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Sure as the Sunrise: 100 Morning Meditations on God’s Mercy and Delight
Do your days often feel unpredictable and chaotic? Do you wonder if what you're doing each day really matters in the big picture? Could you use some calm and peace in your life? In this 100-day devotional, you’ll experience inspiration and reassurance that God's mercy, delight, and provision are as sure as the sunrise--and ready to greet you each morning with hope and joy. The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue. Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. Lamentations 3:22-23 GNT Reading Sure as the Sunrise is like having coffee with your best friend each morning. With vulnerability and relatability, bestselling author Emily Ley shares her own stories and struggles, while also giving you permission to stop and check in with yourself--how are you doing, really ? Every five days of devotions are separated with additional space for personal reflection and journaling. If you are the type of person who loves starting your day with a planner or Bible in hand, this is a wonderful tool to add God's delight to your days. Or, if you need help creating a morning routine to put more calm and joy in your day, this book can help you do it. This devotional is perfect for This inspirational devotional will make a wonderful gift for fans of Emily and her Simplified brand and for those who are looking for uplifting, biblical readings to inspire them and help start their days. Give it as a gift for Christmas, the New Year, birthdays, Mother's Day, or any occasion that celebrates a fresh start. When everything else in the world feels finite and unsure, Sure as the Sunrise reminds us that God is dependable and forever. Sometimes a fresh start isn't found in a magnificent transformation, but in focusing our hearts on the signs, the slivers, the surprises and delights right in front of us. There is magic in the ordinary if we dare to see it and create it. Look for Emily’s companion 100-day evening devotional, Near in the Night .
208 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
85 people are currently reading
2394 people want to read
About the author
Emily Ley
23 books603 followersEmily Ley is the founder of Simplified® - a brand of planners and organizational tools for busy women. Emily has been featured in Forbes, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Glamour, and Good Housekeeping. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best New Product at the National Stationery Show as well as Top 10 Designers to Watch by Stationery Trends Magazine. Emily and her team recently collaborated with AT-A-GLANCE® to create gift and planning collections carried in Office Depot, Staples, and Target. Emily is the author of national bestselling books, Grace, Not perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy and A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living. Now as an author, entrepreneur, wife and mother to three, Emily lives in Pensacola, Florida with her husband, Bryan, and their son Brady (8), and twins Tyler and Caroline (4).
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 18, 2022
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publishers. Opinions conveyed are my own.
Scripture Connection
The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue,
fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.
Lam. 3:22-23
Theme/Design
The book has a strong morning theme and the daily devotions are designed to be read in the morning. Frequently, Ley offers a challenge for the day or the week. Overall, I would use the word “refreshment” to describe the key message of the book. It’s a message of rejuvenation in truth, of exchanging the cares of the world for Christ’s light yoke.
Organization
The devotional is divided into twenty chapters, or “weeks,” consisting of five daily devotions, followed by a reflection section with space for written introspection. Then, there’s a simple reminder in pretty cursive on a pink gradient, in honor of the sunrise.
While I’m accustomed to daily devotionals consisting of standalone studies, I really liked this approach, which developed themes over several days, allowing for a deeper dive. Rather than brushing the surface of the topic via short devotional, the reader has the opportunity to revisit the topic, from various angles. The format also makes it easier to relocate a favorite section.
Each titled devotion begins with a verse, followed by several paragraphs of discussion and concluding with a point of personal connection (i.e., a challenge, questions to consider, or a prayer).
A Favorite Quote
"May you accept the bountiful grace God is offering you. May you lay down your lists, your tasks and your calendar and allow the Creator of the heavens and earth to renew your spirit, to create abundant space within you for peace, calm and rest."
Emily Ley, Sure as the Sunrise, Day 66
What I Liked
In an addition to the chapter organization, I really enjoyed the content, itself. Ley’s writing is sweet, encouraging and engaging. She invites her readers into her life, as she shares about how the Lord has been present with her in various circumstances. In doing so, she also invites the reader to experience the grace found in Jesus. And the grace she talks about is real— not cheap nor something we can earn. It’s in and from Him.
I especially liked the last part of each devotional, which provided a personal touch point for the reader. These sections offer tangibles in the form of prayers, reflection questions and challenges. My favorites are the written-out prayers, which are honest and do a great job of putting into words than I’ve felt but wouldn’t necessarily know how to express. I also appreciate that the challenges are specific, rather than general.
Emily Ley is well known for creating Simplified® planners and, although I’m not familiar with the product, I definitely see how God has gifted her in this area. Just as planners allow the user to itemize the details of the day, Ley itemizes specific ways to care for one self and rest with Jesus. The tangibles are one of my favorite things about the devotional—and one of the ways it stands out.
On top of the daily interactives, the end of the book includes resources for planning your morning routine (the importance of which is established in the book), along with Emily’s own routine. Again, I appreciate how practical this is, and I think it’s neat that the author is using the gifts God gave her to draw others close to Him. It’s such a blessing (especially for someone with autism—me— who really values specificity and planning).
Audience
Sure as the Sunrise is a women’s devotional, best suited to married moms. There are quite a few references to raising children or at least being married; although the author does provide alternate examples for those who are not, I would say this is the Target readership. Nonetheless, although I’m a single woman, the Lord really used this book for me. There is so much truth and refreshment packed in the pages.
Recommendation Status
This is a great women’s devotional that encourages readers to breathe before the busyness of the day—and spend time with Jesus. While I’d recommend it especially to women who are married and have children, I think it’s a valuable resource for all women, regardless of marital status.
Scripture Connection
The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue,
fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.
Lam. 3:22-23
Theme/Design
The book has a strong morning theme and the daily devotions are designed to be read in the morning. Frequently, Ley offers a challenge for the day or the week. Overall, I would use the word “refreshment” to describe the key message of the book. It’s a message of rejuvenation in truth, of exchanging the cares of the world for Christ’s light yoke.
Organization
The devotional is divided into twenty chapters, or “weeks,” consisting of five daily devotions, followed by a reflection section with space for written introspection. Then, there’s a simple reminder in pretty cursive on a pink gradient, in honor of the sunrise.
While I’m accustomed to daily devotionals consisting of standalone studies, I really liked this approach, which developed themes over several days, allowing for a deeper dive. Rather than brushing the surface of the topic via short devotional, the reader has the opportunity to revisit the topic, from various angles. The format also makes it easier to relocate a favorite section.
Each titled devotion begins with a verse, followed by several paragraphs of discussion and concluding with a point of personal connection (i.e., a challenge, questions to consider, or a prayer).
A Favorite Quote
"May you accept the bountiful grace God is offering you. May you lay down your lists, your tasks and your calendar and allow the Creator of the heavens and earth to renew your spirit, to create abundant space within you for peace, calm and rest."
Emily Ley, Sure as the Sunrise, Day 66
What I Liked
In an addition to the chapter organization, I really enjoyed the content, itself. Ley’s writing is sweet, encouraging and engaging. She invites her readers into her life, as she shares about how the Lord has been present with her in various circumstances. In doing so, she also invites the reader to experience the grace found in Jesus. And the grace she talks about is real— not cheap nor something we can earn. It’s in and from Him.
I especially liked the last part of each devotional, which provided a personal touch point for the reader. These sections offer tangibles in the form of prayers, reflection questions and challenges. My favorites are the written-out prayers, which are honest and do a great job of putting into words than I’ve felt but wouldn’t necessarily know how to express. I also appreciate that the challenges are specific, rather than general.
Emily Ley is well known for creating Simplified® planners and, although I’m not familiar with the product, I definitely see how God has gifted her in this area. Just as planners allow the user to itemize the details of the day, Ley itemizes specific ways to care for one self and rest with Jesus. The tangibles are one of my favorite things about the devotional—and one of the ways it stands out.
On top of the daily interactives, the end of the book includes resources for planning your morning routine (the importance of which is established in the book), along with Emily’s own routine. Again, I appreciate how practical this is, and I think it’s neat that the author is using the gifts God gave her to draw others close to Him. It’s such a blessing (especially for someone with autism—me— who really values specificity and planning).
Audience
Sure as the Sunrise is a women’s devotional, best suited to married moms. There are quite a few references to raising children or at least being married; although the author does provide alternate examples for those who are not, I would say this is the Target readership. Nonetheless, although I’m a single woman, the Lord really used this book for me. There is so much truth and refreshment packed in the pages.
Recommendation Status
This is a great women’s devotional that encourages readers to breathe before the busyness of the day—and spend time with Jesus. While I’d recommend it especially to women who are married and have children, I think it’s a valuable resource for all women, regardless of marital status.
October 10, 2022
Sure As The Sunrise by Emily Ley will probably fill carts of women soon and maybe be a stocking stuffer or gift for the holiday season. Why? Because the book cover is beautiful, the author is cute and bubbly, she uses God's name throughout, or maybe it's her popularity. I'd guess that all of these reasons will leave well-meaning people buying this "devotional".Generally, a devotional is one verse and an author's commentary. The commentary doesn't have to be anything more than their personal thoughts on that small portion of scripture or how they feel the verse applies to them. This devotional is not much different from all the others.
- She uses many translations of scripture including the paraphrase The Message.
- In one entry on kindness, Ley uses Ephesians 4:32 and then states, "The kindest people I know weren't born that way. THey became that way through life experiences that, more often than note, were hard." Surely Christians can grow to become kind, but Ley leaves out the beginning of the letter to the church at Ephesus; the part where they were dead in sin and because of Christ have life that can share love and kindness.
- 1 Corinthians 6 about our bodies being temples is used for a devotion for reading about her fitness journey.
There are plenty more examples of out of context scripture usage. There's also the concern of what biblical doctrines Ley affirms. This devotional is less about God and more about self. So in the end who are we being devoted to?
*I received this dARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
- She uses many translations of scripture including the paraphrase The Message.
- In one entry on kindness, Ley uses Ephesians 4:32 and then states, "The kindest people I know weren't born that way. THey became that way through life experiences that, more often than note, were hard." Surely Christians can grow to become kind, but Ley leaves out the beginning of the letter to the church at Ephesus; the part where they were dead in sin and because of Christ have life that can share love and kindness.
- 1 Corinthians 6 about our bodies being temples is used for a devotion for reading about her fitness journey.
There are plenty more examples of out of context scripture usage. There's also the concern of what biblical doctrines Ley affirms. This devotional is less about God and more about self. So in the end who are we being devoted to?
*I received this dARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2023
I love Emily Ley and have read all her books. I used a Simplified planner for years too. I was really excited for this but as a Christian, I absolutely cannot recommend it.
There's a verse at the top, then a devotional. The "devotional" content is usually a story from Emily's life that has nothing to do with the verse. The heart of this book is self care and is thus self focused. Yes, God wants us to take care of ourselves, but that's not all he wants us to do. This wasn't very inspiring and didn't seem to line up with solid Christian values. As many of Emily's books go, it comes from a very privileged perspective that others not in her same circumstances can find relatable.
It is also completely mother-focused. There's nothing in the title or on the cover that would indicate it was only for moms. If you are not a mother, I think this book would frustrate you.
I give it two stars for the fact that it is a beautifully made book. It has journaling pages throughout which I actually did not like because then you cannot pass this book into someone else. I usually give my old devotionals to my mom or a friend.
There's a verse at the top, then a devotional. The "devotional" content is usually a story from Emily's life that has nothing to do with the verse. The heart of this book is self care and is thus self focused. Yes, God wants us to take care of ourselves, but that's not all he wants us to do. This wasn't very inspiring and didn't seem to line up with solid Christian values. As many of Emily's books go, it comes from a very privileged perspective that others not in her same circumstances can find relatable.
It is also completely mother-focused. There's nothing in the title or on the cover that would indicate it was only for moms. If you are not a mother, I think this book would frustrate you.
I give it two stars for the fact that it is a beautifully made book. It has journaling pages throughout which I actually did not like because then you cannot pass this book into someone else. I usually give my old devotionals to my mom or a friend.
October 31, 2022
Confusing mix of disparate parts.
The setup of each day in this devotional is as such:
Title, Bible verse, Essay, Action items
I found myself struggling after reading each day to understand how those four parts went together. It should not be that difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to convey.
There was no “wrap up” to connect all the lines.
Good intentions for those who need this.
Rather than much of a bible-based devotional, I found this more of a Simplified-planner-based devotional. Slapping a bible verse onto a page doesn’t make it any better than if you left it off. This felt like checking a box in what the author “should” do.
Not for me.
Stars 2
Would I Recommend? Eh....
The setup of each day in this devotional is as such:
Title, Bible verse, Essay, Action items
I found myself struggling after reading each day to understand how those four parts went together. It should not be that difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to convey.
There was no “wrap up” to connect all the lines.
Good intentions for those who need this.
Rather than much of a bible-based devotional, I found this more of a Simplified-planner-based devotional. Slapping a bible verse onto a page doesn’t make it any better than if you left it off. This felt like checking a box in what the author “should” do.
Not for me.
Stars 2
Would I Recommend? Eh....
February 1, 2024
Don’t expect anything deep; this felt like eating a handful of popcorn 🫢
I did like one thing she said - we take better care of our kids when they’re under the weather than we do ourselves.
I did like one thing she said - we take better care of our kids when they’re under the weather than we do ourselves.
January 8, 2023
I was initially drawn to the devotion because of the bright and inviting cover, However I didn’t much care for the contents of the book.
As a devotional, I expected more of a scripture based daily lesson with a verse and then an explanation or practical life application. I didn’t quite get that from this book which felt more like personal essays tied to verses.
They were short to read which was nice but overall I was expecting more.
As a devotional, I expected more of a scripture based daily lesson with a verse and then an explanation or practical life application. I didn’t quite get that from this book which felt more like personal essays tied to verses.
They were short to read which was nice but overall I was expecting more.
October 31, 2022
This is my first book by Emily and I quite enjoyed it. Each devotional felt like sitting down for coffee with a friend. Each scripture came with a little tidbit from her life, how she applies that scripture to her life, then ends with a question or challenge to apply it in your life. I like how she takes the scripture then applies it to daily life. You can tell her life is planners and organization - it definitely comes through in the devotionals. The topics are varied but I felt they had a good continuous flow. I enjoyed at the end of each week being able to reflect on what I've learned and worked on. The resources at the end were helpful in setting up a morning routine. I do find that when I prepare the night before I'm less hectic and stressed the next day. All in all, it was a nice daily devotional with sprinklings of planning your life better.
November 9, 2022
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC copy of this book! For years, I have been looking for a devotional that was thoughtful, but not too long, and related to me as a woman, mother, and working parent. Emily's book hits all three of these. She starts out with a short verse and then gives a sweet meditation on that verse, pulling in real life experiences of hers that relate to that day. She continues to refer back to the "sun rose again" mantra, which is a soothing pattern to expect throughout the days of the devotional. I appreciate that she doesn't give us a holier than thou sentiment in these days- she tells it like it is with her own faults and mistakes which is refreshing compared to other devotionals I've read. I would recommend this to women looking for a short jumpstart to center their day before the hectic sets in.
September 2, 2022
This is a lovingly-crafted devotional that will speak straight to a mama's heart. Moving through 100 days, each week has a theme and each day has a verse, a story, and an action item.
If you have read Emily Ley's other books, this devotional has that same voice and even some of the same stories. The reflections cover a variety of topics, from surface-level to more intimate. Mothers will find it relatable, tender, and heart-felt. The book closes with some tips on routines.
This is a great devotional for infusing your day with comfort, faith, and the feeling of a warm hug from a trusted friend.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy to review! I enjoyed it.
If you have read Emily Ley's other books, this devotional has that same voice and even some of the same stories. The reflections cover a variety of topics, from surface-level to more intimate. Mothers will find it relatable, tender, and heart-felt. The book closes with some tips on routines.
This is a great devotional for infusing your day with comfort, faith, and the feeling of a warm hug from a trusted friend.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy to review! I enjoyed it.
September 20, 2022
If you’re a fan of Emily Ley, this devotional is the perfect addition to your growing library of her books and planners. It’s beautifully created and has her consistent simplified theme. I felt the devotional entries could have gone a little more in depth as well as the scripture assessment, but I enjoyed the weekly check in questions and assessment. This would make a great Christmas present for anyone in your life with a Simplified Planner.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift for the advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift for the advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2022
Emily Ley has a gift for inspiring others to get organized and get back to the basics. Now, with her daily devotional, Sure as the Sunrise, she has proven that she also has a gift for leading others in their faith journey. I have long been a fan of her Simplified podcast, particularly her weekly blessing at the end, so now to have a devotional extending this blessing into a daily offering is a blessing indeed. Thank you, Emily, for being yourself and for being a gracious hostess and friend for the many who follow and admire you.
February 19, 2023
Sure as the Sunrise by Emily Ley is a lovely devotional book. This author’s work is always realistic while simultaneously being a breath of fresh air— that’s not easy to do! Here, you will find extremely short thoughts to get you on your day. Each devotional starts with a Scripture and then tells an anecdote from life that helps give you perspective. I love this book and think it is one to buy in hardback and read in small doses each day, as intended. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
February 9, 2024
Sure as the Sunrise is an awesome devotional by Emily Ley! Ms. Ley has written 100 encouraging devotional entries with practical advice sprinkled within. I used Sure as the Sunrise as part of my personal devotional time and it really ministered to me. I often read more than one entry a day. Sometimes I found the practical advice repetitive, but that does not detour from how it ministered to me. I highly recommend Sure as the Sunrise by Emily Ley! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
June 14, 2024
I really wanted to love this devotional and it’s very rare when I don’t love one. However, I just couldn’t fully finish this one. The verse and the actual “devotion” just didn’t seem to relate. I had to try extremely hard to find a way to relate everything together. It just felt random.
On top of that, this devotion is mainly focused on her being a mother and her children. It is very sweet, but I’m very far from that stage of life and just could not relate to it. Had this been promoted with the book anywhere I truly would not have wasted the money on it. Overall, I’m let down.
On top of that, this devotion is mainly focused on her being a mother and her children. It is very sweet, but I’m very far from that stage of life and just could not relate to it. Had this been promoted with the book anywhere I truly would not have wasted the money on it. Overall, I’m let down.
June 4, 2025
Bible LIGHT. This is very Emily focused, with God being secondary. It’s written from the perspective of a person who makes planners for a living, not from someone who has any background in theology… which is exactly what it is. I’m not sure why I expected more. Two stars because the cover is beautiful- so if you’re looking for a pretty book to sit on the shelf, this is it! Just don’t waste your time reading it if you’re looking for sustenance.
August 5, 2025
Thank you Emily Ley for a beautiful, humble, relatable, warming and inspiring daily devotional! I personally took more than 100 days to read through it but gosh. Every time I turned a page I felt so good after reading it. Some days I would read 2 - 3 pages because I couldn’t stop. I will be keeping this book and bringing it out again when I feel I need a pick me up. Fantastic devotional. 10/10. If you don’t read you are missing out ❤️
May 24, 2025
This devotional was often what I needed when I needed it and I was so grateful for that. I do think it might be more beneficial for mothers, but that does not negate the fact that it holds truths about God that all ladies can stand to be reminded of, especially in the busy struggles and the joyful moments of life.
July 15, 2023
A very sweet devotional that I enjoyed as part of my morning routine. My biggest takeaway was the comparison of God and the homemaker in that He has gone to prepare a place for us. Several nuggets in this book did my heart good.
April 29, 2024
The cover is what captured my attention first, and then, as I perused its pages: the thoughtful writing, stories sand space to journal. This devotional has been my companion over the last year and I love how it opens my day: with gentle invitations and powerful reminders. Highly recommend.
November 3, 2025
I have loved Emily’s other books and struggled for almost 2 years to consistently pick this one up. I ultimately didn’t finish. There were the days the passages and prompts were great, but most fell flat for me or were already lessons I’ve engrained into my routines from other books.
April 17, 2023
It was a good read.
May 15, 2023
This book was amazing and helped me to set really good morning routines. Also so many opportunities to be grateful.
June 5, 2023
A quick simple daily devotional that is very relatable. A great way to begin each day on a positive note.
December 16, 2023
Okay devotion book, I struggled with some of the writing because portions are geared more toward women who are mothers. But, there are also relevant reflections.
May 1, 2025
I used to hate that Hammich was such a raging alcoholic but now…..I totally understand 😞 Can’t wait for the movie, this was a great book!
August 20, 2025
Fun daily devotional! Obviously took me longer than 100 days to read it, but helpful to give me some focus in scripture reading each morning!
December 2, 2025
A relatable read. Short, sweet, daily devotionals for working moms and wives!
November 11, 2023
This is a book of daily devotionals to help you deal with the daily grind and to see the good in life.
I decided when I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways that I would spend the time each day reading the devotional, the scripture, and journal about what I read that day. As I spent the time each morning, I came to look forward to these devotionals and the quiet time I made for them. I felt calm as I went through my days. I liked that there was no pressure. Ms. Ley has it set up for 20 weeks, but she only has devotionals for 5 of the 7 days of the week. I could do them as I chose--either daily, or Monday-Friday, or as I could depending on my schedule. This gave me the time to read, reflect, and write. I was sad when the book was done. I would do this again.
I decided when I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways that I would spend the time each day reading the devotional, the scripture, and journal about what I read that day. As I spent the time each morning, I came to look forward to these devotionals and the quiet time I made for them. I felt calm as I went through my days. I liked that there was no pressure. Ms. Ley has it set up for 20 weeks, but she only has devotionals for 5 of the 7 days of the week. I could do them as I chose--either daily, or Monday-Friday, or as I could depending on my schedule. This gave me the time to read, reflect, and write. I was sad when the book was done. I would do this again.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews