Chrétien et heureux!: Dix raisons d'être joyeux même si tout ne va pas toujours pour le mieux

by David P. Murray

A unique combination of biblical teaching, scientific research, and personal biography shows those who follow Jesus how to live joyful, purposeful lives.

Hopelessness has invaded much of our culture, even reaching deep into the church. But while the world is awash in negativity, Christians have resources to live differently.

In "The Happy Christian," professor and pastor David Murray blends the best of modern science and psychology with the timeless truths of Scripture to create a solid, credible guide to positivity. The author of the acclaimed "Christians Get Depressed Too," Murray exposes modern negativity s insidious roots and presents ten perspective-changing ways to remain optimistic in a world that keeps trying to drag us down."The Happy Christian" invites readers to shed negativity and become countercultural missionaries by demonstrating the positive power of the gospel in their lives."

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology, Mental Health

627 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

David P. Murray is Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and worked for five years in financial services before being converted to Christ. He studied for the ministry at Glasgow University and the Free Church of Scotland College (Edinburgh). He was a pastor for 12 years, first at Lochcarron Free Church of Scotland and then at Stornoway Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). From 2002 to 2007, he was Lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament at the Free Church Seminary in Inverness. He has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformation International Theological Seminary for his work relating Old Testament Introduction studies to the pastoral ministry. He and his wife, Shona, have four children: Allan, Angus, Joni, and Amy. He also blogs at Head Heart Hand.

Reviews

[Margaret Perkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I'm not going to finish this. While I do think the ideas are pretty theologically solid, I cannot take another minute of this writing. It's so full of metaphors it feels like I'm tripping over them. And although Murray says in the (too-long) introduction that his book is based on the Bible more than scientific research, I could do with a lot more scripture in this book. In the two chapters I read, he was paraphrasing verses rather than letting us read them. And again, I think he was paraphrasing accurately, but I just feel like a book with this much instruction about how to be a happy Christian should be OVERLY full of scripture. It has a lot to say on this subject - let it speak!
I appreciate that scientific research on the brain is included. I appreciate that this book seems to be a gospel-based approach to the problem of unhappiness in the Christian life. But it just doesn't work for me in execution.

[Joel Heming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well put together book filled with encouragements and practical applications from God’s Word confirmed by scientific reasoning. A very useful book that has helped me to see practical ways to live out a joy-filled life through the lens of the gospel.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not naturally a pessimist, though when I saw David Murray's latest book The Happy Christian: Ten Ways to be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World (Thomas Nelson, 2015), I was a bit skeptical. To be clear, I have a deep appreciation for Dr Murray and I am a committed fan to his blog. As a Christian psychologist and editor of the newsletter for the Society for Christian Psychology, I believe that Dr Murray is one of the bright lights of the movement. I have put his little book, Christians Get Depressed Too, into the hands of many people. Yet, when I read the the title, "The Happy Christian", I worried. To clarify, I do believe that the Christian faith leads to a joy and happiness that is unparalleled in other worldviews, yet to me, it seems too easy to communicate the message that one must be happy to be a Christian. I do not believe that the biblical record reflects happiness as a requirement for the believer. Still, Murray is a wise man and I was eager to read what he chose to share.

Murray presented 10 ways to be joyful:

Happy Facts: Facts > Feelings
Happy Media: Good News > Bad News
Happy Salvation: Done > Do
Happy Church: Christ > Christians
Happy Future: Future > Past
Happy World: Everywhere Grace > Everywhere Sin
Happy Praise: Praise > Criticism
Happy Giving: Giving > Getting
Happy Work: Work > Play
Happy Differences: Diversity > Uniformity

If I am honest, after the first chapter, my hopes for this book cooled, though in hindsight, I am not sure why. Murray essentially presented a way of examining how we think grounded in a cognitive behavioral model. I think my initial concern was that although extremely beneficial, an exclusively cognitive behavioral approach would be limited. I also had fears that this book would be a recycling of previous writers like Norman Vincent Peale, though Murray quickly set that fear to rest.

As I continued to read, I was reminded why I like Dr Murray so much. He addresses a broad range of issues and how they can influence the life of the Christian. Briefly, for example, he shows the reader how too much immersion in negative news can be psychologically damaging, how focusing on the past can be problematic, and how giving freely is freedom giving.

Considering how I tend to think, I was particularly drawn to chapter 3, which has to do with Happy Salvation. Murray reminds us, as Christians, that when Jesus said from the cross that it is finished, that he meant it. That has very practical implications for our own happiness. In that chapter he wrote, "What are the ten most disbelieved letters in the Bible? N...O...T...O...F...W...O...R...K...S" Amen.

Overall, I was very happy with Dr Murray's new book. I would gladly put it into the hands of any believer. It is biblical, practical, and wise.

In exchange for this review, I was provided with a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and the Book Look Bloggers Program. I was not required to submit a positive review of this book.

[Aria Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely phenomenal! As someone who tends to get down in the dumps and have a more pessimistic outlook, this was a delight to read, and very inspirational. It is overflowing with what I think I'll call "Christian optimism" (to riff on Piper's "Christian hedonism"), biblically sound, and encouraging at every turn. David Murray nowhere asks the reader to grin and bear the realities of sin and suffering, or to gloss over them in favor of more pleasant subjects, but offers practical ways to be a more joyful and, yes, happy Christian in the light of all that Christ has done for us and the bright future he has promised. My favorite chapters were probably the chapter on work, which was very encouraging, and the final chapter on biblical diversity, which was convicting and helpful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! It is a joy to read, and I really want to put Murray's advice into practice in my own life.

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is another book on happiness and positive thinking needed? Certainly this topic provokes cringes, cynicism, and discomfort—a knee-jerk reaction which is not without a basis. Perennially opportunistic "charlatans" and "hucksters" profess to have new techniques in this endeavour. There is a great deal of material that amounts to a rip-off, misleads people, gives false hope, evades reality (pretending there is no evil/sadness/pain/sin), ignores key dimensions of human experience and the human condition. Or all of the above! Some more noble material is descent but lacks a firm philosophical or theological foundation.

Christians have a further difficulty in this area of study. A fair amount of the popular material goes to one of two extremes: (a) it is steeped in unhelpful non-Christian ideology and presuppositions--such as the denial of the reality of pain and suffering or (b) the material comes from a Christian perspective, but is narrowly limited to religious dimensions--with little more than tepid commentary on a few Bible texts, sprinkled with painfully abstract platitudes, and generally ignorant of the world around it. These are generalizations—but it seems there isn’t much material that is both robust and theologically sound. It’s a shame!

David Murray handles the subject skilfully. With a healthy dose of realism, he provides Christians with strategies to live happier and more positive lives. He observes that the Bible is a realistically positive source. Not pessimistic, but not naively optimistic either. Murray doesn’t suggest we embrace “positive thinking" per say, but rather "realistic thinking" and a "positive faith". He presses home that "optimism is not faith, but faith is optimistic".

The approach taken is balanced. It is focused on biblical truth and the finished work of Christ. Nevertheless, Murray frequently appropriates “common grace” insights from scholars in positive psychology and various cognitive studies. Murray certainly has read the popular and academic literature—which is exciting to see. Clearly, he does not dismiss psychology outright as some well-intentioned Christians may do at times. He uses such data frequently in assisting the reader in gaining an understanding. He is relentless in harnessing these insights into a Bible-centered and Christ-centered perspective. Yet, Murray does not follow his academic and popular sources slavishly merely due to their "expertise". At times he takes a different path and explains why he disagrees.

The book is refreshingly concrete and is rife with actionable lists. Murray’s six questions centering on our moods and “thoughts-facts-feelings” in the chapter "Happy Facts" were exceptionally helpful. He also helpfully shows how thought patterns distort reality. A serious Christian believer will no doubt be terrified to be found distorting God's Word, but through our thought patterns we often distort the God's WORLD. Murray shows the pervasive negativity in our culture, especially in regard to media and political discourse, and so we need to do extra work to be positive.

Murray's chapter "Happy Work" shows the relation of work to happiness and shows that it is more than "a means to an end" (though it isn't our ultimate end either). He provides an excellent theology of work’s importance and centrality to God’s plan for us. Another one of my favourite chapters is "Happy World", which is an excellent and passionate exposition of the Christian doctrine of "common grace". I was thrilled by the author’s approach and it helped me to rethink my perspective on the world (and people) around me and God's "everywhere grace" (which is a moniker Murray uses for "common grace"). Murray doesn't quote him, but surely he would agree with the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, who wrote "the world is charged with the grandeur of God."

Murray provides a healthy amount of personal examples, especially in the chapter "Happy Differences", which describes his journey to embracing cultural diversity in his attitudes to immigrants. I was especially encouraged to see this since I'm troubled by how often Christians have negative attitudes towards immigrants and people that are different. It’s great that Murray links differences and diversity into this discussion of happiness. Murray shows how embracing cultural diversity and interacting with people that are different than us helps us to be happier. There's a great line in this chapter which says that "the gospel smashes superiority and inferiority complexes".

Murray makes satisfyingly broad applications—taking the game far beyond the emotional or thought life, into an intersection with community, family, work, and other areas. I'm excited to see not only how this book can make individual Christians happier, but also at how it may positively influence the Christian communities which gather together corporately in worship. Sadly, we Christians have at times made our faith seem gloomy--we have often not exhibited the joy and love which Christ gives us. Murray forcefully shows how we should look forward to the future with bright, expectant hope—a hope which also transforms our present perspective!

I suppose I could come up with a few quibbles, there are some points which might have been expanded or clarified. However, they do not in any sense weigh down or dampen my enthusiasm for the book. There is precious little that I would change in this book. It's a wonderful book, well worth reading for any Christian. There’s a lot of material to digest and I expect to return to it when I can. It’s a challenging book, but also one that is full of inspiration and hope.

[Kahlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, I listened to the audiobook, and it was something that I really needed at the time. I think a lot of Christians would benefit from reading this, it’s a good reminder to us all. My favourite chapter was the chapter about happy work, truly life-changing. I need to listen to that at least 10 more times. Only four stars and not five because I think there were like two chapters that I didn’t find as great as the rest of the book but still definitely great overall.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Murray’s straightforward, uncomplicated style. And I appreciate his well-rounded approach to mental health that is informed by good science as well as grounded in Scripture.

[Richard Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prof. David Murray has done the church a great service by writing The Happy Christian: 10 ways to be a joyful believer in a gloomy world. Although he never outright says it, I get the impression that Murray has found it a challenge to pursue biblical joy. I tend to approach life as a melancholic personality. Therefore, I am drawn to those who have not found it easy or simple to achieve the levels of joy that some believer seem to take for granted.

It is refreshing for me to see someone from a reformed theological perspective – which is my bent, as well – not criticize and find fault with many of the truths taught in positive psychology.

J.I. Packer says on the book cover, the book "overflows with earthy, deep-rooted biblical wisdom." I could not agree more.

Marie has done his homework. He's well read when it comes to the Puritan/Reformed branch of our faith. The book is replete with biblical reference after biblical reference. He also is very conversant with the literature produced by positive psychologists. Murray says that his dream is that Christians be the happiest people in the world.

I especially love Murray's chapters entitled happy facts, happy media, happy salvation, and happy world.

Murray outlines ways for us to "disconnect from cultural negativity and reconnect with the positive truth of the Bible in order to recalibrate our lives and to live and serve more happily in this gloomy world" ( p. xxix).

When experiencing negative circumstances Murray encourages us to ask ourselves a series of questions: What are the facts? What am I thinking about the facts? What am I feeling? Can I change the facts? Can I change my thoughts about the facts? What am I feeling now? He gives us some tools to change our thoughts about the facts which will, in turn, elevate our feelings. Murray shows how this is consistent with David's approach in the book of Psalms.

I have noticed in prayer gathering Zan on Facebook all negative many believers are today. "The sky is falling" even as people pray to the God of the universe who wins every battle. Murray, however, shows us that the good news is greater than the bad news. And that certainly leads us to joy. I wish everyone would read and heed the truths found in his chapter entitled "happy media."

Murray roots our source of happiness in the facts of the Gospel. He celebrates the idea that we don't have to do more or try harder because it's already been done by Jesus for us. Truly, this is a source of great joy.

I finished the book rather quickly. Now, I want to go back through it and make a list of small changes I can make in my thinking, believing, and behaving so that my level of joy will increase dramatically.

Thank you, David Murray, for a wonderful book that I will likely be recommending and giving away to people for years to come.

[Nate Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a friend recommended this title, my first thought was that this was another one of those lightweight books on happiness that really don't help that much. After all, every Christian knows that using the word "Happy" isn't as deep as using the word "Joy." Right?

Well, I am "Happy" to say that Murray does an excellent job dealing with the topic of happiness in the Christian life. I appreciate his willingness to pull over some helpful data from the world of psychology combined with a good practical, theological approach.

David Murray makes this book very accessible. I look forward to handing it out to several folks. Some who like to study and some who don't.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was delightfully insightful with common sense wisdom on happiness. The second half was still valuable but more from his pastoral perspective. I enjoyed this book and will refer to many highlighted quotes.

[John Rakshith Prabhakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best down-to-earth guide to the cultivation ans practice of Christian joy!

[Grant Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, but very good. In this book, Murray offers 10 "formulas" for happiness. This book is Bible-based, though he also draws on many psychologists outside of Christianity. This book was recommended to me some time ago and I'm happy to finally have read it. Much of what you will learn here will shift your perspective and help you at work, at home, in your church, and in your community.

[Debi Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. David Murray's new book The Happy Christian: Ten Ways to be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World, presents the following ten ways to be joyful:

♦ Focus on the facts more than your feelings
♦ Avoid so much bad news and focus on good news
♦ Focus on the fact that Christ’s work of salvation is already finished
♦ Focus on the strengths of other Christians instead of their weaknesses
♦ Focus strengths of other Christians instead of their weaknesses
♦ Find God's common grace in the world instead of sin and evil
♦ Find things to praise people for instead of critique them
♦ Give money and things away instead of hoarding
♦ See work as a calling instead of a job
♦ Be around people of different ethnicities instead of one ethnicity

Dr. David Murray provides Christians with strategies to live happier and more positive lives, while being very realistic in his approach. He observes that the Bible is a positive source. Dr. Murray doesn't prescribe that "positive thinking" method so many so-called experts rely on, but instead he directs the reader to having "realistic thinking" while having "positive faith".

A non-believing friend of mine once told me that I was being too optimistic when relying on God to help me with difficult choices in my life. Dr. Murray points out "optimism is not faith, but faith is optimistic". I wish I would have had that phrase to share with my friend back then.

Dr. Murray's approach focuses on the biblical truth and the finished work of Christ. It is clear that Dr. Murray has read the popular and academic literature and he does not dismiss psychology as some Christians may do at times. He uses this academic information to assist the reader in gaining an understanding and to provide a Christ-centered and biblically based perspective. Dr. Murray also provides his reason for citing these popular and academic writers by saying, "God is using them not only to confirm the Bible's teaching...but also to work out practical details of how to increase gratitude in our lives for everyone's benefit.”

This book addresses a broad range of issues and how they can influence the life of the Christian. For example, Dr. Murray discusses such things as how too much "negative news" can be psychologically damaging, how focusing on the past can sometimes be problematic, and how giving freely helps give us freedom.

Dr. Murray explores such topics as the gospel message, and a Christian's relationship and interaction with the world in work, media, church, the world, and selfless practices such as giving as I listed above. It is definitely a book centered on the Bible, with appropriate verses and passages, while also filled with good illustrations, statistics, scientific research, and references from modern culture that make this book applicable and relatable.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to find more happiness in their life and to be more joyful. I could go over the list above from one to ten and discuss how each of these things need to be improved and how they impact my life, but instead, I will save that for my own self-evaluation and allow you to do the same.

A really cool thing too, is what I found on Dr. Murray's website, HappyChristian - it looks like there will be an app coming out soon for both GooglePlay and the Apple AppStore called "The Happy App: A Daily Diet of Joy in a Gloomy World". This will be a free app "delivering articles, devotionals, videos, quotes, and news items that will generate and maintain Christian joy". That should be awesome!

In exchange for this review, I was provided with a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Books. I was not required to submit a positive review of this book.

[Jeremy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Happy Christian is a book that encourage Christians to have a positive faith and life. After an introductory chapter where Dr. Murray shares his hopes for his book and identifies some of the reasons for negativity and unhappiness in our culture, he helps his readers to understand ten “biblical and practical” ways to increase happiness.

First, he encourages us to watch our media diet by applying Philippians 4:8. In one of my favorite chapters of the book, Dr. Murray comforts his readers who are constantly bombarded with demands with the good news that regarding our relationship to God, “It is finished!” In chapter 4, he teaches us to think and talk more about Jesus than other Christians. He encourages believers to have a healthy view of the past and cultivate optimism for the future. Chapter 6 is another of my favorites in it Dr. Murray discusses how looking for God common grace in the world encourages Christian happiness. The chapter 'Happy Praise' was probably the one that was the most personally convicting part of the book because I am very good at criticizing but poor at praising. Dr. Murray shows that giving to charity, giving of thanks, giving in marriage, giving of forgiveness, and giving in leadership encourages happiness. In chapter 9, he looks at work through the lens of Romans 11:36 “to turn work into a big positive.” Finally, the last chapter discusses that diversity is greater than uniformity.

The Happy Christian is a practical, encouraging, and Christ-centered book. Since I am generally a morose person (At least one person from a previous church nicknamed me Eeyore.), this book was a great help for me. I plan to read it again and with God's help to start implementing the biblical ideas in this book.

There are two issues that may be problematic to some. First, some may object to Dr. Murray's citing of secular psychologists and other happiness experts. However, he makes clear his reason for citing them, “God is using them not only to confirm the Bible's teaching...but also to work out practical details of how to increase gratitude in our lives for everyone's benefit.” Secondly, I have a difficult time seeing how the final chapter about diversity fits in with the topic of the rest of the book.

[Taylor Rollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love David Murray because he shows what I think is an excellent balance between biblically grounded, testing all things by Scripture, and Christ-centered along with appreciating and using what we might call the "common grace insights" into our human life from the sciences. He does not let unbiblical interpretation of evidence trump Scripture, but what he does do is bring together Scripture's inspired, inerrant teachings with the good that comes from scientific research. Then, using that, he shows us how the Bible has always said something about our lives and that is confirmed by research.

In this book, he does that well when it comes to happiness in the Christian life. I admit, I would NOT have picked up this book if I did not trust the author, because the title bugs me. It sounds like "name it claim it" or "power of positive thinking" drivel. In fact, Dr. Murray admits it might sound that way, but then he explains to us why it is not that at all. This is gospel-driven, Christ-centered, biblical teaching that helps us to learn how to use the robust power of the gospel to increase our happiness in life. It does not shy away from suffering or sin, but it shows how God's grace in Christ can overcome that, allowing us to live lives that are generally happy, joyful, and looking forward to the time when there will be no more tears at all (Rv. 21).

Finally, with all this, it is immensely practical. He does not just give theory but suggestions, many of which my wife and I have put into practice, and with great results.

I highly recommend this book. There are a few places I disagree with it (like his theology of forgiveness is off because it tries to conflate God's forgiveness unto salvation with our forgiveness of others in this world), but they are minor. Read it. It will bless your soul.

[Loraine Alcorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to my review for The Happy Christian Ten Ways to Be a Joyful Believer in a Gloomy World.

I cant tell you how much I enjoyed this book it is sure to become a classic in christian study.

What I loved about this book was the practical applications you can do everyday to be happier and more joyful . It has been a long time since I found a book that was as uplifting as this one it .

I wish I had enough money to buy one for every Christian on the planet because it's so so Worth the read.

This book is down to earth and well written it's the kind of book you will want to read underline and then read again . I am so happy I got a chance to read and review it.

If you are looking for a book that is not only a joy to read but can really help you look at things differently for the positive, I sure hope you give this book a try, its awesome and helped me a lot. I received a free copy in order to make an informed review thanks for looking

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great study of happiness in the Christian life. Murray unpacks the idea of happiness in the context of discussing: living by facts rather than feelings; the Gospel as happiness-producing; life in the church; Christian hope; common grace; affirmation; giving; work; and cultural diversity.

It's a very stimulating read. Of note is Murray's heavy use of secular psychology and sociology for points of contact. I didn't have any trouble with this in view of general revelation and common grace, but some might.

Murray argues for a happiness founded on Christ and the Gospel that is experienced through certain actions (affirmation, giving, etc) and worked out and supported by several different social contexts (church, work).

One chapter that some will struggle with, and Murray noted this, will be the chapter on racial diversity and happiness. I can only speak for myself, but I will say that I was persuaded by Murray's argument.

[Élizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The thesis is great--really well researched book! I think the equations as sub titles were a bit corny. But I like how he stayed away from the main traps common (prosperity, verses-out-of-context, more psychological than biblical, etc) with this topic. I think the final chapters were not up to par as the rest of the book; yes it makes for a thorough book, but it also feels a bit unnecessary by this point. The writing is also a bit repetitive after a while. Overall, I benefitted from this book and will come back to the first chapters for deeper personal reflection.

[Cbarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book, enjoyable read, and good application of Biblical truth to daily life. Good in each chapter with two chapters standing out: 1) good news is better than bad news (ch. two), and 2) praise is better than criticism (ch. seven). It is hard to be happy when either filling mind with both bad/negative stuff and the trivial, and being critical rather than praising.

What Murray's book Reset is to the body, The Happy Christian is to the mind.

Recommend

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read again in 2023. Still great. This time reading it with men from church.

Great book! Highly recommended! This book is exactly what I needed at this time in my life!

[sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely surprised me...I guess I didn't expect much—I'm very skeptical of books like this. (Rather, books about Christian happiness written by theologians...most of them don't understand psychology very well, but David Murray is an exception.) In order to alleviate any fears that I originally had, this book is NOT about "how to stop being depressed," "how being sad is always sin," or "how being Christian makes you automatically constantly happy." This book IS, rather, a divided set of practical tips to change your way of thinking in order to be more joyful as a Christian.

Although I love to call myself an optimist, I'm not typically a happy Christian. I have a wide history of depression. This book isn't just for people with depression, and it won't immediately cure depression, but a lot of the ideas in here definitely help. I'll probably purchase a copy for some friends going through similar situations so that they can have that wisdom.

With that, there was SO much wisdom in this. I'll probably flip through this at random times—I underlined a lot of things, so it won't be too difficult to go back and do so. While turning you back to positivity, it also turns you back to God—the most important thing.

Some specific things:
- The chapter on "Diversity > Uniformity = Positive" was so humbly well-said. If Murray extended it into an entire book, I'd buy it in a second.
- I admit the idea of "Good News > Bad News" is something difficult for me to change as an aspiring/beginning journalist...but there's still so many things that journalists can adapt to their lifestyles as well. To be able to adapt the mentality of "what's the good news I'm seeing?" is still lifechanging, even if exposure to bad news is impossible to stop completely.
- The "Happy Church" chapter was something I was struggling with and I'm very grateful that I had the chance to read it.

Overall: 4.5 stars

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book a 4/5 but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. The majority of the book was so helpful and I have already seen the impact in my life of the principles I have learned from this book but the chapter on race didn’t seem to match with the theme of the rest of the book. That chapter alone really weakens the book, it felt like it was grasping for an agenda. Now the author doesn’t say that race is solved with a different gospel but he will quote and side with guys that have embraced the “woke gospel”. I just felt it shouldn’t be in the book because it had no significance to what the book was originally trying to accomplish, it felt forced and it was disappointing. Now I do get that race, diversity, and cultural backgrounds are important things to talk about but they don’t fit the model of this book and that is why I have given this book a 3/5 instead of 4/5.

[Emily Stannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great and much-needed book, based on sound Biblical precepts and Scripture and written with humility and humour. There is lots of practical advice and guidance here across the 10 aspects he goes into. Whilst acknowledging that life is hard and it can be difficult to find positives, he brings us back to God’s Word and backs it up with evidence from psychological studies to give us perspective on the issues. I could definitely see myself in some of the things he describes in the book, and will aim to put some of the wisdom into practice, particularly around work, giving and leadership!

[Jiajia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When science gets it right; meets faith and displays what God has revealed to us through scripture.

This book is filled with well thought out rationales, practical and clear step by step strategies while maintains intellectually engaging and stimulating.

With easy to understand, relatable and memorable analogies, Murray illustrates biblical truths in ways that will be with you when daily challenges arise and point you to Christ.

The book teaches, comforts, rebukes, calls one to self examine, persuades one to fix our eyes and to anchor our souls on Christ in all circumstances.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very helpful little book (especially for someone who tends to look at the glass half empty). I would say the best part was when he discussed the importance of filling our hearts and minds with what is good, true, and beautiful. It was an encouragement and I’d recommend to a friend struggling to see the point of being happy in a world like ours.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I agree with the concept of positive psychology I've also found it a bit airy-fairy in the past. David Murray is excellent at offering practical advice though, so I found this book helpful in applying these ideas with solid biblical groundwork.

As an aside, the title is a bit cheesy but don't let it deter you haha

[Griffin Gooch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was halfway good all throughout and then in the last quarter man just takes a HARD left turn and starts talking about how Christians can’t be happy unless they started confronting their racism and then dude keeps calling people of color “people from the hood” and saying things like “you don’t know love until you see the way people in the hood love each other” and it is WILD

[Brett Rudder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book overall. Wasn't the most engaging, his book "Reset" really grabbed hold of me where this one didn't - could be my fault. His use of psychology and the Bible is really helpful, and the chapter on "Everywhere Grace" is absolutely fantastic.

[Sarah Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful and insightful book! There were a couple of things I didn’t like (eg the author blatantly showing bitterness towards (demanding) churches) but overall there is much wisdom that can be gained.

[D. Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth rereading