Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering

by Chuck DeGroat, Alison Cook (foreword)

Genres: Counselling, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Psychology, Theology, Christian, Audiobook

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

Chuck DeGroat is director of the counseling center at City Church in San Francisco, as well as academic dean of the Newbigin House of Studies. He also served as professor and director of spiritual formation at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.

Reviews

[Ashlee Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot to love about this book. It’s a thoughtful, gentle, and compassionate approach to trauma-informed care and counseling. It is filled with reminders of God’s image in each of us, and points us towards the God who loves us, knows us, pursues us—the One who longs to welcome us home with him. I was encouraged often as I read, and agreed with so much of what was written, but I found myself continually thinking, “Yes! But what about the cross?” How can we talk about healing our innermost self without a conversation about Christ’s death on our behalf? Degroot relies heavily on modern therapy and philosophy with very little emphasis on our blood-bought redemption from sin and shame. Our greatest human need seemed to be glossed over and replaced with what at times felt like a feel-good spirituality that defines “finding home” as becoming more fully attuned to our true selves rather than a restored relationship with God through Christ.

[Darlene Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book at the exact perfect time in my life and has been instrumental in giving me the language and heart practices to move towards healing past trauma. I loved the emphasis on centering your identity in belonging, purpose, and worth and how each of these relates to finding your Home in Christ. One of the most life changing books that I have ever read. It has changed my view of biblical counseling.

[Josh Kimmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
A pragmatic book on healing. It doesn’t over theologize but invites you into imagining what healing can look like. As I read and reflected, it prepared me to walk through healing in deeper and more hopeful ways.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing What’s Within is a timely and important book. DeGroat writes from a place of hard won wisdom and compassion only possible to those who’ve walked through the dark night of the soul and arrived on the other side.

This book should become required reading for those in ministry, not only to equip them for how to love and care for others, but to more fully become self-aware as they listen to the voice of God who calls to them.

Highly recommend!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful, compassionate guide for those who are healing from trauma or are companioning others on their healing journey. I enjoyed the framework DeGroat created with the use of 3 of God’s questions that were directed at Adam and Eve in Genesis, which he develops through a trauma-informed lens. The personal stories DeGroat includes are engaging and vulnerable invitations for readers to explore our own tender, wounded areas in the light of God’s compassion, curiosity, and healing. The reflection questions and practices at the end of each chapter would be perfect for book clubs to explore together. I especially appreciated the incorporation of internal family systems. This book is informative, accessible, practical, and reads like a gentle invitation into the hard but beautiful work of healing.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, encouraging, helpful book that takes a look at one’s soul from the perspective that as image bearers of God, our deepest longing is to connect with Him, while at the same time recognizing the brokenness caused by sin.

The author uses the questions God asked the first humans in the garden of Eden as a framework to illustrate God’s connection with us, and to show us as humans our way back to God.

The chapter on addiction and grace was especially important for us who grew up in church.

Simply beautiful.

[Kristen Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m grateful for this book and would rate it higher if I could. I started listening to it on Spotify, then I downloaded the Kindle book. Lastly, I ordered the paperback. I have enjoyed listening to the author read it. He presents the material in an effective way. The wisdom and tools he shares are practical, relevant and transforming. I am already experiencing shifts in my understanding and effects on my body in ways that feel freeing and good.

[Gretchen Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really loved this book! He uses the three questions God asks Adam and Eve for the basis of this book and expounds on how they are coming from a place of compassion and kindness vs shame. I’d never heard that take and it opened my eyes even more to the kindness and love of God for us in our deepest, darkest places.

[Daniel Im · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply impactful and insightful. Chuck has done a masterful job at integrating the realms of theology and psychology in this practical and helpful book that is a must-read for everyone in my opinion. I had the opportunity of reading an advanced reader’s version of the book, so that my wife and I could have him on our podcast (IMbetween Podcast).

[Sarah Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing What’s Within is rich with personal, pastoral, and therapeutic care, inviting us to tend to our inner landscapes and let our deepest longings lead us Home—to God, to ourselves, and to each other. I’m so grateful for this book.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a raw, beautiful book! Thank you for your vulnerability and desire to help others. The path towards wholeness and the truth of who we are “image bearers” is not easy but it is a journey worth taking! And we don’t take it alone!

[Emily Nickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a holy book. Deeply grateful for DeGroat’s wisdom and vulnerability. This book is an invitation into a life of depth, kindness, and honor in the pursuit of the shalom for which we were all made.

[Jonathan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compassionate, authentic, well crafted, and diversely sourced guidebook for the inner healing journey. One of the chapters landed particularly close to home for me in a timely manner. This book needs to be read meditatively and ideally with community, a wise guide, or a therapist to accompany your healing journey.

[Kyle Haack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reflection on how God heals the broken parts of ourselves.

[Kayla Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year. Truly a beautifully woven book combining faith and mental well being and how to bridge the gap. Love love love

[Madison Clevenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoutout to Spotify Premium for audiobook access

[Jason · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found Healing What’s Within by Chuck DeGroat disappointing. While the book aims to guide readers toward healing, it seemed to encourage an excessive fixation on the difficulties of the past. Instead of fostering a forward-looking, hopeful approach to growth, the content often felt mired in revisiting pain without offering enough practical steps for moving beyond it.

I come from a family that was immensely supportive but also was a get over yourself approach, so I might just not be a good fit.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing What's Within is an exquisitely written book by Chuck DeGroat, blending therapeutic tools of psychology and theology into a masterfully written book on healing. Pointing the reader back to God, the source of all compassion and hope, Chuck divides the book into three major sections based on the story of Genesis 3. God compassionately says to Adam and Eve "Where Are You?", "Who Told You?", and "Have You Eaten from the Tree?" and Chuck uses this approach to touch upon the healing process of suffering, listening, and guiding us to where (and who) we should take our hunger and longings. In Part One, ‘Where are you?’ God is inviting us to see just how lost, alone, and alienated we’ve become and encourages us to come out of hiding. In Part Two, ‘Who told you?’ God invites us to reflect on the story of that original wound in the Garden of Eden, and the deceptive practices of the evil one. Finally, in Part Three, ‘Have you eaten from the tree?’ God is inviting us to explore how we, through our own futile but fervent efforts, try to address the deep hunger of our hearts. Throughout the book, Chuck brings clarity, wisdom, and personalized stories to share how areas of hiddenness, shame, fear, and trauma can over-take our desire for total surrender to God, as we act in self-reliance or on our human strength. God desires restoration and unity among his children, and healing and hope for all. By drawing us closer to the Lord and walking in obedience to His direction and guidance in our lives, we can learn how to heal our wounds. As Chuck says, as we find ourselves weary, wounded, and wandering, may we recall these three questions asked from God that invite us on a journey of healing what's within. Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the advanced review copy of this incredible book. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Chrystal Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very impressed with this book! I found it when I needed it most!
Recently I experienced a complete burn out (about 4 months ago). I like the character Erin in this book was running on empty but still giving everything I had to my family and home. I was working full time coming home, cleaning, cooking and buzzing with busy. I tried getting my family to see that I needed help around the house but nothing was getting through to them. Until one day my boss pushed me to run more than double the amount of freight I normally did. We also had a loss of a family member on my husband's side of the family. Grief has a way of coming in waves I've noticed. When I was most overwhelmed and suddenly hit with a big wave I forgot how to swim and everything in my body locked up and said this is too much. I ended up leaving my job and have been trying to heal with a therapist.
I found this book as I was searching for books on healing. I had not heard of Chuck DeGroat before. Chuck has written this book in both a religious manner but makes it very relatable and personal as well. I really like how the book flows together. I like the questions at the end of each chapter and the practices he provides. I also like that he's included other books I plan to read to dig deeper into healing. I plan on rereading a lot of this book and breaking it down into things I can do or read daily to grow stronger. I think very highly of Chuck and his counseling. I'm not a member of his congregation or a patient. I am however planning to follow his work and learn more from him. I find points in this book to be spot on and verses he uses gives both comfort and reminds me that God is near always. I'm so grateful for this book!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed like a mixed bag exemplifying the expressive individualism of the psychological man Carl Trueman warns about in “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self”. I appreciated the reminders to be gentle, patient, and compassionate with ourselves during the healing journey. However, one must wisely navigate the appeals to talk to one’s inner wounded child, emotions, etc. I can hear Martyn Lloyd-Jones saying:

"Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?

Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they are there to talk to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment [the Psalmist's] was this: instead of listening to himself, he starts talking to himself. 'Why art thou cast down, O my soul?' he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So he stands up and says: 'Self, listen for a moment, I am going to talk to you.'"

This book raises questions… “Is the ‘self’ an authority to be listened to or a subject to be preached to?” “Does ultimate truth subjectively originate inside of us or objectively lie outside of us?”

DeGroat’s answers to basic questions of who/what is our authority, what is the problem, what is the solution and/or goal leave much to be desired when filtered through a biblical worldview and seem to reflect more of a modern therapeutic approach which is ultimately unsatisfying. I have found like Mike Emlet, Ed Welch, Bob Kelleman, Carl Trueman, Alan Noble, and Kelly Kapic more helpful personally.

[Ben Rush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real rating, 3.5 ⭐️

Chuck is great. Dare I say… DeGroat is DeGoat?

If I’d never read Nowen, Rollheiser, Scazzero, Bro Lawerence, Bowen, Benner, Brown, Thompson, Siegel, Allender, Buechner, etc… this would be a gateway drug for sure (yes I’m an addicted to books)…

Deltas -

The writing style and formatting became predictable after a couple of chapters. Generally some version of this -

Quote / Setup / Continuation of Gen 3 Metaphorical Device / Personal Story Part A / Commentary on another’s work / Personal Story Part B / Reflection Questions

Great quotes. Great insights. Helpful. Will definitely be using as a reference.

I’m happy to recommend the book, but I wonder if Tyndale might be limiting the genius here? Would love to read a different version of this same work. Less fluff. More punch. I want to know what Chuck thinks more than I want to know what he thinks about Allender, or others.

All the data, quotes, stories, etc - Legit.

Even with meds, I felt like I needed another dose to help me focus…

Why do I care? Because I love Chuck!

Who will read this review? Maybe you are. Hello. And maybe Chuck?

Read it just know, you’re going to want to impulse buy every book he recommends at the end of every chapter. The book is worth the price for that alone. And it is much more valuable than that.

[James Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuck's newest work offers not just content, but heart-felt encouragement for the journey of self-clarity and spiritual maturity. What truly stands out is Chuck's personableness, openness, and vulnerability with which he shares his own life experiences. There were moments in reading where my own memory feelings and traumatic induced meanings emerged to be given space and compassionate attention. Churck's way of weaving theology and psychology enriches the book, making it feel both intellectually stimulating and deeply personal.

As I read, I couldn’t help but imagine myself journeying with a good friend, teacher, and mentor, someone I can share life with and explore life’s most important questions—echoing the ones found in Genesis 3: Where are you? Who told you? Have you eaten from the tree? These questions serve as a guide throughout the book, inviting readers to be more attentive to their own souls and stories.

Chuck's writing over the years have nourished my heart and mind, leaving me feeling expansive. It’s not just a book to read; it feels like an invitation to slow down, take a breath, and BE curious. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to grow both inwardly and in their understanding of the intersection of theology and the human experience.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very thankful for other sojourners who hunger and thirst for more. Chuck DeGroat is someone who has been a shaping presence for me from afar for years. I’ve enjoyed reading this book and am excited to keep using the practices enclosed in the days ahead.
……..

“It takes the safe, compassionate, and unfailing pursuit of God for us to open our hearts to love again.

‘Where are you?’ God asks, inviting us to see just how lost, alone, and alienated we’ve become and encouraging us to come out of hiding.

‘Who told you?’ God wonders, inviting us to muse on the story of that original wound.

‘Have you eaten from the tree?’ God asks, inviting us to explore how we, through our own futile but fervent efforts, try to address the deep hunger of our hearts.

Let these questions be invitations, not vehicles of shame as you may have once been taught to hear them. God asks them all for the sake of restored relationship, reunion, and communion with Him and with one another….

…Shame’s bite leaves a venom that stays in our systems for a long, long time. Even still, God knows it’s a long journey Home. And he longs to resource us for the wilderness ahead.”

[Sarah Juist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing What’s Within is not a self-help book. In its pages, you will not find 9 steps to better resilience. You will not learn how to fake it til you make it, or how to pretend you haven’t seen some (redacted) so you can be happier, more productive, and spend less money on retail therapy and regular therapy.

What you will find is a curious and patient companion, who will invite you to stop and tend to your own soul, with all its wounds, and reconnect with your heart, your body, your loved ones, your community, and with God. Each chapter ends with multiple practices, providing step-by-step ways to engage with the theological and psychology content.

The driving force behind the whole book is the idea that God pursues us, constantly and relentlessly, with compassion. I’m reminded of Psalm 23:6, which is often translated “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” - but the Hebrew word for ‘follow’ leans more toward “chase.”

This is an invitation to let God’s goodness, love, and compassion catch up.

I will definitely be coming back to this again and again.

[Laura Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about this book is how Chuck reframes the beginning of the Genesis story to show God’s gentleness, compassion, curiosity and care in the midst of Adam and Eve’s shame, anxiety, and disconnection. A refreshing and healing read of an old story. Chuck encourages readers to see that each of us can live in a state of disconnection. Yet God moves toward us, longing to connect and inviting us to come Home to ourselves and to God.

Every chapter is full of wisdom, stories, resources, and practices that offer encouragement and healing for our own journeys. Healing can begin as we notice what’s happening within and find a safe space to explore the fullness of our stories.

A few of my favorite quotes are:

"To bear the image of God is to experience, at your core, an irrevocable inheritance of worth, belonging, purpose."

“We heal when we attend to what happens within, when we see that each of us is wounded in our own way, each of us coping, each of us often more alone in our pain than we’d dare to admit. No matter the supposed size or scope of what happened, we all need care and presence, safety and attunement.”

“We need communities where our wounds are welcomed, where our long-and-winding journeys Home are stewarded, and where we’re known and loved.”

“God is your compassionate witness, your guiding beacon from within leading every weary and wounded part of you back Home.”

"Your soul isn't in a rush; it simply longs for the space to be known."

This book can be a guide for the path forward. It’s one to savor and share.

[Sean Nemecek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024

I first heard Chuck DeGroat speak on this subject about five years ago as one of the teachers in the Soul Care Institute. As he reframed God's questions from Genesis 3 and led us through the "Genesis Examine" I found myself hearing the tender, loving, searching voice of God rather than my own self-judgement. This way of reading is much more in line with Jesus's teaching on the Prodical Son (or Searching Father). Over the years I have returned to these questions again and again for help and healing.

I am so excited to see Chuck expand these questions that he's been asking for 20 years into such a helpful book. This is not a book to read quickly. It must be savored. It should be read slowly and tenderly to let the words soak into your soul.

DeGroat combines current research from clinical counseling, deep biblical truths, and helpful practices into a beautifully written and very personal book. I will be reading this again and again (which is something I only do with the best books).

I will also be recommending this book to the pastors and leaders I coach through burnout and other ministry pain.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅ Things I liked:
* How God was incorporated into the inner healing process he wrote about.
* “‘Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness,’ physician and trauma expert Gabor Maté writes.”
* Learning that there is no rating scale for trauma. Trauma could come from something as awful as losing a loved one to experiencing a lack of empathy and compassion as a child from your parents. Both of these can cause longterm emotional distress.
* The questions at the end of each chapter were thought provoking.
* This was an overall excellent book - absolutely loved the content!

📖 Summary
Chuck uses the biblical story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit to illustrate how God sees us and cares about our hurts and pain. The book is broken into 3 parts: “Where are you?”, “Who told you?” and “Have you eaten from the tree?”. He talks about his own suffering and some of the steps he had to take to heal, all while sharing how you can apply the same techniques to your own life.

‼️Topics include: inner child work, internal family systems, God, trauma

📏Chapter length: long

📚 Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with this ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not enjoy the author in the first chapter, he seemed arrogant or holier than thou, but then I understood it was coming from a place of vulnerability. The rest of the writing was much better, but I can’t shake that initialImpression.
The middle section brought up the most important book I’ve read, My Grandmother’s Hands. Inherited, or ancestral trauma is very real, and should be dealt with if possible. Many of us have no idea what our ancestors really went through. That repressed trauma, whether there were many micro incidents, or huge issues like war, death, or starvation, these all impact our DNA and physical health.
The last portion of the book has a different take on addiction. I’ve read many books on addiction, thanks to my dysfunctional family growing up, but I loved how this one mentions religion and spirituality (and other things) can become addictions.
Healing What’s within book-club is with my new church. I am glad the pastor facilitates the group, he is an intellectual and probably has counseling training, so he adds brilliant insights. Our last meeting is Wednesday.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all get lost, and thankfully, we have a savior who comes after us. In Chuck's newest book, Healing What's Within, he writes in a way that captivates and grips your heart right from the beginning. He masterfully speaks of our common shared experiences that disconnect us from ourselves, others, and God. You will quickly connect to your own soul's inner aching that begs to be acknowledged and healed. In a way, we begin to see a little bit of the prodigal in ourselves. By sharing his own experience, we can see ourselves in all our running, hiding, and pretending that we're ok. The good news we can come home to ourselves and live out God's divine imprint on us. And that is exactly what is being offered throughout the pages of this book.

It's the blend of timeless quotes from monks and saints, along with insights from psychology and spiritual practices, that creates a rich reading experience. It's such a beautiful intersection and the reason Chuck DeGroat has long been my favorite author.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have lots of highlights and notes. I see this being especially helpful for pastors or those who work in ministry, as he shares his story of his hurt and healing with the church. However, found some helpful information and encouragement in this book!

I found the additional resources and reflections questions at the end of each chapter helpful and found a few recommendations I will need to look into for further reading.

He is honest, healing isn't easy, not some 3-step plan, but often takes much more work and faith. He used the three questions God asked in Genesis to Adam and Eve. (Where are you, Who told you, and have you eaten from the tree?) Which is about God inviting us in, encouraging us, helping us decipher, and addressing our hearts.

If you are or you know someone you know is dealing with some trauma, let this book remind you whom to turn to and what Scripture has to say.