Daily Joy: A Devotional for Women

by Lydia Brownback (Contributor)

A 365-Day Women's Devotional, Perfect for Gift-Giving and Daily Reading

The Daily Joy devotional inspires women to engage with God's word every day, allowing the truth of the gospel to transform their lives throughout the year. Featuring content from the ESV Women's Devotional Bible, Scripture readings and articles are written by more than 50 Christian writers and pastors including Joni Eareckson Tada, Lydia Brownback, Dane C. Ortlund, Jen Wilkin, Sam Storms, and Nancy Guthrie. Focused on biblical teaching and God's transforming grace, these resources motivate women to apply God's word while strengthening their hearts and nurturing their souls.

• 365 Devotionals: Topics include God's grace, redemption, idolatry, worship, God's wrath, justice, Jesus and the law, persecution, and sin

• Theologically Rich: Includes devotionals for passages throughout the Bible, arranged canonically, with short introductions of each book

• Great Gift Idea for Moms, Daughters, and Students: A thoughtful way to inspire the women in your life

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

496 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2022

About the author

Lydia Brownback (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as a senior editor at Crossway in Wheaton, Illinois, and an author and speaker at women’s conferences around the world. Lydia previously served as writer in residence for Alistair Begg and as producer of the Bible Study Hour radio program with James Montgomery Boice.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve reached for many devotionals over the years, but few have become a steady presence on my desk like Daily Joy. This isn’t a book of fleeting inspiration or stories anchored in personal feeling… every page is rooted in Scripture and God’s unchanging truth. For me, that makes all the difference.

The structure is simple and strong: 365 daily readings, each drawn directly from the ESV Women’s Devotional Bible and crafted by over fifty faithful writers… names I already trust, like Joni Eareckson Tada, Lydia Brownback, Jen Wilkin, Sam Storms, Nancy Guthrie, and more. I love knowing that every morning I’ll meet a different voice, but always find the same gospel clarity.

This devotional consistently stays grounded in the Bible itself. I appreciate that the focus is on God’s Word, not shifting circumstances or anecdotes. I find myself keeping a notebook nearby, jotting down encouraging lines, phrases, and truths I want to hold onto.

The topics are both deep and timely: grace, redemption, idolatry, justice, Jesus and the law, and so much more… never shying away from the harder realities of sin and suffering, always returning to Christ and His finished work. Every book of the Bible is touched, and every entry draws us back to the centrality of God’s redeeming love.

Every devotion is thoughtfully crafted, prayerfully written, and doctrinally sound, making it a trustworthy companion for anyone who desires to grow in faith.

Aesthetically, this devotional is a gift in itself. It is beautifully bound, inviting you to leave it out and return to it often. But the real treasure, of course, is in the daily rhythm: Word, reflection, and prayer, all pointing me to my precious Lord and Savior who never changes.

If you’re looking for a devotional that’s more than motivational stories or fleeting encouragement… if you long for depth, faithfulness, and daily reminders that joy is anchored in Christ alone… Daily Joy is the companion you’ll want beside your Bible.

For readers who desire a steady, Scripture-centered resource for daily reflection, this is a devotional I gladly recommend. I’m grateful for Crossway’s commitment to resources that keep the Bible and the Gospel at the center of our daily rhythms.

I received a complimentary hardback edition of this book from Crossway. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my honest evaluation of the book’s writing, content, and scriptural soundness.

[Jane Winner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A walk through the Bible, reading scripture and several different Christian writers devotional commentary. I am involved in a small group of women and we read several of these authors during our meetings this year. Thank you to all who took the time to write...so that we could grow spiritually!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can women in the modern world find their Joy in God? In Daily Joy, Crossway presents a devotional for women to find their joy in God every day.

Heart Transformation with Real-Life Application

This resource aims to nurture women in their relationship with the Lord. The goal is heart transformation with real-life application. I learned that God has something to say directly to women, and it was a joy to hear Him speak in grace and truth. The themes of what it means to be a woman, living for the Lord, and hoping in God are not forced. Rather, they come from the natural flow and applications of the text. Readers will find their heart moved and drawn to want more of Jesus.

Contributors include Kristie Anyabwile, Lydia Brownback, Keri Folmar, Gloria Furman, Kristyn Getty, Nancy Guthrie, Glenna Marshall, Trillia Newbell, Jani Ortlund, Joni Erickson Tada, Jen Wilkin, and more. A handful of men also contributed. Their words are warm yet challenging. The devotions span the scope of the entire Bible, taking you on a journey from Genesis to Revelation. There is much wisdom and also encouragement in this book.

Every New Day

What I most enjoyed was the sense of hope I heard throughout the book. The writers take the daily challenges of womanhood to heart. This does not result in a watered-down approach to the Bible. Rather, the book digs deeper into the central truths and themes found throughout Scripture. It is richly rewarding to take the Bible with such seriousness and care.

With each devotion being 1-2 pages in length, it is definitely possible to spend time in God’s Word each day. Your mind will be sharpened, your heart will be strengthened, and your soul will be fed. By spending time with God, in his Word and in prayer, you will be equipped to face the challenges of every new day. His mercies are new every morning. The joy of the Lord will be your strength.

I received a media copy of Daily Joy and this is my honest review.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Devotionals are a very personal thing, so you may end up loving this one. Unfortunately it did not speak to me. It took me a good several months and tries to figure that out. All I felt towards faith when I read this was anger, and this is not how it should be.

[Nicole Sawatzky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this devotional put more emphasis on spending time in the bible than the devotional book. It was a blessing to have this to read each morning this past year. 🩷

[Alison Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this every day and think it’s wonderful. There’s any accompanying podcast that allows me to consume it over audio if needed.