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Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out
Radiating with joy—this is how we’re meant to live.
I know I should read my Bible and pray every day, but I’m just not consistent.
For many Christians, “daily devotions” and “spiritual disciplines” strike guilt and shame in our hearts. But what if we got it all wrong? What if our Christian experience hinges not on perfect spiritual disciplines, but on the perfect love of a Father who delights in us?
In Delighting in Jesus, Bible teacher Asheritah Ciuciu invites you to lift your gaze from your to-do list and get to know the One who spun the stars and knows you by name.
Discover the theological foundation for how we were Created for Delight. You’ll see that throughout Scripture, joy originates from God, pulses at the heart of the gospel, and is promised to us as fruit from God’s Spirit.
By considering three Robbers of Delight, you’ll trade those things that steal your joy to receive Jesus’ personal invitation to a life of joy with Him—not just someday in heaven, but starting here and now on earth!
Finally, you’ll learn six practical Rhythms of Delight: joyful practices found in Jesus’ own life that increase our awareness of God’s presence with us, His delight in us, and our continual communion with Him. Forget about rigid formulas—these creative ideas will fit the rhythm of your modern life and lead to freedom to connect with God right where you are.
If you’re weary or disheartened, this book is for you. Come and drink from God’s river of delights and find in Him the desires of your heart.
I know I should read my Bible and pray every day, but I’m just not consistent.
For many Christians, “daily devotions” and “spiritual disciplines” strike guilt and shame in our hearts. But what if we got it all wrong? What if our Christian experience hinges not on perfect spiritual disciplines, but on the perfect love of a Father who delights in us?
In Delighting in Jesus, Bible teacher Asheritah Ciuciu invites you to lift your gaze from your to-do list and get to know the One who spun the stars and knows you by name.
Discover the theological foundation for how we were Created for Delight. You’ll see that throughout Scripture, joy originates from God, pulses at the heart of the gospel, and is promised to us as fruit from God’s Spirit.
By considering three Robbers of Delight, you’ll trade those things that steal your joy to receive Jesus’ personal invitation to a life of joy with Him—not just someday in heaven, but starting here and now on earth!
Finally, you’ll learn six practical Rhythms of Delight: joyful practices found in Jesus’ own life that increase our awareness of God’s presence with us, His delight in us, and our continual communion with Him. Forget about rigid formulas—these creative ideas will fit the rhythm of your modern life and lead to freedom to connect with God right where you are.
If you’re weary or disheartened, this book is for you. Come and drink from God’s river of delights and find in Him the desires of your heart.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
160 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Asheritah Ciuciu
17 books167 followersAsheritah Ciuciu is a writer and speaker who helps women find joy in Jesus in the midst of an overwhelming life. She and her husband, Flaviu, grew up in Romania but now raise their spunky children in northeast Ohio. Connect with her at www.OneThingAlone.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 2, 2024
Well, I accidentally gave this book five stars while recording a tutorial on how to leave reviews on Goodreads, and I can’t figure out how to undo it. LOL So, I guess there’s no turning back now! 😊 Instead of trying to fix my mistake, let me share a bit of my heart behind why I wrote Delighting in Jesus.
This isn’t the book I thought I’d write. When I first signed the contract for a book about finding joy in Jesus, I imagined a book about Bible habits—something like James Clear meets Dallas Willard, with a dash of the Bible Project’s theology of joy. But between signing that contract and sitting down to write, four years passed. And in those years, I walked through the darkest season of my life.
Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was unwell. I often thought about quitting writing altogether, letting go of everything I’d built over the past decade. I knew the textbook answers about joy in Jesus, but I wasn’t living them. Even thinking about writing on the topic made me feel like a fraud.
What I initially thought would be the easiest book to write turned into the hardest. I almost gave up, more than once. But what kept me going was the deep conviction that what I was walking through—the brokenness, the burdens, the busyness, the burnout, the sadness, and the darkness—wasn’t unique to me. So many others experience this too.
So, I turned my writing assignment into a prayer: Lord, restore the sparkle to my eyes. You’re the God of miracles. Do a miracle in my life too.
The pages of this book reflect the miracle God worked in me after that prayer. But first, I had to live it. Only when He began healing my heart, mind, and body did I even dare begin typing those first few tentative words.
This book is a testimony—to the God who has brought joy into my life, yes, but also to the One who longs to do the same for you. I did, after all, weave together elements of Atomic Habits, Dallas Willard, and even C.S. Lewis. But I also opened my journals, revisited the hard memories, and shared raw stories from my darkest season.
I ended up writing my most vulnerable book yet, because this one is born not just from my academic training at Bible college or my teaching ministry at conferences around the country—this one is born out of the dark valleys of my soul... and of the Light of Jesus that pierces even the thickest shadows.
As I write in the first few pages:
"Truly, it was at my darkest that Jesus felt nearest. It was in my sorrow that the Man of Sorrows stood by me. It was in my wordless groanings that our High Priest interceded for me. It was in my aimless wanderings that my Good Shepherd sought me. It was in my defenselessness that the Lion of Judah roared His protection over me.
It was in that dark night of the soul that the theological truths I'd learned about Jesus as a little girl in Sunday School took on real flesh-and-blood meaning for me.
I wouldn't choose the darkness again, but I won't waste it either." (Delighting in Jesus, p. 14)
If you're weary or dishearted, I wrote this book for you.
If you feel the crush of darkness, I wrote this book for you.
If you long for overflowing joy in your heart, I wrote this book for you.
I still don't have all the answers, but I promise to take your hand and walk with you on this pathway back to joy, always—always—pointing your heart toward Jesus. He is the miracle-worker, and He still works miracles today.
So come, friend, and experience the love of a Savior who delights in you!
This isn’t the book I thought I’d write. When I first signed the contract for a book about finding joy in Jesus, I imagined a book about Bible habits—something like James Clear meets Dallas Willard, with a dash of the Bible Project’s theology of joy. But between signing that contract and sitting down to write, four years passed. And in those years, I walked through the darkest season of my life.
Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was unwell. I often thought about quitting writing altogether, letting go of everything I’d built over the past decade. I knew the textbook answers about joy in Jesus, but I wasn’t living them. Even thinking about writing on the topic made me feel like a fraud.
What I initially thought would be the easiest book to write turned into the hardest. I almost gave up, more than once. But what kept me going was the deep conviction that what I was walking through—the brokenness, the burdens, the busyness, the burnout, the sadness, and the darkness—wasn’t unique to me. So many others experience this too.
So, I turned my writing assignment into a prayer: Lord, restore the sparkle to my eyes. You’re the God of miracles. Do a miracle in my life too.
The pages of this book reflect the miracle God worked in me after that prayer. But first, I had to live it. Only when He began healing my heart, mind, and body did I even dare begin typing those first few tentative words.
This book is a testimony—to the God who has brought joy into my life, yes, but also to the One who longs to do the same for you. I did, after all, weave together elements of Atomic Habits, Dallas Willard, and even C.S. Lewis. But I also opened my journals, revisited the hard memories, and shared raw stories from my darkest season.
I ended up writing my most vulnerable book yet, because this one is born not just from my academic training at Bible college or my teaching ministry at conferences around the country—this one is born out of the dark valleys of my soul... and of the Light of Jesus that pierces even the thickest shadows.
As I write in the first few pages:
"Truly, it was at my darkest that Jesus felt nearest. It was in my sorrow that the Man of Sorrows stood by me. It was in my wordless groanings that our High Priest interceded for me. It was in my aimless wanderings that my Good Shepherd sought me. It was in my defenselessness that the Lion of Judah roared His protection over me.
It was in that dark night of the soul that the theological truths I'd learned about Jesus as a little girl in Sunday School took on real flesh-and-blood meaning for me.
I wouldn't choose the darkness again, but I won't waste it either." (Delighting in Jesus, p. 14)
If you're weary or dishearted, I wrote this book for you.
If you feel the crush of darkness, I wrote this book for you.
If you long for overflowing joy in your heart, I wrote this book for you.
I still don't have all the answers, but I promise to take your hand and walk with you on this pathway back to joy, always—always—pointing your heart toward Jesus. He is the miracle-worker, and He still works miracles today.
So come, friend, and experience the love of a Savior who delights in you!
January 24, 2025
Gentle and nurturing. Those are the words that come to mind when I think on this book. Gentle nudges towards delighting in who Jesus is and what he has done for me. She speaks of the spiritual disciplines and rhythms beautifully. Praying the Lord would use these gentle reminders to spur me on in my own pursuit of Him.
July 18, 2025
This books was a delightfully, refreshing look at what it means to follow Jesus!
Last week we watched Pollyanna and she mentioned there were 800 rejoicing texts. This book is a deeper look at the texts of rejoicing, the saints who have learned them before us, snd Asheritah’s own journey to finding it could genuinely be real for her!
If the law or work of God has become heavy to you… read and rejoice!
Last week we watched Pollyanna and she mentioned there were 800 rejoicing texts. This book is a deeper look at the texts of rejoicing, the saints who have learned them before us, snd Asheritah’s own journey to finding it could genuinely be real for her!
If the law or work of God has become heavy to you… read and rejoice!
January 1, 2025
As the year comes to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the goals, habits, and experiences of the past twelve months while planning for what lies ahead. When we view our lives through the lens of growing in Christ, our prayer echoes 2 Peter 3:18: to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
In Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken or Burned-Out Asheritah Ciuciu invites us to deepen our delight in Christ by practicing rhythms that draw our hearts and minds toward Him. While spiritual disciplines may not be a new concept for many, this book offers fresh insights that encourage us to reflect on how we’re currently walking in grace and obedience—and how we can continue to grow in the year ahead.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 271
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 4 stars
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy of this book and for the opportunity to post an honest review
{FULL review posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/sp...}
In Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken or Burned-Out Asheritah Ciuciu invites us to deepen our delight in Christ by practicing rhythms that draw our hearts and minds toward Him. While spiritual disciplines may not be a new concept for many, this book offers fresh insights that encourage us to reflect on how we’re currently walking in grace and obedience—and how we can continue to grow in the year ahead.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 271
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 4 stars
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy of this book and for the opportunity to post an honest review
{FULL review posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/sp...}
March 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s — “When it comes to our spiritual formation, we don’t have a discipline problem; we have a delight problem. . . . The problem with joyless spiritual disciplines is that we’re missing Jesus in them.”
In this book, Asheritah walks us through what she learned about fighting for joy in her relationship with Jesus during a season where she’d lost it. It’s less about her story and more about rhythms that she found helped to restore her joy.
Here’s the thing—these rhythms aren’t anything new. They’re the time-tested spiritual disciplines that help believers grow as disciples of Christ. What Asheritah does is help us to reconnect these disciplines to Jesus—the One who delights in us.
She does this by sharing five rhythms that help restore our joy, first highlighting why that rhythm is so important and then taking us through practical ways to live them out. What’s unique is that she shows us how Jesus practiced these rhythms in Scripture as well.
This was such a refreshing read! One of my favorite parts was learning the original meaning of the Hebrew word translated “delight” in the Old Testament. It was a game-changer for me in how I approach these rhythms!
I loved this book and would highly recommend it—especially if you’re feeling burdened, broken, and/or burned-out!
In this book, Asheritah walks us through what she learned about fighting for joy in her relationship with Jesus during a season where she’d lost it. It’s less about her story and more about rhythms that she found helped to restore her joy.
Here’s the thing—these rhythms aren’t anything new. They’re the time-tested spiritual disciplines that help believers grow as disciples of Christ. What Asheritah does is help us to reconnect these disciplines to Jesus—the One who delights in us.
She does this by sharing five rhythms that help restore our joy, first highlighting why that rhythm is so important and then taking us through practical ways to live them out. What’s unique is that she shows us how Jesus practiced these rhythms in Scripture as well.
This was such a refreshing read! One of my favorite parts was learning the original meaning of the Hebrew word translated “delight” in the Old Testament. It was a game-changer for me in how I approach these rhythms!
I loved this book and would highly recommend it—especially if you’re feeling burdened, broken, and/or burned-out!
December 2, 2024
Asheritah, once again, has given words to the deep feelings of my heart. Her clear focus on what scripture teaches about true worship and how we can follow Jesus's example of delighting in the Father "in spirit and in truth" spoke to my need to understand how my daily life can be and is worship. Even if you don't feel "burdened, broken, or burned-out" but just desire authentic fellowship with God, this book will point you to what you are seeking.
February 17, 2025
[Thank you to Moody Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
"Our holiness is not antithetical to our happiness, but rather part of becoming truly happy in God Himself. A happy soul is a Christlike soul, and a Christlike soul is a happy soul."
This incredible book takes readers on a journey to obtaining a theological foundation for the truth that God created us to delight in Him and to share His joy.
The book is divided into three parts: (1) Created for Delight, (2) Rhythms to Restore Joy, and (3) Our Joy Fulfilled. The first part of the book covers who God is, what delight means, and how God not only makes it possible for us to experience joy, but desires for us to experience joy. The second part of the book is where things get more practical and where most of the book is found. Part Two covers some physiological knowledge of the brain, as well as the “Rhythms to Restore Joy,” referred to as “Worship,” “Word,” “Whisper,” “Wonder,” and “Walking.” I’m sure you can guess some of what these rhythms entail! Lastly, Part Three helps us to look forward to our joy completed in heaven.
When I began reading this book, I took out some sticky note tabs to mark quotes or sections I’d want to return to. My copy of Delighting in Jesus is FULL of tabs! Thankful for this book and looking forward to returning to it in the future for wisdom and biblical encouragement.
Highly recommend!
"Our holiness is not antithetical to our happiness, but rather part of becoming truly happy in God Himself. A happy soul is a Christlike soul, and a Christlike soul is a happy soul."
This incredible book takes readers on a journey to obtaining a theological foundation for the truth that God created us to delight in Him and to share His joy.
The book is divided into three parts: (1) Created for Delight, (2) Rhythms to Restore Joy, and (3) Our Joy Fulfilled. The first part of the book covers who God is, what delight means, and how God not only makes it possible for us to experience joy, but desires for us to experience joy. The second part of the book is where things get more practical and where most of the book is found. Part Two covers some physiological knowledge of the brain, as well as the “Rhythms to Restore Joy,” referred to as “Worship,” “Word,” “Whisper,” “Wonder,” and “Walking.” I’m sure you can guess some of what these rhythms entail! Lastly, Part Three helps us to look forward to our joy completed in heaven.
When I began reading this book, I took out some sticky note tabs to mark quotes or sections I’d want to return to. My copy of Delighting in Jesus is FULL of tabs! Thankful for this book and looking forward to returning to it in the future for wisdom and biblical encouragement.
Highly recommend!
August 2, 2025
This book. 😭💛
I’m in a season of intense busyness and deadlines, and as the burnout edged closer in walked this gem. I tabbed up a storm, each page filled with grace and truth about walking with Jesus in a spirit of joy. It was encouraging, challenging, hope-filled, and a boon to my soul.
Easily a top read of 2025!
I’m in a season of intense busyness and deadlines, and as the burnout edged closer in walked this gem. I tabbed up a storm, each page filled with grace and truth about walking with Jesus in a spirit of joy. It was encouraging, challenging, hope-filled, and a boon to my soul.
Easily a top read of 2025!
February 8, 2025
I lost count of how often this book brought me to tears; wonderful, healing, soul cleansing tears. The rhythms in this book have brought me Joy! Spending time and seeking my LORD each day has a newness and freshness that had been missing.
February 2, 2025
This book came at just the right time for me. I resonated with so much of what Asheritah wrote and her experiences of the darkest time of her life. I love that God longs for us to experience joy and the practical steps she wrote about to help us to experience that joy.
The most useful part of the book was the suggestion of seeing life as a shoebox that we can only fit so much into. I wrote down everything I currently have crammed into my ‘shoebox’ and I am now praying about what to put back in and what can wait for another season.
Reading this book brought me joy!
The most useful part of the book was the suggestion of seeing life as a shoebox that we can only fit so much into. I wrote down everything I currently have crammed into my ‘shoebox’ and I am now praying about what to put back in and what can wait for another season.
Reading this book brought me joy!
December 3, 2024
What a blessing this book is! After reading other books by Asheritah, I looked forward to reading "Delighting in Jesus." From the outset, this book resonated with me. Reading of the three robbers of delight in the very beginning drew me in - I've experienced burdens, brokenness, and burnout. But reading of God's delight in ME was salve to my soul, and was a reminder of His care for me.
Asheritah's writing is deeply personal, yet readable and prompts one to take action steps. She is scholarly, using many references and footnotes, but also lends a personal touch with stories and meaningful scripture verses. I loved how verses and highlights of her writing were written in green ink!
Five Rhythms of Delight are highlighted in the book, followed by how Jesus incorporated those rhythms in his own life on earth. Each rhythm is practical, with suggestions for implementing each, without seeming to be heavy or scripted.
This is a book that will be highlighted, underlined, and put into practice! "Delighting in Jesus" will become your companion to spiritual growth, just like a loving friend embracing you and inviting you to coffee and chat.
Asheritah's writing is deeply personal, yet readable and prompts one to take action steps. She is scholarly, using many references and footnotes, but also lends a personal touch with stories and meaningful scripture verses. I loved how verses and highlights of her writing were written in green ink!
Five Rhythms of Delight are highlighted in the book, followed by how Jesus incorporated those rhythms in his own life on earth. Each rhythm is practical, with suggestions for implementing each, without seeming to be heavy or scripted.
This is a book that will be highlighted, underlined, and put into practice! "Delighting in Jesus" will become your companion to spiritual growth, just like a loving friend embracing you and inviting you to coffee and chat.
November 22, 2024
This book walks through the reasons society struggles with joy. Joy is not happiness but as Asheritah shares her own journey working through the burdens of life to find joy in Jesus. The second part of the book is ways to help develop and express joy.
December 2, 2024
This book spoke life back into my soul. It's easy to understand and practical. The author point us back to Jesus, who is the only one that can restore the fullness of joy back into our lives through his rhythms. I loved it!
February 16, 2025
“All of life becomes worship when we delight in the light of God‘s presence.”
This refreshing book weaves together a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of the theological truth that we are designed for delight, emphasizing that God’s desire for His children is to lead lives filled with joy. This truth serves as a foundation followed by a heartfelt invitation to immerse ourselves in the practical Rhythms of Delight, which are beautifully illustrated through the life of Jesus. I found this combination of soul-stirring theology and creative rhythms incredibly inspiring, guiding readers on how to cultivate a heightened awareness of God’s presence throughout every aspect of life.
One of the most impactful rhythms that Asheritah encourages readers to embrace is Worship. This practice extends far beyond the traditional gathering in church on Sundays; it transforms worship into a lifestyle marked by a continuous heart posture of adoration and reverence. We see that worship can infuse joy and significance into the most everyday activities—whether it’s preparing a meal for a loved one or serving children with love and dedication in a Sunday school class.
This book is for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the pressure to preform all the “right things” within their spiritual practices, yet experiences a sense of burnout, lack of joy, or feelings of being spiritually stagnant. If you’re yearning to rediscover a vibrant joy in your life and rekindle your relationship with Jesus, this book is for you!
Thank you Moody Publishers for this lovely gifted book!
December 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It came to me at the perfect time, right when I was navigating a season of burnout. While I had a general idea of what the book would be about, I didn’t realize how much I needed its message. Asheritah brings a refreshing honesty to her writing, which is why I always say she’s my favorite devotional author. Her way of writing resonates deeply, encouraging me to draw closer to God in meaningful and healthy ways.
Asheritah’s insights into worship, the Word, hearing God’s whisper, experiencing wonder, and walking with Him have profoundly impacted my faith journey. I plan to go back, slowly re-read the book, and intentionally put each section into practice—not just in my own life but also in teaching these principles to my children. For example, on Sunday, a worship song played that wasn’t my favorite style, but I remembered what I read about worship being for God, not for me. That perspective completely changed how I engaged in worship that morning.
I was also challenged by Asheritah’s encouragement to deepen my Bible knowledge through listening, memorizing scripture, and tuning into God’s voice. Whether your walk with God is deep or you’re seeking renewal, I highly recommend this book. It’s both refreshing and thought-provoking, offering new perspectives that can either remind you of foundational truths or challenge you to consider aspects of your faith you hadn’t explored before.
Asheritah’s insights into worship, the Word, hearing God’s whisper, experiencing wonder, and walking with Him have profoundly impacted my faith journey. I plan to go back, slowly re-read the book, and intentionally put each section into practice—not just in my own life but also in teaching these principles to my children. For example, on Sunday, a worship song played that wasn’t my favorite style, but I remembered what I read about worship being for God, not for me. That perspective completely changed how I engaged in worship that morning.
I was also challenged by Asheritah’s encouragement to deepen my Bible knowledge through listening, memorizing scripture, and tuning into God’s voice. Whether your walk with God is deep or you’re seeking renewal, I highly recommend this book. It’s both refreshing and thought-provoking, offering new perspectives that can either remind you of foundational truths or challenge you to consider aspects of your faith you hadn’t explored before.
January 16, 2025
After meeting Asheritah at a Woman's Retreat and hearing her speak on Delighting in Jesus and restoring our rythyms when burdened, broken, and burned out my life was changed. I walked into the retreat not for myself but for my best friend and came out with a new view on my own life. I listened to Jesus speak to me through Asheritah for almost 3 days. I have spent 2 months since reading this book and am already looking forward to readingnit again with her coming book study. This book will not just be a one and done, this will be a come back to, pray over, gift it, share it, study it book. If you are feeling any of these things or have lost your Joy/Delight in Jesus I highly suggest reading this book with am open heart ❤️.
Thank you Jesus for your words through your faithful servant Asheritah. The joy I am finding being restored back in my life already is amazing and I cannot wait to see what more you hVe planned.
Thank you Jesus for your words through your faithful servant Asheritah. The joy I am finding being restored back in my life already is amazing and I cannot wait to see what more you hVe planned.
March 1, 2025
A dear friend attended a women's retreat with Asheritah Ciuciu as the main speaker. She bought me a copy of this book and one for herself. Rarely do I enjoy Christian devotionals as much as I did this one.
I knew I'd like it when the author talks about how it's not our disciplines that are lacking but our delight. We spend time on the things that we are delighted in and when we lose our joy and feel our relationship with Jesus weakening or becoming pale, she says we need to get back to finding delight in him.
With chapters that talk about the brain's pathways to joy and fear and pain and how we must purposely renew our mind through delighting in Jesus through the word, worship, and wonder, this book really reignited my passion for Jesus. She gives really practical advice on how to get there to, ideas that apply to people in every walk of life: young moms, singles and empty nesters. Everything is laid out clearly and are easy to understand.
In my particular season, I found the chapters on wonder - finding the wonder in every day things and walking - walking with Jesus daily and how to do that, especially helpful. I was at a silent retreat when I finished the last few chapters and when I went out for a long walk in the woods my perspective changed dramatically. I pray that I continue to cling to this insight every day.
I would recommend this book even if you are not in the burn out stage: it is a great reset for getting back to the basics of what our walk with Christ is supposed to look like. I'll keep this copy and plan to revisit it yearly.
I knew I'd like it when the author talks about how it's not our disciplines that are lacking but our delight. We spend time on the things that we are delighted in and when we lose our joy and feel our relationship with Jesus weakening or becoming pale, she says we need to get back to finding delight in him.
With chapters that talk about the brain's pathways to joy and fear and pain and how we must purposely renew our mind through delighting in Jesus through the word, worship, and wonder, this book really reignited my passion for Jesus. She gives really practical advice on how to get there to, ideas that apply to people in every walk of life: young moms, singles and empty nesters. Everything is laid out clearly and are easy to understand.
In my particular season, I found the chapters on wonder - finding the wonder in every day things and walking - walking with Jesus daily and how to do that, especially helpful. I was at a silent retreat when I finished the last few chapters and when I went out for a long walk in the woods my perspective changed dramatically. I pray that I continue to cling to this insight every day.
I would recommend this book even if you are not in the burn out stage: it is a great reset for getting back to the basics of what our walk with Christ is supposed to look like. I'll keep this copy and plan to revisit it yearly.
March 14, 2025
Delighting in Jesus is the first book I have read by Asheritah Ciuciu, but it will not be my last. It is one of those books that touches you so profoundly that it is hard to find the right words to write a review, but I am going to do my best.
First, an invitation from Asheritah:
If you're weary or disheartened, this book is for you.
If you feel the crush of darkness closing in, this book is for you.
If you sense that longing for joy throbbing in your heart, this book is for you.
The book is divided into three sections: (1) created for delight, (2) rhythms to restore joy (another book that talks about rhythms like The Intentional Year and The New Loneliness), and (3) our joy fulfilled. The first section discusses who God is, what could be robbing us of our joy, and the God who delights and cares about our joy. The second section is the meatier part of the book, expounding on the five rhythms of delight, reminding us that they "begin and end with love." One chapter is dedicated to the rhythm and the next is what it looks like to practice it. The final section invites us to find our joy in Jesus.
I have 30+ tabs in this book. It is not a book to be rushed, but a book to be savored. I appreciated the conversational style the author uses. She is constantly utilizing scripture and pointing the reader to Jesus.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
First, an invitation from Asheritah:
If you're weary or disheartened, this book is for you.
If you feel the crush of darkness closing in, this book is for you.
If you sense that longing for joy throbbing in your heart, this book is for you.
The book is divided into three sections: (1) created for delight, (2) rhythms to restore joy (another book that talks about rhythms like The Intentional Year and The New Loneliness), and (3) our joy fulfilled. The first section discusses who God is, what could be robbing us of our joy, and the God who delights and cares about our joy. The second section is the meatier part of the book, expounding on the five rhythms of delight, reminding us that they "begin and end with love." One chapter is dedicated to the rhythm and the next is what it looks like to practice it. The final section invites us to find our joy in Jesus.
I have 30+ tabs in this book. It is not a book to be rushed, but a book to be savored. I appreciated the conversational style the author uses. She is constantly utilizing scripture and pointing the reader to Jesus.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 27, 2025
I liked this book for its practical suggestions but it became a little repetitive in its recommendation of the author’s other books and resources. And a commercial in the middle of a book about joy and Jesus just seemed too out of place.
August 3, 2025
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I’ve been both challenged and renewed in my friendship with Jesus.
December 2, 2024
This book is phenomenal! It’s a delightful, practical, and beautiful book filled with TRUTH and encouragement!! It is full of scripture references that sent me back to my Bible to dig in more. It was refreshing to my soul to hear that joy can feel ellusive to someone else as well… “I wouldn’t choose the darkness again, but I won’t waste it either.” But then she brings in research based information from multiple disciplines backing up how God designed joy to work in our lives… “Even if you’ve always been an anxious person, or a grumpy person, or an angry person, Jesus can renew your mind by creating new synaptic connections that expand your capacity to receive His joy.” She outlines practical and helpful action steps that are stretching yet attainable. “Unless we create regular rhythms—a “system,” to use Clear’s phrasing—to counteract the pull of our screens and step out into the grandeur of God’s creation, we’ll default to our habitual behavior.” Then sprinkle in some powerhouse wisdom from champions of the faith from AW Tozer to CS Lewis to MLK, Jr. and you have a book filled with my highligter brackets, hearts and exclamation points in the margins, and my pencil notes scribbled throughout!
February 24, 2025
This book has been the breath of fresh air I didn't know I was longing for. A friend gave it to me for Christmas 2024 and invited me to join her in reading it, as well as participating in a book club page on social media. I agreed, and in turn, invited two more dear ladies to join us. They accepted and we have all been so refreshed and encouraged by the contents of this book. "Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out" has delivered on what the title professes to offer. The invitation to delight in Jesus, rather than be burdened with guilt over "failure to have a consistent quiet time" or other similar "shoulds" that have been fostered through Christian culture, has been cool water to my weary soul. So many of the truths in this book were not truly "new" to me, but they were presented in such a joyful, life-giving way that I have found myself bubbly with anticipation to come back and read the next chapter...To curl up with a warm mug and "visit" with my precious Savior, the Lover of my Soul. I hope many weary, guilt-ridden, and discouraged souls will find this book and receive the precious truths it communicates as water and healing balm for their spirits. We are invited to rest and be refreshed in Christ...
February 21, 2025
This book offers many valuable and practical ideas to grow closer to God and find delight in Him. The author is vulnerable in sharing her personal experiences which I know had to be difficult to do at times. Her background is interesting and inspiring.
The main takeaway for me was that we must evaluate what we are fixing our gazes upon- is it the things of this world or our Holy God? Am I delighting in God and His Word or the things of this world? I also appreciated the emphasis on recognizing that we can walk in the way of Jesus in all that we do each day. Our lives are to glorify God, even and most importantly in the small and mundane tasks. All work is to be done for the glory of God.
The author references a few sources that I don’t consider to be biblically solid. If you are curious about specifics please DM me. I also think we have to be very careful when talking about hearing God’s voice. Perhaps, more aptly we could say that we feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit.
On the whole, this book is encouraging and inspiring. Thank you to Moody Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The main takeaway for me was that we must evaluate what we are fixing our gazes upon- is it the things of this world or our Holy God? Am I delighting in God and His Word or the things of this world? I also appreciated the emphasis on recognizing that we can walk in the way of Jesus in all that we do each day. Our lives are to glorify God, even and most importantly in the small and mundane tasks. All work is to be done for the glory of God.
The author references a few sources that I don’t consider to be biblically solid. If you are curious about specifics please DM me. I also think we have to be very careful when talking about hearing God’s voice. Perhaps, more aptly we could say that we feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit.
On the whole, this book is encouraging and inspiring. Thank you to Moody Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 27, 2025
I bought this book because it was recommended in a blog post of a Christian writer I follow, who suggested it would help with finding or rediscovering one's joy.
I think Christian writers have a hard job in that we seek their works to find answers to questions or circumstances, specific to our lives and then, if the tenor of the book doesn't quite fit, end up disappointed.
For me, it felt like I was presented with the answer to my question of how to rediscover my joy - Delight in Jesus - and then the rest of the book showed me ways in which to do that. As a woman of faith, I fully understand the essential daily practice of delighting in Jesus, I think I was looking for other ideas or answers to my question but that, of course, is not the fault of the author; it was just, for me, this didn't hit the mark and I then found myself skimming, partly out of frustration and partly because it was suggesting things that I already do.
That is not to detract from the quality of the writing or the concept of following rhthms in your daily life, most of us can acknowledge the efficacy of routine and rhythm, and in that respect the pages may resonate fully with others.
I think Christian writers have a hard job in that we seek their works to find answers to questions or circumstances, specific to our lives and then, if the tenor of the book doesn't quite fit, end up disappointed.
For me, it felt like I was presented with the answer to my question of how to rediscover my joy - Delight in Jesus - and then the rest of the book showed me ways in which to do that. As a woman of faith, I fully understand the essential daily practice of delighting in Jesus, I think I was looking for other ideas or answers to my question but that, of course, is not the fault of the author; it was just, for me, this didn't hit the mark and I then found myself skimming, partly out of frustration and partly because it was suggesting things that I already do.
That is not to detract from the quality of the writing or the concept of following rhthms in your daily life, most of us can acknowledge the efficacy of routine and rhythm, and in that respect the pages may resonate fully with others.
December 3, 2024
Your soul needs this book!
Asheritah takes us into her circle of friends and shares her journey in such a vulnerable way. So relatable and freeing to read of her struggle, and so promising and encouraging to read of her victories. As iron sharpens iron, she has challenged me to fight my way back to the heart of God..."Joy can only flourish in a heart that's at rest," and remembering my Father's delight in me gives me that rest. How to rediscover that delight? Rhythms of worship. Start from where you are and how you most naturally worship God.
I found the brain science and neuroplasticity of delight particularly interesting!
"Delighting in Jesus" was such a blessing and will be my go to again and again. I plan to keep extra copies on hand to share with others when I notice the robbers of delight on the prowl in their lives!
Asheritah takes us into her circle of friends and shares her journey in such a vulnerable way. So relatable and freeing to read of her struggle, and so promising and encouraging to read of her victories. As iron sharpens iron, she has challenged me to fight my way back to the heart of God..."Joy can only flourish in a heart that's at rest," and remembering my Father's delight in me gives me that rest. How to rediscover that delight? Rhythms of worship. Start from where you are and how you most naturally worship God.
I found the brain science and neuroplasticity of delight particularly interesting!
"Delighting in Jesus" was such a blessing and will be my go to again and again. I plan to keep extra copies on hand to share with others when I notice the robbers of delight on the prowl in their lives!
December 3, 2024
Delighting in Jesus is very well written and I love hearing more about the author's life. This book emphasizes how God wants us to delight in Him - to be our delight because that is how we find full and lasting peace. I have a couple of the author's other Bible studies and have listened to her podcast, and she offers comfort in Jesus and resting in Him, but more than that, what I find most helpful is that she genuinely loves the LORD and with her style of writing, she makes it very clear how much God loves us. To say that Jesus delights in us is a thought that I have not thought could be true; how could a perfect God delight in me? The answer: His deep, unchanging, unending, unconditional love. This book offers ways to get back into recognizing how Jesus is showing His love and delight in us and gives suggestions about how we can reframe our thoughts to delight in Him, too. That being said, while this book is interesting and I enjoy reading it, it's best read when you can give full concentration and time to fully understand what you're reading. It's not a book that you can breeze through (that's a good thing though!) because the language is at times more scholarly than it is conversational, so it's best to slow down while reading. I recommend this book for any Christian because I really think not enough people realize that the word "delight" could be used as a way to define our relationship with God.
March 6, 2025
Delighting in Jesus is a well-researched and thoughtful guide to deepening our relationship with Christ. Asheritah Ciuciu combines biblical insight with practical, creative ways to cultivate joy in our daily walk with Jesus. I especially appreciated the tangible suggestions—breath prayers, prayer walks, and Bible study techniques—that make spiritual disciplines feel both accessible and life-giving.
My only minor complaint (if I can even call it that) was the number of times she referenced her other work. While I understand the value of additional resources, at times it felt a bit repetitive. That said, this book is a beautiful and encouraging read, full of wisdom and practical steps to help us experience true joy in Jesus. Highly recommend!
My only minor complaint (if I can even call it that) was the number of times she referenced her other work. While I understand the value of additional resources, at times it felt a bit repetitive. That said, this book is a beautiful and encouraging read, full of wisdom and practical steps to help us experience true joy in Jesus. Highly recommend!
December 2, 2024
Delighting In Jesus - invites the reader to establish rhythms of worship to restore joy when feeling burdened, broken, and burned out.
And who doesn’t?!? This book is like a cozy blanket and warm drink with a friend who gets you! Jesus said “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Asheritah takes the reader by the hand to remind us that we are not alone, and that there is rest to be found and joy to be restored when we walk in rhythm with the Spirit, worshipping our way through the brokenness, burden, and burn-out. Come, sit, and drink in refreshment for your soul as your burdens feel lighter and your joy is renewed!
And who doesn’t?!? This book is like a cozy blanket and warm drink with a friend who gets you! Jesus said “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Asheritah takes the reader by the hand to remind us that we are not alone, and that there is rest to be found and joy to be restored when we walk in rhythm with the Spirit, worshipping our way through the brokenness, burden, and burn-out. Come, sit, and drink in refreshment for your soul as your burdens feel lighter and your joy is renewed!
December 3, 2024
I love Asheritah’s writing style–she writes as if she’s a friend talking with you at a coffee shop and seeking to encourage you in your walk with God. You’ll definitely love Delighting in Jesus! Asheritah shares her struggle to have joy, which is something we can all relate to. She describes her pathway to finding joy in Jesus alone. She beckons you to worship Jesus in fresh ways, to feast on God’s Word, and pray as Jesus prayed. You will also be inspired to remember and find awe in the world around you and to walk with Jesus here on earth until the day you see Him face to face. This is a wonderful, easy read and will be truly refreshing to your spirit!
December 17, 2024
Nuggets of Wisdom...
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
What an honest and truthful book filled with "Nuggets of Wisdom" that can only be found in God's Word...the Bible. Asheritah passionately did her homework in searching the Scriptures and so eloquently orchestrating them all in an easy-to-read format.
As I absorbed this book, I was reminded that the Lord "delights in me too!!" I will never be the same again. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone! I am loved and delighted in by my Lord and to live my life in Him and toward Him in creative ways by "Delighting in Jesus"
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
What an honest and truthful book filled with "Nuggets of Wisdom" that can only be found in God's Word...the Bible. Asheritah passionately did her homework in searching the Scriptures and so eloquently orchestrating them all in an easy-to-read format.
As I absorbed this book, I was reminded that the Lord "delights in me too!!" I will never be the same again. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone! I am loved and delighted in by my Lord and to live my life in Him and toward Him in creative ways by "Delighting in Jesus"
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