All the Hard Things: 50 Days Through the Valley

by Sarah Freymuth

You May Be Hurting, but You Won’t Be Left Behind

Maybe you received news you never expected to hear. Maybe you’re clinging to a wild hope that seems to grow smaller with each passing year. Or maybe you’ve navigated one impossibly hard season after another, and you don’t know how much longer you can endure.

There are no instructions for times like these. No platitudes or forced positivity will do. Instead, All the Hard Things is a devotional offering 50 days of gentle affirmations, scriptural insights, and uplifting reminders of God’s intimate goodness for anyone experiencing a season of difficulty.

Regardless of what you are facing, Sarah Freymuth invites you to journey alongside her through each painful circumstance and search for God’s presence through it all. The way out of the valley is through the good guidance of our Shepherd, who gives us what we need and leads us by His love. These devotions will help you cling to God’s character each day and count on His goodness and faithfulness each step of the way.

Genres: Faith, Christian

256 pages, Hardcover

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Kara Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He remains faithful; we remain his.” What a poignant, soul-steadying sentence that encapsulates our experience with Jesus as He walks WITH us through the valleys of this life…and there are many. We don’t need to go out, like masochists, looking for hard things to refine our faith. No, we are frail people, living in a broken world—the hard things often come unbidden into our lives.

I appreciate that author Sarah Freymuth doesn’t sidestep or soften the blows of the hard things; she is honest that life can be difficult and full of unexpected, life-altering challenges…and she humbly and gently invites us to journey with her as she has journeyed with Jesus through such times in her own life.

Through 50 devotions, Sarah takes us by the hand and allows us to peer into her struggles with life-threatening illness, anxiety, and depression. She also encourages us to reflect on our own struggles, to consider if we ever feel abandoned by God or if we question His goodness when facing hard things. Then she speaks TRUTH—to herself and to us. Sarah highlights God’s character, His faithfulness, and His promises, lifting her eyes and ours to where our help comes from. She reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure, even when the waves of life threaten to take us under.

I deeply appreciate Sarah’s vivid writing and her desire to invite others into a space of honesty and healing. The Bible tells us that God gives beauty for ashes…Sarah is a walking testimony of that truth.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional book is a wonderful read!

The author (Sarah Freymuth) writes in a lyrical way filled with a tone of comfort. She shares her heart as this book opens with an introduction that prepares the reader to journey with her these 50 days of devotions. Sarah addresses real world issues in each of these devotions and imparts life lessons that will help you survive the storms of life.

Her advice within this book is Biblical and helpful. At the end of every devotion, she challenges the reader to go deeper with four mini-sections that encourage them to Reflect, Linger, Respond and Praise God. I love how the Praise section in each chapter points to a Christian faith-based song the reader can look up and listen to on YouTube.

At the end of this 50-day devotional journey, there is are two final pages titled, “Closing: A Quiet in the Setting Sun” that provide a sweet and satisfying conclusion.

I highly recommend this beautiful book to every woman who needs to feel seen, heard and supported in their struggles. It will encourage you to keep moving forward and not give up in your faith walk with God.

[Kimberly Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the author, and the timing was perfect as I am coming out of my own season of hard things. All the Hard Things has been a sweet gift and opportunity to reflect. I appreciated Sarah's honesty as she gives us glimpses of her own story - her experiences, her emotions and questions, her wrestling. This is not a book of empty platitudes, but hard learned lessons and experiences that kept Sarah running back to the Lord, and allows her to encourage others in their own "hard". I LOVED that she did not stop at her own story and lessons, but provides the opportunity for the reader to go deeper with reflection questions, additional passages to linger on, and recommended worship songs. At one point, Sarah makes a comment about Joseph, that based on this devotional, I believe is applicable to her story as well, "Joseph developed a character much richer than all the wealth of Egypt. He came out from his season of suffering fully dependent on God and full of wisdom and humility..." Beautifully done. Thank you Sarah!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent devotional book for anyone who has ever felt discouraged, anxious, fearful, confused or wondering where God is in the midst of a difficult season in life. Sometimes you're in a hard place because of the circumstances around you, sometimes it's because of whatever is happening within your mind, heart or body. Sarah writes with authenticity and emotional realism about her own struggles with her health, anxiety and depression. She shares how she clung to God's promises and belief in His character to lead her through the hard places. Her writing is vivid with imagery but also grounded in reality, so that her words are not platitudes but hard-fought truths learned during her journey through life's many "valleys." Sarah's use of Scripture is not preachy and heavy-handed, but gentle and comforting. Sarah shares her life as a fellow sojourner, and you will feel like you are talking with a humble friend who has come out on the other side of some very hard places.

[Mandy Rennicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Hard Things is a deeply encouraging devotional for anyone walking through uncertainty, unanswered prayers, or a difficult season. Rather than offering quick fixes or empty catchphrases, it points the reader toward the hope we find in Christ.

Each entry is thoughtfully written, blending Sarah’s raw and honest experiences with biblical truth you can cling to. She includes additional scripture passages to study along with reflection questions to ponder. The tone is honest and relatable, making this devo easy to return to day after day.

This devotional is not about escaping hardships, but about learning how to faithfully move through them. If you are someone walking through anxiety, discouragement, or grief, this book is a gentle reminder that you are not alone and that God is near, even in all the hard things.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Hard Things is a beautiful 50-day devotional that addresses the questions we all face when we encounter difficult circumstances, loss, illness, and heartbreaks of all kinds. With lyrical yet accessible writing, Sarah walks alongside us through this journey, sharing stories of all the ways God has taught and walked with her through her own hard seasons. Though Sarah addresses hard topics, the tone of this book always stays encouraging and uplifting. Welcome spiritual reminders, relevant Scripture readings, and practical reflection questions work together through each reflection to help readers feel seen and draw closer to God. I fullheartedly recommend this book for anyone looking for a simple, daily rhythm to grow closer to Jesus through the storms and wilderness roads of this life.

[Kendra Broekhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Freymuth’s All The Hard Things is a beautifully honest and grounding read for those in the midst of pain, longing, or life’s anxieties. Each of the 50 reflections shares hard-fought wisdom and encouragement for people going through spiritual discontent, inner battles, situational struggles, relational strain, and even good hard things. This makes it a book you can underline and go back to again and again. I especially love the resources listed after each day, including Scripture that speaks into your pain, prayers for when you can’t find the words, songs for a grounding soundtrack in your day, and reflection questions.

I love this book! It's not about platitudes or forced positivity, but an invitation to search for God’s presence through all the hard things.

[Nichole Suvar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In All the Hard Things, Sarah Freymuth walks us through valleys and hard places with words of hope. Her peaceful, steady voice comes alongside like a friend who isn’t afraid of the pain we carry. She doesn’t rush us past our grief or offer quick fixes—instead, she gently reminds us that we’re not alone, and that Jesus meets us right in the middle of it all. With each devotional, Sarah helps us see that, while we long to be rescued from the hard things, there’s something sacred about walking through them with our Shepherd. Her words are tender and true, pointing us to a God who is both near and good. For anyone who is weary, waiting, or wondering if they’ll ever feel whole again, All the Hard Things is a soft place to land—and a quiet guide back to trust.

[Stephanie Thompson]

This book invites us to curiously seek God's presence in our hard places. In each devotional, the author shares her own moments of struggles and how she leaned into scripture to remember God's character and how He might meet her here. Her examples resonated with me even if her experiences differed in detail. We've all prayed for answers, felt the daunting weight of grief, and longed for clarity.

Sarah offers up a scripture verse that grounds each Devotional but then weaves additional texts throughout her prose so that the message is seamless. In addition, she offers reflection questions to give the reader opportunity to ponder on how God is speaking into their situation. I could have used this book during a recent five year season of hard things. I will use it as a resource repeatedly.

[Susan Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I have often said while walking out seasons of my own hard things is that no one else understands. The pain, the wrestling, the struggle is real that you face in the depths of a challenging season while still trying to hold on to your faith. After reading All the Hard Things, I know someone else understands. From the introduction to the last page, Sarah takes you on a journey with her through her own hard things so that you feel encouraged, empowered, and seen walking out your own. You will leave its pages feeling your load just got a little lighter. It reads much like the book of Lamentations and yet sings like the Psalms of David. It lifts your head, inspires your heart, and leads your soul to hope.

[Marie Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate Sarah Freymuth's vulnerability in sharing her struggles and questions about faith when she encountered hard things on her journey, and also offering comfort in Christ in the midst of it all. Sarah describes metaphors from nature wonderfully and writes like a fellow sojourner walking with us through the valley and giving us hope that we will make it to the other side. The honest prayers and Scripture promises at the end of each chapter encouraged me.

Sarah's beautiful, lyrical writing will calm and soothe your soul through difficult moments in your valley. I highly recommend reading All the Hard Things and giving a copy to others going through a hard season.

I want to thank the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Keren Dibbens-Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those deeply valuable devotionals that doesn’t skirt around the difficult stuff. Looking at the troubles of life largely through her own experience with chronic anxiety, Sarah Freymuth creates a lens of compassion that helps others who are struggling. Spiritual trials and circumstantial difficulties are described lyrically, with deftly poetic expression and helpful connections to nature and Scripture. If you want an empathetic guide through the valleys and rapids of the Christian life, I recommend Sarah’s wise and kind counsel in this book.

The author kindly sent me an ARC for review purposes in return for an honest review.

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this quote from All the Hard Things, “No more striving. No more plowing through our quiet time as one more thing to get done. The Lord offers us a way to real rest, as we hitch our hearts to his and walk in his ways, match his cadence, tune our ears to his voice.” What a beautiful reassurance that we can find rest when our hearts hurt, when we gasp for a spiritual breath after a long struggle.

This book is full of comfort like this. It’s just the thing to turn to in the hard seasons of life or on the days that leave me weary. It’s also the perfect gift for someone struggling to stay afloat in grief or pain. Sarah Freymuth’s writing is like salve to the hurting soul.

[Deborah Rutherford]

All the Hard Things is an inspiring and lovely book, a comforting companion for the daily bumps of life and the life-altering moments. Sarah Freymuth's intimate poetic voice invites us into the sacred as we grapple with crushing changes, transitions, pain, and suffering. She guides us through various seasons of difficulty, uncovering and demonstrating the abundant hope and goodness of God. Each daily devotional offers personal breakthroughs, scriptural truth, reflection prompts, and a beautiful prayer. This book is a beacon of hope for all readers, especially when life seems hopeless. It reminds us that our Shepherd, Jesus, is always with us, even in our darkest valleys.

[Traci Shnider · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re walking through a valley right now—feeling anxious, hurt, or discouraged—and you’re unsure how to take the next step in the darkness, this book is for you. By sharing her heart with vulnerability, the author, Sarah Freymuth, meets you exactly where you are. Her honesty makes room to breathe, and her words gently guide your gaze back to what is true—God is near, He cares, and He is faithful, even when your days feel fragile.

If you’re wrestling with the quiet question, “Where is God in this?” these pages feel like someone linking arms with you and saying, “Friend, you’re not alone—and even here, in the hard things, there is hope.”

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is one of my friends who knows how to speak the language of the heart with all of its desires, frustrations, questions and doubts. Reading through her devotional is like having a friend walk alongside you to help you confront the hard parts about life that you might prefer to gloss over. She leads you by the hand towards a greater faith. She does this by showing you her own vulnerability and by pointing to the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Whether you are currently going through something hard or not, this book will help you hold the tension of suffering and hope while following Jesus in this broken world.

[Candace Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is beautifully written. It shares so many wonderful pictures of how the Lord walks alongside us in hard things both big and small and never leaves us. One of my favorite quotes that illustrates this is “God, in all his mystery and love, can take our tangled mess and love us back to life. Over time he can replace tears with joy. He can bring a fresh dose of hope to our hopeless hearts.”
I also love how Sarah ends each devotional with a worship song. I’ve found new favorite songs to praise my Savior with.

[Katelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful devotional reads as if to be a friend in the dark times, a place to rest your weary soul, and beacon to find your way. Sarah Freymuth did a beautiful job! The cover is gorgeous, the size is perfect, and it comes with a beautiful ribbon attached bookmark. Each section is perfectly paired with verses to linger in, guided prayers, and songs of praise. If I had to put a downfall, it would be that I want to keep reading more than a section a day as it resonates with my heart in so many ways that it's captivating. I couldn't recommend this book more!

[Janet Turnbough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique devotional book. The author opens her life to share hard things she has experienced but makes it relatable to the reader. But she doesn't leave you there - she causes you to look up and look to God. She applies God's truth in each devotional. Each devotional concludes with opportunities to Reflect, Linger, and Respond as well as a recommended praise song. Along with being a devotional, it's a reference and prayer guide.

[Elizabeth Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Hard Things is a must read! It acknowledges that life can be heavy, confusing, and deeply challenging, while continually pointing you back to hope and truth.
What makes this devotional especially powerful is its format. Each entry feels thoughtfully crafted and intentionally structured. I absolutely love how she includes additional Scripture verses for deeper study, songs to pair with each devotional and Bible verses throughout the reading. Be inspired, order yours today!

[Jen Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah’s words are a balm for the weary soul.

She speaks from her own struggles, opening each devotion by beautifully relaying in poetic prose the tension, anxiety and grief we hold in our bodies, minds, and hearts when we travel through the valleys of life. Then she gently points us back to Jesus and his promise to be with us in the hard places… “We see his kingdom come right here in the middle of our muddied mess. God is here, holding you, guiding you, and strengthening you.”

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself reaching for this new devotional each morning, searching through Sarah's varied topics, and choosing something out of the great selection that ministers to my soul. It's full of wisdom and solace for so many seasons in life. Especially I've loved her suggestions for a worship song to go with the day's reading. Many of these songs are new to me, but will become favorites. I highly recommend the book for you or as a gift.

[Jessi Fincher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah has provided a way forward in the midst of hard that doesn’t demean the experience or the individual walking through it. I’m thankful for the encouragement and desire to keep our hearts fixed on the one who holds us.

[Brandi Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah clearly understands that faith and sorrow often coexist. Rather than minimizing pain, this book honors it while gently pointing toward God’s steady presence. It creates space to breathe, to feel, and to heal. Whether read daily or revisited during a difficult season - this is a must read!

[Kristy Glaspie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in a painful season of life, this book is for you. It beautifully blends the author’s experiences—but in a relatable way—with the truths of scripture to provide comfort for those in pain. I’m in my own hard season, and it’s felt like a warm blanket for my weary soul. Highly recommend!

[Elena Limoges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly beautiful and timely book. I got an early copy from the author and I am savoring these words especially after coming out of a long wilderness season myself. I’m so glad Sarah Freymuth wrote this book!

[Jami Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a time as this!!! This book could not have come out at a more perfect time. If you are weary or wrestling, this is a must read! It is filled with scripture and beautiful reminders of God’s faithfulness.

[Siv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for an ARC.

I think it’s safe to say we all know what it is to walk through life’s valleys; if you haven’t hit a valley trail yet, you will. This lovely, lyrical book can be a companion on those hard days, in that hard season.

[Allison Gibeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is full of challenges that stretch our faith, and in this book Sarah shares Biblical truths to remember when our circumstances are uncertain and unsure. I am personally experiencing a very hard challenge in my current season of life, and I am using Sarah's words to remind myself of God's presence in the midst of what I am facing. The devotions are thought-provoking and include relevant reflection questions and songs to reinforce the message that God is with us and will sustain us. I am grateful for Sarah's words.

[Libby Kiesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited about this book! How many times in our lives do we find ourselves in an undescript valley? This devotional is filled with encouragement that points us to our Good Shepherd when we find ourselves lost.