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Guarded by Christ: Knowing the God Who Rescues and Keeps Us
Heather Holleman used to live a fragile life, a prisoner to fear, anxiety, and despair. Like many younger women, she knew Jesus, but she wasn’t strong in Him. Her search for comfort seemed unending. Then one day, while reading a simple statement in Scripture, “God guards the lives of his faithful ones” (Psalm 97:10), that all began to change. In Guarded by Knowing the God Who Rescues and Keeps Us , Heather guides women through a series of practical mental shifts that immensely helped her live strong in the Lord. Learn how in Jesus, you are We all need maturity in Christ that prepares us not just to endure anything, but to live from the strength and peace of Jesus in every season. Guarded by Christ will help women cultivate this maturity, reconnecting them with the Savior who rescues, keeps, and holds us with His love.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
98 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Heather Holleman
13 books154 followersHEATHER HOLLEMAN, PhD, is a popular speaker, writer, and college instructor. She serves with Faculty Commons with Cru alongside her husband, Ashley, who is the Executive Director of Graduate Student Ministry. She is also a faculty member of Penn State's English Department and teaches both Rhetoric and Composition and Advanced Writing in the Humanities. She is the author of Seated With Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison, her first in a series of books on life-changing verbs in Scripture. Heather lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their two teen daughters. She blogs daily at www.HeatherHolleman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 17, 2020
In Guarded by Christ, Heather Holleman explains how we can use mental images to help us recall scripture intended to keep the presence of Christ and His work in the forefront of our minds — no matter our circumstance. This is not a New Age idea, but a tool employed by Moses, King David, and even Jesus to connect people to biblical truths. Holleman points out how society is becoming evermore reliant on the internet and smart devices to store information, and as a result we are neglecting the importance of memorizing God’s Word. When we’re stressed by work, family, depression, or anxiety, we are helpless to recall the very truths that would bring us comfort, guidance, and healing.
Similar to how David envisioned God as his strong fortress or tower, Holleman asks readers to picture Him as a fortress for our souls. A place inside us where we’re crucified and guarded from sin, self, and Satan. She proceeds to “furnish” this fortress with a catapult of His righteousness, a moat representing His peace, a window of hope, and the strong arm of His power. Each furnishing is explained using relevant verses, personal accounts, and the occasional quote from a theologian. The aim is to cement the image and their concepts in the minds of her readers. By then end, not only did I understand how God guards me by his righteousness, peace, hope, and power, but also how a life operated out of my soul fortress should look. This last point is best summarized by her statement: If our Christian life is always about “me”— my well-being, my prosperity, my purpose, and my own internal life— we’re missing the outward movement of Christ into the world to seek and save the lost and to help others grow into maturity.
Do you battle with anxiety or depression? Could you be looking for peace in a false resting place (health, wealth, relationships, material possessions)? Do you feel like you stand condemned before God? If your answer to any of these questions was YES, then this book is for you!
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Similar to how David envisioned God as his strong fortress or tower, Holleman asks readers to picture Him as a fortress for our souls. A place inside us where we’re crucified and guarded from sin, self, and Satan. She proceeds to “furnish” this fortress with a catapult of His righteousness, a moat representing His peace, a window of hope, and the strong arm of His power. Each furnishing is explained using relevant verses, personal accounts, and the occasional quote from a theologian. The aim is to cement the image and their concepts in the minds of her readers. By then end, not only did I understand how God guards me by his righteousness, peace, hope, and power, but also how a life operated out of my soul fortress should look. This last point is best summarized by her statement: If our Christian life is always about “me”— my well-being, my prosperity, my purpose, and my own internal life— we’re missing the outward movement of Christ into the world to seek and save the lost and to help others grow into maturity.
Do you battle with anxiety or depression? Could you be looking for peace in a false resting place (health, wealth, relationships, material possessions)? Do you feel like you stand condemned before God? If your answer to any of these questions was YES, then this book is for you!
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2016
Heather Holleman first impacted my life with Seated with Christ. Now she has done it again with Guarded by Christ. This book has made me rethink who I am in Christ and has caused me to claim many scriptural promises about how I am always guarded by the Holy God.
Heather starts out this book by really digging deep into what it means to be guarded by Christ. She greatly backs up this idea by scripture. Then she moves on to explore the righteousness, peace, hope, power, and crucifixion of self that comes as a result of being guarded in Him. She has a really neat way of pulling these promises to mind when our brains have a tendency to forget them.
What I love most about this book is how transparent and honest Heather is throughout. She has dealt with some tough issues in the past and, though Christ, was able to move beyond those issues and claim who she is in Him. I love this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to claim who they are in Christ.
Heather starts out this book by really digging deep into what it means to be guarded by Christ. She greatly backs up this idea by scripture. Then she moves on to explore the righteousness, peace, hope, power, and crucifixion of self that comes as a result of being guarded in Him. She has a really neat way of pulling these promises to mind when our brains have a tendency to forget them.
What I love most about this book is how transparent and honest Heather is throughout. She has dealt with some tough issues in the past and, though Christ, was able to move beyond those issues and claim who she is in Him. I love this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to claim who they are in Christ.
December 23, 2019
I love how Heather writes. This book explored much of something I struggle deeply with: perspective. She talks a lot of her personal struggle with depression in a candid and honest way that doesn’t sugarcoat, and I really appreciate that. In comparison to other books of this genre, they are mostly fluff. What Heather writes is not fluff. She gives a lot of helpful mental images, which I really appreciate because I am a visual learner. It’s like having a fire hydrant of truth aimed at you, reading her works! I love feeling drenched in the Word and in truth from reading her works.
October 18, 2016
Holleman was reading Psalm 97:10 and wondered what it meant that God guards the hearts of His faithful ones. She decided to find out.
I appreciate Holleman's emphasis on God guarding us on the inside (as opposed to physical safety). Christ dwells in our inner being by the Holy Spirit and imparts all the characteristics of God's guarding presence to our soul. This reality made her want to learn a different way to be, to live from her inner being.
Her emphasis is on what is happening in the soul (not the spirit). That is where we run our lives and that is where Jesus dwells, she writes. This teaching is new to me as I always considered Jesus in me was a spiritual connection, that He dwelt in the spirit part of me, not the soul. I am not clear if Holleman considers the soul/spirit to be one aspect of our humanity or not.
Holleman knows that we humans tend to forget so she developed a method to remember the guarding. She pictured a towering medieval fortress to help her recall the truth. A catapult (confidence) and window (hope) reminded her of more truth. A moat represented the peace from the guarding presence of the Spirit. Some may question the use of imagery but David had the same idea when he spoke of God as his rock of refuge to which he could always go. (Ps. 71:3)
In addition to the memory technique ideas, Holleman has included great biblical teaching on the aspects of being guarded. I really liked her thoughts on living the crucified life in the power of the Holy Spirit. She has added questions at the end of each chapter for further thought and discussion.
This book is worth serious reading and intense thought. Holleman has a morning routine of proclaiming the truth that she was dwelling in Christ's peace, meditating on Scriptures and picturing the fortress. She found more peace and was no longer ruled by her anxious mind. Shifting her attention to her inner being where Jesus dwells helped her to have a good foundation for choices and living in general.
Food for thought: “We are dwelling in Him, and nothing can touch our souls in that most marvelous secret place.”
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I appreciate Holleman's emphasis on God guarding us on the inside (as opposed to physical safety). Christ dwells in our inner being by the Holy Spirit and imparts all the characteristics of God's guarding presence to our soul. This reality made her want to learn a different way to be, to live from her inner being.
Her emphasis is on what is happening in the soul (not the spirit). That is where we run our lives and that is where Jesus dwells, she writes. This teaching is new to me as I always considered Jesus in me was a spiritual connection, that He dwelt in the spirit part of me, not the soul. I am not clear if Holleman considers the soul/spirit to be one aspect of our humanity or not.
Holleman knows that we humans tend to forget so she developed a method to remember the guarding. She pictured a towering medieval fortress to help her recall the truth. A catapult (confidence) and window (hope) reminded her of more truth. A moat represented the peace from the guarding presence of the Spirit. Some may question the use of imagery but David had the same idea when he spoke of God as his rock of refuge to which he could always go. (Ps. 71:3)
In addition to the memory technique ideas, Holleman has included great biblical teaching on the aspects of being guarded. I really liked her thoughts on living the crucified life in the power of the Holy Spirit. She has added questions at the end of each chapter for further thought and discussion.
This book is worth serious reading and intense thought. Holleman has a morning routine of proclaiming the truth that she was dwelling in Christ's peace, meditating on Scriptures and picturing the fortress. She found more peace and was no longer ruled by her anxious mind. Shifting her attention to her inner being where Jesus dwells helped her to have a good foundation for choices and living in general.
Food for thought: “We are dwelling in Him, and nothing can touch our souls in that most marvelous secret place.”
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 21, 2016
I want the me that is You. When we gaze upon Him, the one who rescues and keeps us. We build up the fortress each new morning and worship this God who guards our souls.
To live a Christian life guarded by Christ is remembering the God who rescues and keeps us in his care. Heather Holleman uses imagery of a fortress, a catapult, a calm lake, a window of hope, and a dungeon to lead her readers to rest in the work of Christ. A fortress is a refuge that we can run to with our failures, our needs, and concerns. It is where we derive a great confidence in the love and care of God.
We are guarded in so many ways by the hand of God. His unlimited power that is available to every believer by the holy spirit. Living by the spirit and not of the flesh we can live in righteousness, peace, hope and power and escape from self-obsession, self-absorption, and self-exalting.
A great insight to the I AM of God....Here is a beautiful explanation of why God names Himself I AM. (Exodus 3:14) It's because the name invites our completion. I have sinned. I AM your Righteousness. In my chaos and anxiety - I AM your Peace. In my weakness. I AM your Strength.
Some of the quotes I found encouraging.
Satan's primary aim is to promote self interest as the chief end of man.
Until we deny ourselves that which was never meant to be ours, the role of being God in our lives we will never be at peace with ourselves or God, and we will never be free. Living a crucified life transforms us into what we were always designed to be: at peace with God and ourselves and truly free.
Because of this crucified life, I move from self-absorbed to savior-focused. I move from self-promoting to self-abandoned. I gaze at the snapshot and remember my life is not my own. I have been brought at a price of this shed blood.
If you love imagery and the promises of God, you will be greatly encouraged by this study in how God guards our souls to be redeemed and made new.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
To live a Christian life guarded by Christ is remembering the God who rescues and keeps us in his care. Heather Holleman uses imagery of a fortress, a catapult, a calm lake, a window of hope, and a dungeon to lead her readers to rest in the work of Christ. A fortress is a refuge that we can run to with our failures, our needs, and concerns. It is where we derive a great confidence in the love and care of God.
We are guarded in so many ways by the hand of God. His unlimited power that is available to every believer by the holy spirit. Living by the spirit and not of the flesh we can live in righteousness, peace, hope and power and escape from self-obsession, self-absorption, and self-exalting.
A great insight to the I AM of God....Here is a beautiful explanation of why God names Himself I AM. (Exodus 3:14) It's because the name invites our completion. I have sinned. I AM your Righteousness. In my chaos and anxiety - I AM your Peace. In my weakness. I AM your Strength.
Some of the quotes I found encouraging.
Satan's primary aim is to promote self interest as the chief end of man.
Until we deny ourselves that which was never meant to be ours, the role of being God in our lives we will never be at peace with ourselves or God, and we will never be free. Living a crucified life transforms us into what we were always designed to be: at peace with God and ourselves and truly free.
Because of this crucified life, I move from self-absorbed to savior-focused. I move from self-promoting to self-abandoned. I gaze at the snapshot and remember my life is not my own. I have been brought at a price of this shed blood.
If you love imagery and the promises of God, you will be greatly encouraged by this study in how God guards our souls to be redeemed and made new.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
November 30, 2016
If you battle against fear, worry and anxiety and are looking for a book that can help you strengthen yourself in this area of your life, I highly recommend Guarded By Christ: Knowing The God Who Rescues And Keeps Us by Heather Holleman to you.
Guarded By Christ helps us to grow your faith and deepen your trust in God by walking you through the exact Scriptures that reveal the many ways in which God guards and protects us – whether we are aware of it or not. What I love about this book is that the author brings God’s care for us down to such a personal level.
Through the combination of Scriptures and words we study – the personal stories we read – and the questions we reflect upon at the end of each chapter – it is clear that God is always with us – always watching over us – always guarding us and surrounding us with His love and protection.
Guarded By Christ is a book that will strengthen your faith and enable you to stand firm on the promises of God when you most need them.
What more can you ask for from a Christian book?
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
Guarded By Christ helps us to grow your faith and deepen your trust in God by walking you through the exact Scriptures that reveal the many ways in which God guards and protects us – whether we are aware of it or not. What I love about this book is that the author brings God’s care for us down to such a personal level.
Through the combination of Scriptures and words we study – the personal stories we read – and the questions we reflect upon at the end of each chapter – it is clear that God is always with us – always watching over us – always guarding us and surrounding us with His love and protection.
Guarded By Christ is a book that will strengthen your faith and enable you to stand firm on the promises of God when you most need them.
What more can you ask for from a Christian book?
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
October 5, 2016
One of my favorite things about Heather's writing is the way in which she manages to tell soul-deep truths and confront hidden struggles in a text that is as compassionate and engaging as it is direct. Heather's rich and creative storytelling makes the subject of our inner life come alive in technicolor detail. Through her honest words and incredible descriptions, I truly felt the reality of the "fortress" in which God keeps His children, the subject of this latest treasure by Heather. Of particular note is the forthrightness with which Heather approaches the delicate and controversial subject of mental health and wellbeing. Many other authors attempt to solve readers' mental health problems, offering neatly packaged solutions stamped with a Scripture for good measure. Heather's gentle and transparent account speaks to readers of every persuasion on the topic without ostracizing or isolating anyone. I can't recommend "Guarded By Christ" enough.
August 18, 2016
"Guarded by Christ" explores what it means to be guarded by God. After reading Psalm 97:10, the author explored Scripture to better understand from what God rescued us and guards us. She started from a mindset of condemnation, anxiety, hopelessness, weakness, and self-absorption. She concluded that a guarded person would feel confidence, peace, hope, strength, and be savior-focused. She explained each new way of thinking (from anxiety to peace, etc.) and quoted appropriate Scripture verses for each.
She described how she developed memory devices to help her recall these truths daily. She chose to visualize a fortress (as this metaphor is mentioned frequently in the Psalms) and various parts of that fortress. This process has helped to transform her life. Overall, I'd recommend this book.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
She described how she developed memory devices to help her recall these truths daily. She chose to visualize a fortress (as this metaphor is mentioned frequently in the Psalms) and various parts of that fortress. This process has helped to transform her life. Overall, I'd recommend this book.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 5, 2025
This book was a nourishment to my soul. It brought to light all the areas in our lives where we have the opportunity to be guarded by Christ because of our salvation as children of God. Having previously read “Seated with Christ”, I knew Heather would have wonderful words of wisdom. I will definitely continue to reference this book in the future as it pointed to Christ in every way!
September 18, 2017
If you have read any of author Heather Holleman’s works, you will know that she is passionate about discovering and revealing the hidden depths of life-changing verbs in Scripture. “Guarded by Christ: Knowing the God Who Rescues and Keeps Us” was released by Moody Publishers and, not surprisingly, is an in-depth journey of uncovering what it truly means to allow God to guard us in every way, every day.
Heather’s words are special because she is so incredibly real and honest as she delivers them. Through the three sections of her book (Our Guarding God; In the Secret Place of the Soul; and Living Daily in the Fortress) she uses personal struggles and stories, key Scriptural insights, and end-of-chapter study questions to paint a beautiful picture of what living “Guarded by Christ” truly means.
This book is for you if you desire to cultivate a new mindset that will transform your life through renewed hope, peace, and security. Although small in size, the words in this book probe deeply into the heart of truly living life “in the fortress” of God’s love.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Heather’s words are special because she is so incredibly real and honest as she delivers them. Through the three sections of her book (Our Guarding God; In the Secret Place of the Soul; and Living Daily in the Fortress) she uses personal struggles and stories, key Scriptural insights, and end-of-chapter study questions to paint a beautiful picture of what living “Guarded by Christ” truly means.
This book is for you if you desire to cultivate a new mindset that will transform your life through renewed hope, peace, and security. Although small in size, the words in this book probe deeply into the heart of truly living life “in the fortress” of God’s love.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 25, 2019
Having read "Chosen By Christ" and "Seated With Christ" by Heather Holleman, I was really looking forward to reading "Guarded By Christ" to complete the series. ("Guarded By Christ" is the second book in the series.)
Holleman's writing style is part story, part theology, and it seems to work very well. She tells a story, usually personal, to help you process the theology in the message. "Guarded By Christ" is a book that will help you know Jesus loves you and how you can experience His vast love for yourself.
Holleman's heart, in this book, was more open in this book. Her passion for sharing the love of Christ really came through in this book. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter require deep thought and help you learn what she is teaching.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Holleman's writing style is part story, part theology, and it seems to work very well. She tells a story, usually personal, to help you process the theology in the message. "Guarded By Christ" is a book that will help you know Jesus loves you and how you can experience His vast love for yourself.
Holleman's heart, in this book, was more open in this book. Her passion for sharing the love of Christ really came through in this book. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter require deep thought and help you learn what she is teaching.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 22, 2025
When it comes to writing about our souls and doing the necessary work to develop ourselves by the grace of God the old adage applies: If it were easy more people would be doing it. My teachers on soul work have been St. Teresa of Avila, Soren Kierkegaard, Simone Weil and Anne Lamott. I can now add Heather Holleman as a spiritual guide, through her examination, preparation, application and inspiration of the stirrings of the soul in this book. Unlike these other spiritual writers, Holleman comes from a more conservative bent, with a treasury of Bible verses in her path and in her wake. Somehow her Biblicism doesn’t get in the way of her spiritual journeying. It will be an affirmation to conservative believers but not a hindrance to any. Holleman teaches writing and her prose reflects that occupation. She addresses the reader as a partner in reliance upon our souls to make it through this life and brings light to the task.
July 25, 2017
There are several great truths within this book. Heather does a great job reminding readers truth is based not in feelings but in fact. Throughout the book the author unfolds her tactic to remember God's word and the promises in it. When God says He is a fortress, she pictures a sturdy castle and being hidden inside of it, etc. I appreciate word associations and do think I've come away encouraged from the book. While the author does warn the reader she is not attempting anything like eastern mysticism, I would still caution discernment. Overall, it was well written.
May 30, 2019
I can’t decide if this is my favorite Heather Holleman book or not. They are all so good. I love her vivid word pictures and alliteration that help me truly understand what it means to be guarded in Christ
This book and its images will stay with me for a long time. What a privilege it is to be guarded by Christ in the fortress He builds for each of us.
Thank you Heather for your openness, honesty and vulnerability. May God continue to bless you as you seek to communicate the truths of his Word to us in such an amazing way!
This book and its images will stay with me for a long time. What a privilege it is to be guarded by Christ in the fortress He builds for each of us.
Thank you Heather for your openness, honesty and vulnerability. May God continue to bless you as you seek to communicate the truths of his Word to us in such an amazing way!
June 5, 2017
I had the absolute blessing of doing a book study of this book with Heather Holleman, the author. It turns out that she grew up with someone at my church. Both the book and Heather are absolutely wonder and have blessed by life tremendously. This is definitely a book to own and re-read every now and again.
July 5, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5 stars
If you struggle with anxiety, this book is for you. Rooted in scripture and relatable - I loved this one and the first in her series. Really looking forward to the last one - Chosen by Christ. This is the series I've been going through with my aunt and it been so good to process a lot of my mental health and guard myself with the Word.
If you struggle with anxiety, this book is for you. Rooted in scripture and relatable - I loved this one and the first in her series. Really looking forward to the last one - Chosen by Christ. This is the series I've been going through with my aunt and it been so good to process a lot of my mental health and guard myself with the Word.
October 18, 2016
After reading Seated with Christ, I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint. Heather's use of imagery, word pictures, and alliterations really bring the book to life and help you to let the truths within those pages sink into your very soul. This book is empowering and very powerful and is life changing when applied to life. This is definitely a book that you want to read over and over again because new truths would come to light each time it was read. Heather is so relatable and wonderful you wonder if she has been reading your personal journal. I would highly recommend this book.
February 15, 2019
Reinforces ideas to fight anxiety, fear and depression through eternal hope, which was just what I’ve been needing to clear up questions I’ve had lately. Good structure that helps with pacing and comprehension, as well as great reflection questions.
September 11, 2020
Brilliant. I had to slow down my reading pace quite significantly in order to fully digest this book and everything that Heather was saying. I wanted to highlight every section. One of the best Christian books I've read.
June 9, 2017
Not a bad book, just personally had a hard time connecting with the author and her writing style. Appreciated chapters 7 & 8 the most.
September 8, 2018
Excellent study of Ephesians and other Bible scripture that tells us how God guards and protects us.
October 1, 2018
This is yet another Scripture based book by Heather Holleman. Her words encourage me and inspire me to memorize more of God’s Word so I will have it on my heart and tongue.
July 29, 2019
There is a lot of good stuff between these covers. A powerful book that I will read again and again so I won't forget the wisdom offered here.
May 8, 2020
Fantastic
This book was very good and everyone needs to read it. I feel guarded by Jesus after reading this book.
This book was very good and everyone needs to read it. I feel guarded by Jesus after reading this book.
May 13, 2020
Excellent imagery about God guarding us and we are hidden in him. So much good truth in this book!
August 29, 2020
It's a Bety good and deep book, but I think that, the last parts of every chapter, it's too much.
Many words to say something that you can say easiest, only knowing the previous pages.
Many words to say something that you can say easiest, only knowing the previous pages.
December 21, 2020
My favorite book of 2020.
February 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this read and have started applying these truths in my life. Wonderful book!
May 24, 2023
Had a bit of strange new age ideas, mixed with some scripture and biblical/gospel centered things sprinkled in. Wouldn’t recommend.
December 4, 2025
Absolutely loved this book as a devotional!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews