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The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul
Are you looking for a new way of living? A way that stops anxious thoughts and releases heavy burdens you are not meant to carry? In
The Way of the Wildflower
, join bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons as she invites you to learn the art of pausing in God's rest to live free, unhurried, and unburdened.
Wildflowers don't need to be taught how to live freely, to release their burdens, or to work for their belovedness, freedom, and resilience.
In Luke 12:25–28 ESV, Jesus tells us, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!"
Friend, the antidote to our burdened hearts is to live as children who rest in the care of our heavenly Father. We don't need to labor and spin, as though it all depends on us. It doesn't. In The Way of the Wildflower, you will embark on a spiritual journey led by Ruth Chou Simons to grow deeper in your relationship with God. In this beautiful, deluxe, full-color devotional, hand-painted by Ruth with stunning botanicals, you'll
Bible verses to feed you truth Statements of faith to preach to yourself Prayers to guide you Interesting facts about wildflowers and lessons we can learn from them As you journey through 30 meditations, you will learn five ways of
The Way of Dependency The Way of Freedom The Way of Resilience The Way of the Unhurried The Way of Belovedness The same Jesus who instructs us to not worry about our lives is the Jesus who made a path for us to have the ultimate assurance of salvation. He made a way to the Father when there was no way. Is anything too hard for our God? Are any of your worries and fears beyond his capable hands?
If you're wrestling with your past, struggling in your present, or fearful for your future, pause and be still. Consider how the wildflowers grow, remember that the God who cares for them cares for you, too, and let your anxious soul find rest in Him.
Wildflowers don't need to be taught how to live freely, to release their burdens, or to work for their belovedness, freedom, and resilience.
In Luke 12:25–28 ESV, Jesus tells us, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!"
Friend, the antidote to our burdened hearts is to live as children who rest in the care of our heavenly Father. We don't need to labor and spin, as though it all depends on us. It doesn't. In The Way of the Wildflower, you will embark on a spiritual journey led by Ruth Chou Simons to grow deeper in your relationship with God. In this beautiful, deluxe, full-color devotional, hand-painted by Ruth with stunning botanicals, you'll
Bible verses to feed you truth Statements of faith to preach to yourself Prayers to guide you Interesting facts about wildflowers and lessons we can learn from them As you journey through 30 meditations, you will learn five ways of
The Way of Dependency The Way of Freedom The Way of Resilience The Way of the Unhurried The Way of Belovedness The same Jesus who instructs us to not worry about our lives is the Jesus who made a path for us to have the ultimate assurance of salvation. He made a way to the Father when there was no way. Is anything too hard for our God? Are any of your worries and fears beyond his capable hands?
If you're wrestling with your past, struggling in your present, or fearful for your future, pause and be still. Consider how the wildflowers grow, remember that the God who cares for them cares for you, too, and let your anxious soul find rest in Him.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2025
604 people are currently reading
4856 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Chou Simons
56 books1,066 followersRuth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Strivings Cease, and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, podcaster, speaker, and the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of GraceLaced, an art and lifestyle brand. Simons uses each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts, making deep truths beautifully accessible with her signature art and relatable communication style.
Simons has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox, Christianity Today, and Hallmark Home and Family. Ruth and her husband, Troy, live in Western Colorado and are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.
Connect with Ruth on social media at @ruthchousimons.
Simons has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox, Christianity Today, and Hallmark Home and Family. Ruth and her husband, Troy, live in Western Colorado and are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.
Connect with Ruth on social media at @ruthchousimons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
November 19, 2025
This book carries a quiet peace that felt like an invitation to slow down and remember that the Lord holds every burden I try to carry alone. Each page opened with gentle truth, reminding me that He tends the anxious places in my heart with the same steady care He gives to the wildflowers He scatters across the earth.
Ruth’s meditations felt like small, steady breaths drawn from Scripture … not rushed, not heavy, simply rooted in the character of God. The pairing of each passage with a single bloom created a rhythm that helped my mind settle and my thoughts turn toward the One who provides, sustains, and meets His children in their need.
The artwork added its own quiet ministry. Soft washes of color, delicate petals, and thoughtful detail created space for my heart to rest. The beauty on the page never distracted from the truth; it simply helped me see that the God who shapes every flower with intention shapes my life with the same care.
These meditations invited my soul toward dependency, resilience, unhurried rest, and belovedness… gently drawing me into deeper trust. Every reflection carried the assurance that the Lord holds His children with unwavering tenderness and keeps every promise He has spoken.
This book will bless anyone seeking calm in anxious days, anyone who needs Scripture wrapped in beauty, and anyone longing for a quiet place to remember the Lord’s tenderness toward His children.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on biblical faithfulness, clarity of message, and the author’s ability to illuminate Scripture with accuracy and affection for Christ, ensuring transparency and trustworthy reflection of the book’s spiritual depth and value.
Ruth’s meditations felt like small, steady breaths drawn from Scripture … not rushed, not heavy, simply rooted in the character of God. The pairing of each passage with a single bloom created a rhythm that helped my mind settle and my thoughts turn toward the One who provides, sustains, and meets His children in their need.
The artwork added its own quiet ministry. Soft washes of color, delicate petals, and thoughtful detail created space for my heart to rest. The beauty on the page never distracted from the truth; it simply helped me see that the God who shapes every flower with intention shapes my life with the same care.
These meditations invited my soul toward dependency, resilience, unhurried rest, and belovedness… gently drawing me into deeper trust. Every reflection carried the assurance that the Lord holds His children with unwavering tenderness and keeps every promise He has spoken.
This book will bless anyone seeking calm in anxious days, anyone who needs Scripture wrapped in beauty, and anyone longing for a quiet place to remember the Lord’s tenderness toward His children.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on biblical faithfulness, clarity of message, and the author’s ability to illuminate Scripture with accuracy and affection for Christ, ensuring transparency and trustworthy reflection of the book’s spiritual depth and value.
September 5, 2025
As lovely and encouraging as can be. I love the premise, the content, and the stunning artwork!
February 14, 2026
“To the ones who imagine that unburdened is possible only when you’re surrounded by wildflowers & mountain air; Jesus is better, and you are loved more than the flowers of any field.”
This book has been so sweet to my soul and has been the perfect pairing with my morning devotional time. Every entry hit so close to home, and the dedication alone (quoted above) brought tears to my eyes because it was felt so deeply.
This book has been so sweet to my soul and has been the perfect pairing with my morning devotional time. Every entry hit so close to home, and the dedication alone (quoted above) brought tears to my eyes because it was felt so deeply.
October 14, 2025
I received an arc as part of the book launch team. I love Ruth's books, and I'm excited to have the actual copy of the book in my hand. Artwork is just not the same on a computer screen as in a book. The book deals with anxiety and uses flowers to describe different types. It was an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2026
Beautiful, both visually and literarily, but I’ve come to expect nothing less from Ruth Chou Simons. Her writing style is to the heart what her art is to the eye.
One of my favorite authors, Ruth manages to say deeply meaningful and scripturally accurate things in a beautiful, flowing way. Too many times authors fall on either side of this line, expressing good theology but in a black and white way, or writing beautifully, but saying nothing substantive.
While her considerable artistic talent makes these books ones that I love to display, I never have to worry that I’m buying just a beautiful coffee table book with Ruth, for the content is just as solid as the art.
If you haven’t picked up on this yet, I would highly recommend this, or any (all!) of her books. Always worth the investment! ❤️
One of my favorite authors, Ruth manages to say deeply meaningful and scripturally accurate things in a beautiful, flowing way. Too many times authors fall on either side of this line, expressing good theology but in a black and white way, or writing beautifully, but saying nothing substantive.
While her considerable artistic talent makes these books ones that I love to display, I never have to worry that I’m buying just a beautiful coffee table book with Ruth, for the content is just as solid as the art.
If you haven’t picked up on this yet, I would highly recommend this, or any (all!) of her books. Always worth the investment! ❤️
March 18, 2026
“You can rest.
You can let go.
You can lay it down.
Because He is the God who cares for you.”
I cannot say enough about this beautiful book. It is incredibly gorgeous filled with Ruth’s art but the real beauty lies in the Scripture lessons that Ruth shares. I knew this book was going to minister to my heart but I had no idea just how much my heart truly needed it. This book is going on an All-Time Favorites list and I know I will be referencing it many times in the future whenever my heart needs the reminders.
Y’all, this book. Get it. Just get it. Whether you’re single, married, have kids or don’t have kids ~ every single one of us needs this book!
November 6, 2025
Absolutely amazing. Ruth is the best.
I listened to the audio book read by the author.
Ruth has such a way with words and this book is jam packed with scripture.
I listened to the audio book read by the author.
Ruth has such a way with words and this book is jam packed with scripture.
March 10, 2026
My favorite of Ruth’s books! First off, the book is gorgeous. The devotionals are not too long, but more than a page, but I think it is good to take a little bit of time to breathe and meditate. I found the devotionals more helpful than her previous books.
I highly recommend this book paired with morning coffee on your patio.
I highly recommend this book paired with morning coffee on your patio.
September 28, 2025
With its gorgeous illustrations and even more beautiful truths, The Way of the Wildflower is an encouragement to embrace God as our creator, savior, and sustainer rather than striving to navigate life in our own strength. Each topic is relevant, but none are superficial. Ruth brings readers back to Scripture and back to Jesus in each entry.
February 17, 2026
Loved joining Ruth these last few weeks for her bookclub on this book. You can feel her genuineness in the issues that are real for her. If you have had anxiety or feelings of inadequacy she writes with relation to these things. She ties each day into similarities with a wildflower, and describes how that wildflower thrives.
I looked forward to reading this. It’s beautifully done (like her work always is).
There are 5 weeks with daily thoughts:
THE WAY OF DEPENDENCY 13
1. When you Need Someone to Care Forget-Me-Noe17
2 When You're Afraid of the Future snowdrop 23
3. Whes de Brokenness of The World Feels Heavy Alpine Aster 29
4 When Life Takes an Unexpeced Turn Columbine 35
5. When you Feel Week - Wavyleaf Thistle 43
6 When Grief is Fresh Lily of the Valley 49
THE WAY OF FREEDOM
7. When you can’t turn back the Clock - Honeysuckle
8. When You’ve Been Wronged - Yellow Wood Violet
9. When you feel Misunderstood - Lupine
10. When You Just Want a Perfect Plan Jacob’s Ladder
11. When you’re Facing a Big Decision mountain iris 83
12. Whes you’re Afraid to Step into your Calling larkspur
THE WAY OF RESILENCE 95
13 When you don’t Want to Road the Bible Foothill Paintbrush 99
15. When the pain you’re in is not just a season - oriental poppy 119
16. When disappointment threatens to take you out - Queen Anne’s lace
12. when you’re Warring with Sin - coneflower
18. when friendship is inconvenient - morning glory 133
THE WAY OF THE UNHURRIED
19. When You Want What You Don't Have /Azure Bluet
20. When You Don’t Know What to Do Next - Compass Plant 149
21. When You're Overwhelmed - Whiplash Daisy 155
22. When You're Still Waiting -Evening Primrose 163
23. When It Feels Impossible -Parry's Primrose 169
24. When It's Chaotic in and Around You - German Chamomile 175
THE WAY OF BELOVEDNESS
25. When You Don’t Feel Lovely - California Poppy 185
26. When You're Not Sure Who You Are - Common Sunflower
27. When Your Work Feels Unsatisfying
Heather 197
28. When You Feel Alone in the World Yarrow: 203
29. When Your Life Feels Mundane and Ordinary - King's Crown
30. When You Feel Far from Home - Bluebells 215
Introduction:
“This book is born out of my own battle with anxious thoughts and fears…”
“Belovedness, as God's creation, means that we are uniquely known and cared for, precious and valued even if we feel small or hidden”
“Oh, to be like a wildflower-dependent and surrendered, not demanding a specific storyline, a certain season, or a more ideal circumstance, but to truly bloom where we've been planted.”
“May we live openhearted. Like a field of wildflowers, laid bare, glowing with and for the glory of God.”
“Grace transforms, grace enables, and grace supplies what doesn't come naturally in our fallen state.” Ch 12
Chapter 26:
“How can you use your body to be an instrument of praise rather than an object of critique? Think about that.”
“How has God faithfully transformed you little by little? Think about that.”
“In our new identities as Christ-followers, we belong to Jesus. Why is this important? It's important because whose we are defines who we are.”
“Due to a fascinating behavior called heliotropism, sunflowers turn toward the sun while they are growing. In the morning, they face the east, and they follow the sun until they are facing the west in the evening.
What if we spent our days turning to face the Son? How much more secure would we be in who we are and whose we are if we did that.”
I looked forward to reading this. It’s beautifully done (like her work always is).
There are 5 weeks with daily thoughts:
THE WAY OF DEPENDENCY 13
1. When you Need Someone to Care Forget-Me-Noe17
2 When You're Afraid of the Future snowdrop 23
3. Whes de Brokenness of The World Feels Heavy Alpine Aster 29
4 When Life Takes an Unexpeced Turn Columbine 35
5. When you Feel Week - Wavyleaf Thistle 43
6 When Grief is Fresh Lily of the Valley 49
THE WAY OF FREEDOM
7. When you can’t turn back the Clock - Honeysuckle
8. When You’ve Been Wronged - Yellow Wood Violet
9. When you feel Misunderstood - Lupine
10. When You Just Want a Perfect Plan Jacob’s Ladder
11. When you’re Facing a Big Decision mountain iris 83
12. Whes you’re Afraid to Step into your Calling larkspur
THE WAY OF RESILENCE 95
13 When you don’t Want to Road the Bible Foothill Paintbrush 99
15. When the pain you’re in is not just a season - oriental poppy 119
16. When disappointment threatens to take you out - Queen Anne’s lace
12. when you’re Warring with Sin - coneflower
18. when friendship is inconvenient - morning glory 133
THE WAY OF THE UNHURRIED
19. When You Want What You Don't Have /Azure Bluet
20. When You Don’t Know What to Do Next - Compass Plant 149
21. When You're Overwhelmed - Whiplash Daisy 155
22. When You're Still Waiting -Evening Primrose 163
23. When It Feels Impossible -Parry's Primrose 169
24. When It's Chaotic in and Around You - German Chamomile 175
THE WAY OF BELOVEDNESS
25. When You Don’t Feel Lovely - California Poppy 185
26. When You're Not Sure Who You Are - Common Sunflower
27. When Your Work Feels Unsatisfying
Heather 197
28. When You Feel Alone in the World Yarrow: 203
29. When Your Life Feels Mundane and Ordinary - King's Crown
30. When You Feel Far from Home - Bluebells 215
Introduction:
“This book is born out of my own battle with anxious thoughts and fears…”
“Belovedness, as God's creation, means that we are uniquely known and cared for, precious and valued even if we feel small or hidden”
“Oh, to be like a wildflower-dependent and surrendered, not demanding a specific storyline, a certain season, or a more ideal circumstance, but to truly bloom where we've been planted.”
“May we live openhearted. Like a field of wildflowers, laid bare, glowing with and for the glory of God.”
“Grace transforms, grace enables, and grace supplies what doesn't come naturally in our fallen state.” Ch 12
Chapter 26:
“How can you use your body to be an instrument of praise rather than an object of critique? Think about that.”
“How has God faithfully transformed you little by little? Think about that.”
“In our new identities as Christ-followers, we belong to Jesus. Why is this important? It's important because whose we are defines who we are.”
“Due to a fascinating behavior called heliotropism, sunflowers turn toward the sun while they are growing. In the morning, they face the east, and they follow the sun until they are facing the west in the evening.
What if we spent our days turning to face the Son? How much more secure would we be in who we are and whose we are if we did that.”
November 19, 2025
Most amazing book in so many ways!
December 12, 2025
What an incredible devotional book!
Challenging, encouraging, scripturally sound, beautiful, easy to digest in small doses, left me thinking about SO MUCH!
Love, love, love this author!
Challenging, encouraging, scripturally sound, beautiful, easy to digest in small doses, left me thinking about SO MUCH!
Love, love, love this author!
March 15, 2026
I loved this one! First of all the book itself is beautiful from the cover to the artwork throughout it… it’s so pretty! This book was comforting in reminding me of truths about God and his character that correspond to various fears and difficulties. Each chapter covers a different feeling or fear such as… when you can’t turn back the clock, when disappointment threatens to take you out, when your life feels mundane and ordinary, when you don’t feel lovely, when you’re not sure who you are, when you don’t want to read the Bible, when you want what you don’t have, when it feels impossible, and several more. At the end of each chapter, there is a small section about a flower that goes with the theme and how that flower demonstrates a specific truth. For example, the king’s crown flower has leaves which are essential for its survival, yet, its blooms are what get attention. This points to the truth that the mundane and ordinary things are often what makes us grow.
January 7, 2026
“A mind fixed on the faithful character of God cannot fixate on deficiencies in God’s plan for us at the same time.”
“Our salvation isn’t secured when Jesus points to the way; it is in and through him as the way.”
Ruth does it again. Her tone is kind and her theology is steel.
“Our salvation isn’t secured when Jesus points to the way; it is in and through him as the way.”
Ruth does it again. Her tone is kind and her theology is steel.
December 18, 2025
I loved this book. Ruth’s writing is gentle and beautifully thoughtful, and each flower she highlights serves as a meaningful reminder of God’s care and provision. As someone who loves flowers, this book especially resonated with me, but it also deepened my sense of wonder at creation—how God designed all things to flourish in their own environments, perfectly provided for. A truly uplifting and reflective read. 🌸
September 26, 2025
This book is coming at a time when so many of us long time followers of Jesus are just weary of the world and desperately need the reminder that we can rely on Him for all that we need. The divisions are really helpful-making it easy to quickly turn to a topic relevant to your current circumstance; Ruth’s points are insightful, and of course, the artwork is as beautiful as ever.
January 21, 2026
Amazing devo!! I highly recommend!!
February 2, 2026
Get it. Read it. You won’t regret it. So so good!
March 1, 2026
This devotional is beautifully written and presented. The art is beautiful. The truths Ruth writes are both profound and ordinary.
February 8, 2026
So many good reminders in this! Love the way she writes and loved that the audiobook was read by her.
Some quotes I saved:
“It is a gift to feel overwhelmed if that overwhelm leads you to surrender.”
“It is God‘s kindness that you cannot keep up with all that life demands of you.”
“You can be equipped for what’s to come only when you steward well what you’ve already been given.”
Some quotes I saved:
“It is a gift to feel overwhelmed if that overwhelm leads you to surrender.”
“It is God‘s kindness that you cannot keep up with all that life demands of you.”
“You can be equipped for what’s to come only when you steward well what you’ve already been given.”
November 20, 2025
This books was beautiful to its core and brought much needed encouragement and truth to reset my gaze on Jesus, whatever my circumstances. I’ve loved all of Ruth’s books, but this is my favorite one yet.
December 14, 2025
I don't know how this book doesn't have a perfect five-star score!
I was gifted this book by very special friend and it is the pearl in my crown of books.
The pages are so beautifully illustrated, the cover is so rich and luxurious and the content is absolutely magnificent.
The way she speaks in this devotion totally resonates with my heart. Everyday there was something that spoke to me in a real and powerful way. If you don't have this book, you need to get this book!
I will treasure it always!!!! 🌿🌷🌹🪻🌻🌼🌸🏵️🌿
I was gifted this book by very special friend and it is the pearl in my crown of books.
The pages are so beautifully illustrated, the cover is so rich and luxurious and the content is absolutely magnificent.
The way she speaks in this devotion totally resonates with my heart. Everyday there was something that spoke to me in a real and powerful way. If you don't have this book, you need to get this book!
I will treasure it always!!!! 🌿🌷🌹🪻🌻🌼🌸🏵️🌿
January 18, 2026
I don’t tend to think of myself as a very anxious person, but seemingly each chapter had me thinking “oh yeah, this really speaks to me too.” Ruth weaves Scriptural truth with personal anecdotes and wildflower metaphors so well. Add in the beautiful watercolor art interspersed throughout the pages, and it’s just a really great book.
September 29, 2025
This book is beautiful and filled with truth. Ruth writes in a way that truly grabs your heart and reminds you of God’s love for you. Grab a copy and as you read, you’ll feel your soul take a deep breath and rest in God’s goodness and grace!
September 12, 2025
This is such an encouraging book!!
January 24, 2026
What a beautiful book full of such encouragement. The meditations feel like a gentle hug when your soul is weary. I am sure that I will reread it again and again.
December 31, 2025
Ruth’s talent with words and art are astounding! I so appreciate how she seeks to point her readers to the Lord through her beautiful artwork as well as her words. This devotional was absolutely gorgeous, and encouraging! Ruth is so relatable and transparent about her walk with the Lord and this devotional is inspiring. I also appreciate that her devotionals are not just “fluff” to go with the art, but are laced with Scripture and meaningful reminders of God’s steadfastness and faithfulness. Each devotional is based off a wildflower and has given me beautiful little reminders of how God uses His creation to remind us of His character.
*I received a free digital copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review
*I received a free digital copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review
January 31, 2026
This book reads like a devotional where she shares 30 anxious thoughts meant to be brought before the Lord and cast on Him. She uses wildflowers to point out simple truths that I need to be reminded of daily. Not to mention, her artwork is astonishing.
Overall, a simple yet encouraging read for the troubled and anxious heart. Thankful my mother bought me this one for Christmas.
Overall, a simple yet encouraging read for the troubled and anxious heart. Thankful my mother bought me this one for Christmas.
January 20, 2026
One of my favorite devotional books that I will keep coming back to for Scripture and encouragement in different seasons of life. It’s also beautiful - Ruth’s artwork is on every page, making it a book you can leave out on display. This will be a go-to gift I get for people. Highly recommend!
February 4, 2026
A beautiful book with gorgeous paintings. Creates in me a longing to get outdoors and see the wildflowers again, giving all of my worries, fears, anxieties, dreams, and joys to the Lord.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews