non-fiction.
Often the writing is not great- just because you can preach a powerful sermon, doesn’t make you a great author. And I’ve found over the years my time would be better spent reading the Bible for myself instead of someone else telling me what the Bible says.
I also had low expectations for this book. “A book about God by a news anchor? It’s probably not that good.” But I am so thankful I gave it a shot and I asked God for forgiveness for being so judgmental.
“Mostly What God Does” is broken up into very small chapters which makes it a great option if you are looking for a devotional. Each chapter is filled with hope and truth and the reminder that mostly what God does- is love us. It was a soothing balm to my soul, I didn’t know that I needed.
The audio is lovely and at the end of each chapter she offers the listener 30 seconds of silence to process, ponder, or pray. Those 30 seconds built into the audiobook are really precious. More often than not, I found myself in tears during those 30 seconds, recalling and remembering just what God does- love us.
Often the writing is not great- just because you can preach a powerful sermon, doesn’t make you a great author. And I’ve found over the years my time would be better spent reading the Bible for myself instead of someone else telling me what the Bible says.
I also had low expectations for this book. “A book about God by a news anchor? It’s probably not that good.” But I am so thankful I gave it a shot and I asked God for forgiveness for being so judgmental.
“Mostly What God Does” is broken up into very small chapters which makes it a great option if you are looking for a devotional. Each chapter is filled with hope and truth and the reminder that mostly what God does- is love us. It was a soothing balm to my soul, I didn’t know that I needed.
The audio is lovely and at the end of each chapter she offers the listener 30 seconds of silence to process, ponder, or pray. Those 30 seconds built into the audiobook are really precious. More often than not, I found myself in tears during those 30 seconds, recalling and remembering just what God does- love us.
June 21, 2024
could’ve been an email
August 13, 2025
I really love this book. It felt like so many good messages and just so very human. Feels like something I could read again and again and learn something new every time.
April 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ “30 seconds, starting now”
I listened to the audiobook and truly loved the author’s practice of 30 seconds of silence after each chapter. I think it’s a valuable rhythm to establish whenever engaging with scripture and I want to employ it for myself when doing so!
Each chapter was really a vignette or short essay of reflection for the author on how God’s love has impacted her life. They are sweet, sometimes moving, often taking little bits of scripture to make the point. I didn’t dislike this book by any means, but I also didn’t find it particularly ground breaking. It’s all been said before, right?
I listened to the audiobook and truly loved the author’s practice of 30 seconds of silence after each chapter. I think it’s a valuable rhythm to establish whenever engaging with scripture and I want to employ it for myself when doing so!
Each chapter was really a vignette or short essay of reflection for the author on how God’s love has impacted her life. They are sweet, sometimes moving, often taking little bits of scripture to make the point. I didn’t dislike this book by any means, but I also didn’t find it particularly ground breaking. It’s all been said before, right?
Read
September 26, 2024“We may not be able to sustain the emotion of being loved by God, but we can remain in the knowledge of being loved by God. We can remain in the memory of being loved by God, and let that sow confidence within us, that nothing about his posture toward us has changed.”
“Fear will always leave out one crucial factor: the sweet, saving presence of God himself.”
“Fear will always leave out one crucial factor: the sweet, saving presence of God himself.”
March 12, 2024
Light and easy read, thoughtful reflections on faith that are calming and centering to listen to off and on. Inspired by Savannah’s courage to write a book on faith in spite of not being an expert!
February 2, 2025
this one really grew on me. went into it thinking it would be another book about someone just talking about how to be a better Christian, but came away being reminded of who God is. the message of the book is that mostly what God does is love you, and this book just lets that settle into your soul. although I already knew all the messages and truths that were shared, it was one of those books that felt like a warm blanket of the Lords love. it was peace all wrapped up. I had no idea that Savannah Guthrie knew the Lord and was a devout believer, but I was so pleased to discover this. My only wish is that this book was a bit more biographical and had more stories because her life is so interesting. It was also refreshing that she isn’t a minister or teacher and her faith isn’t perfectly linear, she’s just a normal church goer sharing what she knows. her purpose is to share, and I’m so glad she did:))
February 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this! It was much different than advertised (my star deduction) but still a good book.
Mostly talks about her struggles with doubt and the way our relationship with God can be thriving one second and bland the next, very relatable and she pulls great verses and sermons to connect all her thoughts.
I also loved how she used a variety of versions of the Bible for her verses
Mostly talks about her struggles with doubt and the way our relationship with God can be thriving one second and bland the next, very relatable and she pulls great verses and sermons to connect all her thoughts.
I also loved how she used a variety of versions of the Bible for her verses
January 9, 2025
Simple, yet very touching, spiritual reflections. Listened on audible so I got through it very quickly.
November 19, 2025
surprised me with how good this was. really good and honest read
June 24, 2024
Savannah Guthrie is a host on the Today show. I confess I wasn’t expecting much spiritual depth from a television personality. I was pleasantly surprised. Guthrie is a solid Christian with a refreshing approach. Worth the read.
February 26, 2024
Loved this listen read by the author, so much scripture!
September 30, 2024
I recommend the Audible for this as listening to Savannah tell her stories and weave in her lessons learned was really magical. She opens her heart and at the end, I felt like I had a new friend. I needed this book of hope, faith, challenge and inspiration. After each chapter she plays meditative music for 30 seconds- to reflect, to pray, or just listen.
July 18, 2025
Refreshingly simple. A grounding, encouraging read. I can always use a reminder to get out of the way and accept God’s love for me so I can live into it and enjoy him.
May 19, 2024
Absolutely loved this one! Listened to the audiobook and was so impressed with how well written and moving these chapters were! Her writing style is incredible and I also loved learning more about her career path and childhood.
April 11, 2024
“Mostly what God does is love you. If we can really believe that, how different would our lives be?” This book is full of so much wisdom and humility, and I can’t recommend it enough for any season of life that you’re in. Always been a Today show/Savannah Guthrie fan, but this exceeded expectations!
November 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book by Savannah Guthrie. I didn’t know much about Savannah’s beliefs or walk with the Lord, and her book focused on God and was very theologically sound. She explained Biblical truths in an understandable and profound ways and was very real about life and walking with Jesus. It was great!
May 2, 2024
i really enjoyed this book! it was a quick read/listen. this is a collection of essays about how God's love has impacted the author's life. this is not a memoir, though there are some personal anecdotes--the focus is more on revelations and thoughts about God and spirituality Guthrie has had throughout her life. she brings up very honest and personal times in her life in which she may have doubted God or discovered something about Him that was contradictory to a prior belief. i personally didn't disagree with the author's view of God and was nodding my head a lot. i was actually very surprised by how much i related to the author's experiences with her spirituality.
the writing isn't anything super special, but i loved the conversational tone in this book. the audiobook is narrated by the author, and it was so well done! i recommend it. the audiobook had small moments at the end of each chapter with soothing music to reflect on that chapter; i thought that was unique. i do want a physical copy for myself so that i can go back highlight the parts that stand out to me the most.
i recommend this if you're interested in:
- spirituality (not necessarily religion)
- how God impacts lives and what we should expect from a relationship with God (even if you don't consider yourself to be spiritual/religious)
the writing isn't anything super special, but i loved the conversational tone in this book. the audiobook is narrated by the author, and it was so well done! i recommend it. the audiobook had small moments at the end of each chapter with soothing music to reflect on that chapter; i thought that was unique. i do want a physical copy for myself so that i can go back highlight the parts that stand out to me the most.
i recommend this if you're interested in:
- spirituality (not necessarily religion)
- how God impacts lives and what we should expect from a relationship with God (even if you don't consider yourself to be spiritual/religious)
March 15, 2024
Color me surprised! While I’m not an avid Today Show viewer, I do know who Savannah is. I was pretty surprised to see she had written a book on faith, and I was *floored* to find it filled with quotes by Tim Keller, Eugene Peterson, and Joni Eareckson Tada.
I thought this book was really brave and I’m not sure I would have had the courage to do the same thing in her professional position. And while I could spend time debating in the weeds with her [I could do that with a brick wall so that’s no big feat] I am really glad to know we both love Jesus.
I thought this book was really brave and I’m not sure I would have had the courage to do the same thing in her professional position. And while I could spend time debating in the weeds with her [I could do that with a brick wall so that’s no big feat] I am really glad to know we both love Jesus.
March 21, 2024
I usually do not write reviews, but if the author was not Savannah Guthrie, it would not have ever been published. I appreciate her honestly about her faith but the audiobook was like a diary, very fractured and the 30 second breaks were annoying…j
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,031 reviews