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The God Who Stays: Life Looks Different with Him by Your Side
Have you ever felt adrift and alone after losing a job, a dream, a loved one, or your sense of purpose in life? In The God Who Stays, Matthew West uses stories and Scripture to encourage you that wherever you are and whatever you’re going through, God is right by your side—and nothing can separate you from His love and grace. Through the dramatic events of 2020 and the ensuing uncertainty and anxiety ever since, people’s lives and illusions of security have been turned upside down. Whenever our plans, hopes, and dreams are put on hold—or worse, lost forever—we feel discouraged, lost, and isolated, and desperately praying, “God, where are You?” Matthew West’s newest book, The God Who Stays , is an engaging and thoughtful exploration, balanced with his trademark wit and humor, that helps us reconnect to the biblical truth of Immanuel—“God with us”—a personal Savior who never leaves our side and who always answers when we cry out for help.
196 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2022
284 people are currently reading
4038 people want to read
About the author
Matthew West
49 books85 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 31, 2022
I always enjoy reading books that include personal life experiences from people whose voices I've heard and know. I completely read this book in the author's voice! This was a beautiful look at getting back to the basics of our faith. Using the backdrop of 2020 when the world shut down and his tour stopped for months, Matthew West explores how he found himself "socially distanced" from God and how he came to remember the holy moments of days past to find himself seeking out God's character, as the God who stays. Harkening back to his first "come to Jesus" moment and thinking through countless times that God has proven Himself faithful, West reminds us of the importance of drawing near to God and sharing life with others, pulling from his own experiences. I enjoyed and chuckled at the humorous anecdotes; and several of the points that were driven home brought me to tears. I enjoyed the use of personal stories to drive home those points as well and it was good to see behind the veil of his public persona. This book really made me think about my own faith journey and how I've viewed God, particularly in recent years. This is one I'd recommend for those who need a little reminder of who God is or those who want to know who God is. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
September 3, 2022
Thank you for an advanced readers edition of this book! I’ve always been a fan of Matthew West’s music, so I was immediately intrigued when I saw this book on NetGalley. It’s lighthearted, yet reflective during deeper conversations. It almost felt like reading journal entries at times due to the conversational/reflective tone. A tad but repetitive towards the end for me, but it didn’t necessarily take away from the flow of the book.
December 31, 2022
We learn all the places God stays, the 1 place He does not stay and how to come to Him. Great book with awesome stories throughout.
December 2, 2022
This was a very exciting book to read! I've always listened to Matthew Wests music so I was curious about the book he wrote. The book consists of many stories and testimonies of God from the fans Mathew West meet on his tour. These stories were such a joy to read about how God is moving in other people's lives.
I recommend this book to anyone who is at a standstill in their faith and is wondering if God really is there with them through it all. (God really is!!) I also enjoyed the parts where Matthew quotes scripture. The book was a bit repetitive in the beginning, but overall each page had something new.
This was the first book I won in a giveaway and I am glad because it has helped me grow closer to God. I didn't have to wrote a review, but this book has a lot of gems in it.
I recommend this book to anyone who is at a standstill in their faith and is wondering if God really is there with them through it all. (God really is!!) I also enjoyed the parts where Matthew quotes scripture. The book was a bit repetitive in the beginning, but overall each page had something new.
This was the first book I won in a giveaway and I am glad because it has helped me grow closer to God. I didn't have to wrote a review, but this book has a lot of gems in it.
November 15, 2022
Very much enjoyed Matthew's blue couch connections. There were many good lessons in this book.
September 13, 2022
This book Matthew West talks about his experiences through the pandemic and how it shook and then shaped his faith. He goes into very personal stories about how he felt like God was 6 feet away and how he had to get back to the foundations of his faith abs remember that He is the God who stays so if He feels far away, it’s you whose moved, not Him. I enjoyed his recollections of his very first “come to Jesus” moment on the blue couch in his childhood home and the countless times since that he has had to have a come to Jesus moment with the God who stays because life gets messy. There are so many humorous anecdotes given but always backed with scripture to support how he was able to see his way through and I liked seeing the meaning behind some of his songs.
This would make a great gift and a good book to have on hand when you need a little pick me up some days to remind you that God is always with you
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
This would make a great gift and a good book to have on hand when you need a little pick me up some days to remind you that God is always with you
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
December 31, 2023
I did squeeze this in as my first read of 2023 before heading back to school, and I really enjoyed it!
If you ask me who my favorite musicians are, Matthew West will always be one of the first people I say. So this was a must read for me!
My whole family loves him. We’ll never forget getting to see him in Topeka last year as a one man band because all of his band members were out sick. I was so impressed with how good he was solo. He’s a a funny guy, which is evident in his book, The God Who Stays. One minute I was laughing and the next I was crying. This was such a great, easy read, and I constantly found myself reading parts to my husband and son because they were so funny. Matthew’s stories were so relatable that it feels almost as if you’re talking with a friend. If you could use some encouragement, or just need to be reminded of who God is and who He says you are, I encourage you to pick up this book. I’ve had “The God Who Stays” stuck on repeat in my head, which isn’t a bad thing!
#meetmeinthestacks #stacksreview
If you ask me who my favorite musicians are, Matthew West will always be one of the first people I say. So this was a must read for me!
My whole family loves him. We’ll never forget getting to see him in Topeka last year as a one man band because all of his band members were out sick. I was so impressed with how good he was solo. He’s a a funny guy, which is evident in his book, The God Who Stays. One minute I was laughing and the next I was crying. This was such a great, easy read, and I constantly found myself reading parts to my husband and son because they were so funny. Matthew’s stories were so relatable that it feels almost as if you’re talking with a friend. If you could use some encouragement, or just need to be reminded of who God is and who He says you are, I encourage you to pick up this book. I’ve had “The God Who Stays” stuck on repeat in my head, which isn’t a bad thing!
#meetmeinthestacks #stacksreview
April 5, 2023
I'm a fan of the author's music. He's a gifted songwriter and an excellent storyteller. This books shares insights derived from one of his songs which was very popular early in the pandemic.
I listened to an abridged version. He read portions of the chapters on his podcast. I think this adds depth for the audience since we get his inflection, feel his emotion, and hear his vulnerability.
I listened to an abridged version. He read portions of the chapters on his podcast. I think this adds depth for the audience since we get his inflection, feel his emotion, and hear his vulnerability.
October 27, 2022
Yikes. The title of this book drew me in and the summary convinced me to pick it up. I could use a sweet reminder and hear stories about the God who stays. Admittedly, I’m not a listener of mainstream Christian music so I have no special interest in Matthew West himself. I’m not sure if I even realized he was the author when I requested it. Either way, the summary sounded like this would be an encouraging book about God with some personal anecdotes. Love that.
Nope. This felt like a promotion for him and his albums to me. How many times do I have to hear a story that I don’t find very interesting and then hear that it inspires such and such song or was talked about on his podcast or something? This book should have just been one episode of his podcast, but instead it was drawn out into a multi-hundred page book. I felt like we kept repeating the same stories and they didn’t even make lasting lessons or thoughts for me.
I think I just came to this wanting more spiritual depth. That can be built through anecdotes, but this felt like flat story telling that was just used to fill pages and didn’t accomplish anything. Even the portions about scripture bugged me because the tone still felt Matthew focused somehow, and because I was annoyed with it all, his jokes fell flat too.
I saw some people rated this highly, and I’m glad it ministered to them. My guess is that they were already Matthew West fans and loved behind the scenes looks. I don’t like to blast books because I know this took a lot of effort, but this was just so painful for me that I had to skim to finish. I only kept going because I had an ARC.
1.5⭐️
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Nope. This felt like a promotion for him and his albums to me. How many times do I have to hear a story that I don’t find very interesting and then hear that it inspires such and such song or was talked about on his podcast or something? This book should have just been one episode of his podcast, but instead it was drawn out into a multi-hundred page book. I felt like we kept repeating the same stories and they didn’t even make lasting lessons or thoughts for me.
I think I just came to this wanting more spiritual depth. That can be built through anecdotes, but this felt like flat story telling that was just used to fill pages and didn’t accomplish anything. Even the portions about scripture bugged me because the tone still felt Matthew focused somehow, and because I was annoyed with it all, his jokes fell flat too.
I saw some people rated this highly, and I’m glad it ministered to them. My guess is that they were already Matthew West fans and loved behind the scenes looks. I don’t like to blast books because I know this took a lot of effort, but this was just so painful for me that I had to skim to finish. I only kept going because I had an ARC.
1.5⭐️
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2024
"The God Who Stays" is a lovely song. But a lackluster book.
Matthew West is an incredibly well-known Christian musician, and I went into this novel with high hopes to read about how God continues to show up in his life, even when he thinks he won't, But instead, I read a long advertisement for his ministry and podcast.
The beginning of the book was incredibly strong. Setting the scene of the pandemic completely upending everyone's lives was the perfect background to really exemplify how God worked during that time. But the book jumped around way too much - he went from a blue couch to swimming with sharks, to sky diving, it was hard for a reader keep track of the timeline, let alone how all these stories fit into the narrative.
The best way to describe this book is like a stereotypical Sunday morning sermon at a hyper-charismatic church. After worship music being blared at you (because this book contained a number of song lyrics), then comes the feel-good message about how God is great. But the message here is lost. There were too many stories - some for background, for humor, and some to exemplify how God stays active in all circumstances, but it was difficult to figure out where each story landed. All I can tell you is the Matthew West found Jesus while sitting on a blue couch and now he tours with said blue couch.
On top of reading a great deal about his own accolades, I also learned quite a bit about West's successful friends and again, still do not have any idea how their stories fit into this book - with the exemption of Bethany Hamilton. Her story, though, is pretty well known outside this book and there wasn't much added to it in this book.
I was disappointed and I would not recommend.
Matthew West is an incredibly well-known Christian musician, and I went into this novel with high hopes to read about how God continues to show up in his life, even when he thinks he won't, But instead, I read a long advertisement for his ministry and podcast.
The beginning of the book was incredibly strong. Setting the scene of the pandemic completely upending everyone's lives was the perfect background to really exemplify how God worked during that time. But the book jumped around way too much - he went from a blue couch to swimming with sharks, to sky diving, it was hard for a reader keep track of the timeline, let alone how all these stories fit into the narrative.
The best way to describe this book is like a stereotypical Sunday morning sermon at a hyper-charismatic church. After worship music being blared at you (because this book contained a number of song lyrics), then comes the feel-good message about how God is great. But the message here is lost. There were too many stories - some for background, for humor, and some to exemplify how God stays active in all circumstances, but it was difficult to figure out where each story landed. All I can tell you is the Matthew West found Jesus while sitting on a blue couch and now he tours with said blue couch.
On top of reading a great deal about his own accolades, I also learned quite a bit about West's successful friends and again, still do not have any idea how their stories fit into this book - with the exemption of Bethany Hamilton. Her story, though, is pretty well known outside this book and there wasn't much added to it in this book.
I was disappointed and I would not recommend.
September 3, 2022
The God Who Stays is a solid three star read. In it, Matthew West shares how he came to faith and how God continues to show His presence even during challenging times, like the pandemic. It is an easy read with a conversational tone, and it is clear that the author is passionate about hearing and sharing stories (his and others’). I think if you’re a fan of Matthew West’s music, you will really love this. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy.
October 25, 2022
I was very excited for this book. I am a huge fan of Matthew West and enjoy spiritual reads.
Unfortunately, this book was more of a journal and felt like endless ramblings and repetition of the same points and stories along with a lot of name dropping.
I would not recommend this to a friend but I am sure that this book will reach some and hope that it can be life changing for some people. Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy for review.
Unfortunately, this book was more of a journal and felt like endless ramblings and repetition of the same points and stories along with a lot of name dropping.
I would not recommend this to a friend but I am sure that this book will reach some and hope that it can be life changing for some people. Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy for review.
January 23, 2023
I love the books that Matthew has written. I think they are like thought provoking Bible studies.
The God who stays reminds us that God will never leave us. He is patiently waiting for us to listen for his prompts and direction.
Matthew was a great narrator for his book and it was helpful to know that he struggled with his feelings that he was far from God during this time of the pandemic.
I took too much time to read this I know, but I needed small breaks to let it sink in. The personal contacts and connections that were woven through the storyline was very helpful too. Hoping to see more books soon.
Only cons was the preview copy I have has a lot of typo errors. I’m just picky about those so was kinda annoying. Some of the content seemed to be a little repetitive after awhile.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy of this book. All views in this review are mine.
The God who stays reminds us that God will never leave us. He is patiently waiting for us to listen for his prompts and direction.
Matthew was a great narrator for his book and it was helpful to know that he struggled with his feelings that he was far from God during this time of the pandemic.
I took too much time to read this I know, but I needed small breaks to let it sink in. The personal contacts and connections that were woven through the storyline was very helpful too. Hoping to see more books soon.
Only cons was the preview copy I have has a lot of typo errors. I’m just picky about those so was kinda annoying. Some of the content seemed to be a little repetitive after awhile.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy of this book. All views in this review are mine.
June 23, 2024
I think finding this book in a perfect season of my life. With recent loss, feeling stuck in my faith, and just a season of a hard time. The reminder that God is always with us during these times and that the path is difficult. That it is in timing not ours. That when we are people are around but eventually life continues on. The concept of the blue couch and what it represents was helpful. How Matthew West writes and connects the Bible his life and his experience was great. Definitely recommend and will listen to again.
March 6, 2025
Matthew West is a singer/song writer and became a podcaster during Covid. He reflects on his feelings and thoughts during Covid. It's nice, but seemed to go on and on. I did enjoy his thoughts.
I like this quote from him: If we focus on Jesus, no matter what happens in the world around us, everything will be okay.
I like that a lot. And I believe that to be true.
I like this quote from him: If we focus on Jesus, no matter what happens in the world around us, everything will be okay.
I like that a lot. And I believe that to be true.
January 15, 2024
This book is awesome. It touched in way I could not believe.
April 18, 2025
A quick audiobook listen about remembering your faith in difficult seasons of life. Much more storytelling than sharing scripture, but still inspiring!
November 25, 2022
I have always enjoyed the music of Matthew West so when I saw his book that shares a title with one of his well-known songs I had to pick it up. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but I’m very happy to have read it and highly suggest it.
This book is a personal testimony behind the meaning of West’s song. It’s a unique look at the way God has shown His presence in West's life. It’s also about the fact that God is there despite our imperfections and shortcomings.
The reason why I love this book is because I think we all have at one point found a reason for God to not show up in our lives. I know I have not felt good enough. I have doubted that God was present in heartache. The truth is God stays despite our imperfections and He is present in our storms. This book is a wonderful reminder of those truths through personal stories.
West is talented at telling his story, making this book easy to keep reading. It’s also told in a way that’s easy to relate to. You may just find yourself reminiscing about the ways God has shown up in your life.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
This book is a personal testimony behind the meaning of West’s song. It’s a unique look at the way God has shown His presence in West's life. It’s also about the fact that God is there despite our imperfections and shortcomings.
The reason why I love this book is because I think we all have at one point found a reason for God to not show up in our lives. I know I have not felt good enough. I have doubted that God was present in heartache. The truth is God stays despite our imperfections and He is present in our storms. This book is a wonderful reminder of those truths through personal stories.
West is talented at telling his story, making this book easy to keep reading. It’s also told in a way that’s easy to relate to. You may just find yourself reminiscing about the ways God has shown up in your life.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.
December 2, 2022
Matthew’s perspectives shared through the pages of this book were intriguing and heartfelt. Great reminders of how none of us are alone in the day to days of life, good or bad. Enjoyed his outlook and stories he shared.
October 23, 2022
In The God Who Stays, Matthew West writes about releasing his hit song of the same name shortly before the pandemic shut everything down. At home with his family, concerts cancelled, he came face to face with a suddenly very uncertain future (as did we all). In this book, Matthew shares what the Lord taught him during that time about the God who stays with us, in good times and bad. God does not social distance Himself from us, but He loves us and chooses to be with us, as imperfect as we are. He always has a plan, and no matter what we are going through we can know He is right by our side, He is completely in control, and He is going through all of it with us. He wants to give us a New Normal spiritually that is better than what we had before. And He can then use us to be there for others to demonstrate what the God Who Stays looks like in action.
This is the second book I have read by Matthew West (the other being his devotional Today is Day One). Drawing from his own life experiences and stories from others, everything he says is backed with scripture and is very relatable. I find his style is like sitting down over a cup of coffee listening to him pour his heart out about his life, what God has taught him, and what God can do for you too.
One controversial subject that was briefly mentioned several times in the book is the Enneagram. Matthew describes finding his Enneagram number as a type of personality test. He did not venture into extra-Biblical subject matter, but I mention it purely for full disclosure.
I recommend this book as an approachable, encouraging read that reminds us that God does not just exist, He is not just out there somewhere or nearby, but He is Immanuel, God with us – and He is with us to stay.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book I have read by Matthew West (the other being his devotional Today is Day One). Drawing from his own life experiences and stories from others, everything he says is backed with scripture and is very relatable. I find his style is like sitting down over a cup of coffee listening to him pour his heart out about his life, what God has taught him, and what God can do for you too.
One controversial subject that was briefly mentioned several times in the book is the Enneagram. Matthew describes finding his Enneagram number as a type of personality test. He did not venture into extra-Biblical subject matter, but I mention it purely for full disclosure.
I recommend this book as an approachable, encouraging read that reminds us that God does not just exist, He is not just out there somewhere or nearby, but He is Immanuel, God with us – and He is with us to stay.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
The God Who Stays is a collection of anecdotes that point to God's fierce love of us and His always-present, always-faithful nature. I expected the book to fall more in the general "Christian Living" genre; indeed, the book is marketed as such. However, this is definitely more of a memoir. Matthew West focuses heavily on his personal experience with the pandemic and how even when all of life feels uncertain, God is the steady Rock beneath our feet. God draws near to us, even when others remain six feet away. The book was funnier than I expected, causing me to laugh out loud in many places. Chapter 2 Why Does God Stay? Super Dad or Shark Bait? especially had me rolling with laughter, as West recounts swimming with sharks. Through the laughs, West gently brings home the truth that God is compelled toward us in love. As He walked with Adam and Even in the Garden, so He desires to walk with us daily. Because there is so much memoir, I think the best audience for this book are those who are huge Matthew West fans. As someone who is a nominal fan (I like the songs I hear from him on the radio, but that's the extend of my fandom), I wasn't as invested in the book as a whole. Additionally, I'm not a huge fan of explicit references to the pandemic since it's still quite fresh in everyone's minds. That said, I'm giving it four stars because despite the mismarketing, there were moments of deep laughter and insight that I enjoyed.
November 6, 2022
I picked this book because it was Matthew West, I knew he was a song writer and have enjoyed some of his songs. This book was enjoyable to learn about him , and his walk with Jesus, and the blue couch.
He share a lot of stories from people he has met on his journey, and he speaks a lot about his quarantine time.
My take aways will meet you where you are at, all you need to do is invite him in.
Thank you Net Galley for a advanced copy for my honest opinion.
He share a lot of stories from people he has met on his journey, and he speaks a lot about his quarantine time.
My take aways will meet you where you are at, all you need to do is invite him in.
Thank you Net Galley for a advanced copy for my honest opinion.
November 6, 2022
A glimpse into the life of a talented musician/songwriter experiencing of the early affects of life during Covid19 and avenues to address reaching people who needed hope and prayer.
November 2, 2022
In Times of trouble where do you turn the only place that makes sense is to the God that Stays
Matthew does an excellent job giving example after example of why we can ultimately trust God to help us through difficult times
Matthew does an excellent job giving example after example of why we can ultimately trust God to help us through difficult times
March 4, 2023
A must-read!
The God Who Stays is honestly not a book that is either mind-blowing or overly profound. But it IS life-changing, if you let it be!
Anyone who listens to Matthew West's songs knows his lyrics are filled with the raw, real, hold-nothing-back kind of truth we all need to hear. This book is no exception! Matthew West fills the pages with so many lessons he's learned in life, so many stories and life applications, and - most importantly - so many examples of Who God is and how we can deepen our relationships with Him, the God Who stays.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The God Who Stays is honestly not a book that is either mind-blowing or overly profound. But it IS life-changing, if you let it be!
Anyone who listens to Matthew West's songs knows his lyrics are filled with the raw, real, hold-nothing-back kind of truth we all need to hear. This book is no exception! Matthew West fills the pages with so many lessons he's learned in life, so many stories and life applications, and - most importantly - so many examples of Who God is and how we can deepen our relationships with Him, the God Who stays.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 2, 2022
Matthew West is a Christian singer/songwriter. His newest book is based on the lyrics of his song, The God Who Stays. This was written in response to the world shifting when Covid hit, and everything we knew changed. But He is the God who stays. It is an excellent reminder that God is the one constant in life.
I really enjoyed this. If you are a Christian, this will help you remember Who you serve. If you are not a Christian, this book will tell you who God is.
Family friendly and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. Opinions are mine.
I really enjoyed this. If you are a Christian, this will help you remember Who you serve. If you are not a Christian, this book will tell you who God is.
Family friendly and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. Opinions are mine.
October 20, 2022
I received this book for my honest review from Net Galley. Matthew grabs your attention from Chapter one. Relating to real life experiences of 2020 when we all thought what a great year this would be! Little did we know life would come to a screeching holt for so many people. Was this a wake up call for most people? It was for Matthew. Matthew shares his story during this hard time for all of us. He turns toward God more during this time and realizes he needs to trust in the God who stays close by when all the crazy happens. To remember to lean on and turn to Him always. Good read.
September 30, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a sweet collection of stories! I’ve never really listened to Matthew West’s music, but now I really want to after listening to his book. I feel like we’re buddies now lol
None of this was really new or groundbreaking; it was a pretty typical Christian quasi-memoir. But it was definitely an enjoyable book to listen to! It was light and sweet and fun, just what I needed right now ☀️
thanks to netgalley and thomas nelson publishing for the e-arc and to libro.fm for the alc!
What a sweet collection of stories! I’ve never really listened to Matthew West’s music, but now I really want to after listening to his book. I feel like we’re buddies now lol
None of this was really new or groundbreaking; it was a pretty typical Christian quasi-memoir. But it was definitely an enjoyable book to listen to! It was light and sweet and fun, just what I needed right now ☀️
thanks to netgalley and thomas nelson publishing for the e-arc and to libro.fm for the alc!
October 9, 2022
Matthew West’s songs are often inspired by tremendous stories of faith. His book is no different as he shares narratives that uplift and encourage. I especially appreciated his candor and honesty as he shared about his faith journey from his blue couch moment with God to the space where he felt distance from God. Amid some humorous and heartfelt stories, West reminds readers of Our God Who Stays. The lyrics from his popular song have far greater meaning and depth after reading this book.
September 23, 2022
Matthew West has a way of sharing his life with others that not many can do. He makes it real and invites everyone to partake of the wedding feast of the Lamb! Through his stories, I get inspired to share my own with those around me and to become more like Christ in showing compassion for others everyday.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews