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Longing for Joy: An Invitation into the Goodness and Beauty of Life
Can we still have joy in a world of pain and anxiety?
The troubles around us and in our lives lead many of us into a joyless experience where despair and hopelessness are the norm. Yet something within us still longs for a joy that transcends our challenges and gives us meaning and satisfaction.
Alastair Sterne says that our inner longings for joy actually point us to a God of joy who gives us both the capacity for joy and the realities of joyful experience. Sterne explores pathways to joy and why we often experience the absence of joy. He then offers theologically grounded and research-based practices for becoming people of joyful presence. Even if we are not temperamentally happy enthusiasts, we can gradually cultivate the deep abiding joy that we were created for and that enriches the world around us.
The troubles around us and in our lives lead many of us into a joyless experience where despair and hopelessness are the norm. Yet something within us still longs for a joy that transcends our challenges and gives us meaning and satisfaction.
Alastair Sterne says that our inner longings for joy actually point us to a God of joy who gives us both the capacity for joy and the realities of joyful experience. Sterne explores pathways to joy and why we often experience the absence of joy. He then offers theologically grounded and research-based practices for becoming people of joyful presence. Even if we are not temperamentally happy enthusiasts, we can gradually cultivate the deep abiding joy that we were created for and that enriches the world around us.
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2024
10 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Alastair Sterne
3 books9 followersAlastair Sterne (DIS, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a creative director turned pastor. He serves as the associate pastor at Coastline Church in Victoria, British Columbia. He previously partnered with Redeemer City to City and founded St. Peter's Fireside, a creative liturgical church in Vancouver. He is the author of Longing for Joy: An Invitation into the Goodness and Beauty of Life and Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices for Who God Made You to Be.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 18, 2025
I deeply enjoyed this author. I found Sterne by accident, and it proved to be just the book in a hard season. He, having navigated depression, speaks with hope, maturity and clarity wrapped in tenderness. I enjoyed not only his voice in this, but the truth so gently presented. I found a lot of joy in its pages.
November 1, 2024
Alastair writes in such a way that invites you right around a coffee table and cultivates joy with you. The book is a conversation on what it feels like to long for joy and experience her; to have her grip you, then move on, but to know that she'll be back again in some surprising way.
I found myself with a joyful, wry smile on several occasions when our stories seemed to overlap, but then other moments where I could find myself anticipating my own story and feeling expectant for joy to come uniquely to me.
He writes with the ease of a conversation and inspires a way to make yourself available - that joy might apprehend you as you experience goodness and beauty.
Grab your copy, find a nice spot to read, and cultivate a little joy in your life.
I found myself with a joyful, wry smile on several occasions when our stories seemed to overlap, but then other moments where I could find myself anticipating my own story and feeling expectant for joy to come uniquely to me.
He writes with the ease of a conversation and inspires a way to make yourself available - that joy might apprehend you as you experience goodness and beauty.
Grab your copy, find a nice spot to read, and cultivate a little joy in your life.
November 1, 2024
"Longing For Joy" is the author's search for joy and joyfulness in his life. Alastair has done his homework with this subject with extensive research as well as personal anecdotes detailing his story. This longing that we have for joy often leads us to God says Alastair. God, in his uncoditional love for his people, can satisfy this longing. The sub-title of the book is "An Invitation Into The Goodness And Beauty of Life." It is an invitation I highly recommend. An excellent read and who knows - you may end up finding joy in your life!
November 4, 2024
Longing for Joy was a book I didn’t know how much I needed until I jumped in.
At first, I was hesitant about the invitation: I know what joy is. I might be lacking in joy at times, but isn’t that the case with everyone? Yes, this is a book my heart sorely needed. (And I extend the invitation to you.)
In a conversational and engaging style, author Alastair Sterne delves into the concept of joy—laying down a case for joy and offering glimpses from a variety of angles what joy sometimes looks like, feels like, acts like. He moves on to the story of joy—how joy has been most deeply and truly at work in this world—then the possibility of joy, realistic and enduring ways of cultivating joy.
And Alastair does not share all this because he’s a happiness guru; in fact, throughout the book he reveals glimpses of his struggle with joylessness and severe depression. He asks authentic questions: “Can we choose joy, or does joy choose us?” He explores difficult ideas when it comes to joy and, more importantly, the absence of joy.
This book isn’t a thin argument for constant cheerfulness or a promotion for inauthentic smiley, happy people. The author understands that we might “spend an awfully long time in the dark waiting for the light to come. And it’s no good to force a smile, or to think happy thoughts, or to pretend that all is well when all is not, even if we have the hope that one day all will be well again” (p. 33).
As I read, it felt like each chapter resonated more than the last one. This is one of my favorite quotes from Longing for Joy:
“If we’re honest with ourselves, we feel our longing for joy more often than joy herself. What if we’re not meant to satiate our longing? Because when joy arrives she doesn’t full satisfy it. She stirs it, even exacerbates it. Joy illuminates that our desire is more like a homeward longing for the place where perpetual joy resides” (p. 47).
With personal stories, narratives from scripture told in fresh ways, and research from philosophers and theologians, Alastair Sterne offers a perspective on joy that rings true and resonates deeply. The author invites readers into the “longing, story, and possibility of joy.” It’s a worthwhile journey, and I highly recommend embarking on the pages of this book.
At first, I was hesitant about the invitation: I know what joy is. I might be lacking in joy at times, but isn’t that the case with everyone? Yes, this is a book my heart sorely needed. (And I extend the invitation to you.)
In a conversational and engaging style, author Alastair Sterne delves into the concept of joy—laying down a case for joy and offering glimpses from a variety of angles what joy sometimes looks like, feels like, acts like. He moves on to the story of joy—how joy has been most deeply and truly at work in this world—then the possibility of joy, realistic and enduring ways of cultivating joy.
And Alastair does not share all this because he’s a happiness guru; in fact, throughout the book he reveals glimpses of his struggle with joylessness and severe depression. He asks authentic questions: “Can we choose joy, or does joy choose us?” He explores difficult ideas when it comes to joy and, more importantly, the absence of joy.
This book isn’t a thin argument for constant cheerfulness or a promotion for inauthentic smiley, happy people. The author understands that we might “spend an awfully long time in the dark waiting for the light to come. And it’s no good to force a smile, or to think happy thoughts, or to pretend that all is well when all is not, even if we have the hope that one day all will be well again” (p. 33).
As I read, it felt like each chapter resonated more than the last one. This is one of my favorite quotes from Longing for Joy:
“If we’re honest with ourselves, we feel our longing for joy more often than joy herself. What if we’re not meant to satiate our longing? Because when joy arrives she doesn’t full satisfy it. She stirs it, even exacerbates it. Joy illuminates that our desire is more like a homeward longing for the place where perpetual joy resides” (p. 47).
With personal stories, narratives from scripture told in fresh ways, and research from philosophers and theologians, Alastair Sterne offers a perspective on joy that rings true and resonates deeply. The author invites readers into the “longing, story, and possibility of joy.” It’s a worthwhile journey, and I highly recommend embarking on the pages of this book.
November 2, 2024
Alastair’s ‘Longing for Joy’ is truly an invitation into the goodness and beauty of life. With each page, his introspective writings lead you to a place of discovery. You can tell how intentional he was with each chapter, and that it really comes from his own place of discovery.
I had a friend once tell me that we mistakenly think adventure to be defined by new places and new experiences, when really adventure is the struggle we experience in the hard places. It’s the adventure because it’s the story of struggle we share the most. I believe Alastair’s search for joy in the midst of his own struggles is the story of ‘Longing for Joy.’ He says, “its not entirely on us to choose joy, since joy also chooses us.” He chose joy, and ultimately in his adventure, joy chose him as well.
I serve as a pastor much like the author, and I’m grateful for this book because he reminds me to continue looking for, and choosing, joy in the midst of my every day. If I am willing to open my eyes and look for joy, I will find it. Pastoring is hard work. Listening to people’s hard stories, and living life alongside them, can feel weighty. And if we’re not continually looking for joy, the weight of other people’s burdens can bury us alive. However, with joy we can go “back to tilling the soil, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks because joy will bloom again!”
I had a friend once tell me that we mistakenly think adventure to be defined by new places and new experiences, when really adventure is the struggle we experience in the hard places. It’s the adventure because it’s the story of struggle we share the most. I believe Alastair’s search for joy in the midst of his own struggles is the story of ‘Longing for Joy.’ He says, “its not entirely on us to choose joy, since joy also chooses us.” He chose joy, and ultimately in his adventure, joy chose him as well.
I serve as a pastor much like the author, and I’m grateful for this book because he reminds me to continue looking for, and choosing, joy in the midst of my every day. If I am willing to open my eyes and look for joy, I will find it. Pastoring is hard work. Listening to people’s hard stories, and living life alongside them, can feel weighty. And if we’re not continually looking for joy, the weight of other people’s burdens can bury us alive. However, with joy we can go “back to tilling the soil, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks because joy will bloom again!”
November 6, 2024
Longing for Joy is a beautiful, relatable adventure through different facets of joy—each one uniquely discovered and revealed. What makes this book so special is its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. It speaks to the heart of anyone who’s ever searched for happiness, peace, or meaning in the midst of life’s challenges.
The writing is descriptive and vivid, making each chapter feel like a new discovery - uncovering different layers of joy. What I loved most about this book is that it doesn’t just tell you about joy—it invites you to experience it. Whether it’s joy found in simple ordinary moments, or joy that comes from knowing God, Alastair Sterne’s words are full of hope and encouragement.
Longing for Joy reminds us that joy isn’t just something to chase, but something that is found when we understand and experience God's love and presence in our lives. Every chapter will make you pause, reflect, some would challenge, to help uncover the lasting joys that are often overlooked.
If you’re looking for a book that is both inspiring and grounded in real, everyday experiences, Longing for Joy is the perfect read. It’s a heartfelt reminder that joy is not just a fleeting emotion, but a journey that’s full of depth, discovery, and lasting hope.
The writing is descriptive and vivid, making each chapter feel like a new discovery - uncovering different layers of joy. What I loved most about this book is that it doesn’t just tell you about joy—it invites you to experience it. Whether it’s joy found in simple ordinary moments, or joy that comes from knowing God, Alastair Sterne’s words are full of hope and encouragement.
Longing for Joy reminds us that joy isn’t just something to chase, but something that is found when we understand and experience God's love and presence in our lives. Every chapter will make you pause, reflect, some would challenge, to help uncover the lasting joys that are often overlooked.
If you’re looking for a book that is both inspiring and grounded in real, everyday experiences, Longing for Joy is the perfect read. It’s a heartfelt reminder that joy is not just a fleeting emotion, but a journey that’s full of depth, discovery, and lasting hope.
November 2, 2024
Author Alastair Sterne has masterfully crafted a book using story, theology, and practical application in Longing for Joy.
I started this book during a time of deep mourning and it helped me to reframe joy amidst the sorrow and see that there's a deep well of joy available to me--even in the dark times.
Thank you Alastair for sharing your story in an open and vulnerable way. Your story is relatable and helped me to realize that I'm not alone in many of the feelings I've had in the past about pursuing joy.
I started this book during a time of deep mourning and it helped me to reframe joy amidst the sorrow and see that there's a deep well of joy available to me--even in the dark times.
Thank you Alastair for sharing your story in an open and vulnerable way. Your story is relatable and helped me to realize that I'm not alone in many of the feelings I've had in the past about pursuing joy.
November 3, 2024
Amazing Discovery
It was an eye opener, this book longing for joy by Alastair Sterne, it helps me to see and experience joy in all circumstances. For it is coming from the very heart of God that is available for everyone who will recognize and open to receive it. It helps me to maintain sound mind, discerning eyes, and enthusiastic heart. Get and read this book, not just because it ‘s good, but it’s very good for YOU, it will enrich, strengthen and revitalize your life as it did in mine.
It was an eye opener, this book longing for joy by Alastair Sterne, it helps me to see and experience joy in all circumstances. For it is coming from the very heart of God that is available for everyone who will recognize and open to receive it. It helps me to maintain sound mind, discerning eyes, and enthusiastic heart. Get and read this book, not just because it ‘s good, but it’s very good for YOU, it will enrich, strengthen and revitalize your life as it did in mine.
November 17, 2024
This is a deep but easy read! Alastair has a natural story telling way of writing that draws you in and makes you ponder the deep things without creating a feeling of loss or helplessness. I loved his experiences of Joy and how we can find it in our everyday lives despite the chaos and suffering around us because of Joys divine nature. I highly recommend giving this book a read!
November 17, 2024
This is a stunning and beautiful book on cultivating, appreciating, and learning about joy. Sterne is an astute and rich writer and the essays comprising each chapter encapsulate the nuances and complexities of joy perfectly. I recommend this volume as a thoughtful and well-written treatise on joy.
November 7, 2024
This book challenged me to confront the lack of joy in my own life and to hope for more.
January 6, 2025
4.25/5 stars
November 26, 2024
This book is brilliant! Each page draws you in with a well placed story, whisper of joy, and a glimpse at the heart of God.
Invitation is at the heart of this book. It reveals the beauty and complexity of joy, yet never forcing it.
Alastair’s words in Longing for Joy are a balm for the soul. Enter in and explore joy from all vantage points.
Invitation is at the heart of this book. It reveals the beauty and complexity of joy, yet never forcing it.
Alastair’s words in Longing for Joy are a balm for the soul. Enter in and explore joy from all vantage points.
January 10, 2026
Alastair Sterne does a great job in Longing for Joy to explore the topic of joy. I found the way he uses his own life, examples from culture around us, the world of literature and the bible very relevant and applicable to modern day society. Sterne's vulnerability and sharing of personal experiences particularly make this book a very useful guide for all of us who are on a quest to find more joy and satisfaction in life.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews