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Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith
It’s easy to lose heart in a world where many things can and do go wrong. Life is difficult and there are struggles within and without, but we can take heart—the Lord is with us. He hears our cries for mercy. He knows our every need. He guides us, helps us, and strengthens us with his mighty right arm. Journey through a year with David Powlison, learning to “take heart” by meditating on his favorite Scripture passages, hymns, and biblical themes, exploring the ways God meets us with daily grace right where we live.
Drawn from David Powlison’s many decades of writing, teaching, and speaking, Take Heart is a yearlong devotional journey into the process of biblical change, where truth becomes clearer and our ears hear and our eyes see what God tells us about himself.
Learn to go to God for the help you need and hold fast to the daily mercy and grace he offers. And be reminded the promises of God are true and that the resurrection of Jesus guarantees that no matter what you may be facing, you can live in real hope.
Drawn from David Powlison’s many decades of writing, teaching, and speaking, Take Heart is a yearlong devotional journey into the process of biblical change, where truth becomes clearer and our ears hear and our eyes see what God tells us about himself.
Learn to go to God for the help you need and hold fast to the daily mercy and grace he offers. And be reminded the promises of God are true and that the resurrection of Jesus guarantees that no matter what you may be facing, you can live in real hope.
403 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2022
146 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
David A. Powlison
144 books225 followersDavid Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 17, 2022
David Powlison is one of the most competent biblical counselors that ever lived. He has blessed and helped so many people. I have read several of his books and this devotional takes his books and brings out nuggets for us to chew on each day. Collected from his vast writings and packaged in a clear and concise way I really loved this devotional. The first few entries started kind of slow but by the time you get to mid-January it is so so good and does not let up! Recommended
February 20, 2024
This is the best devotional that I have read. Powlison faithfully points you to Jesus and constantly reminds us to take heart as we struggle and fight sin, as we weep in the midst of great pain, suffering, and grief--and as we seek to understand the beautiful depth of our Savior's steadfast love.
I look forward to rereading this devotional again and again.
I look forward to rereading this devotional again and again.
December 28, 2024
I found this devotional uniquely encouraging to read each day. It feels as though David Powlison is sitting beside you, offering poignant encouragement as you navigate your Christian life. I’m going to miss it as I head into 2025.
October 2, 2023
I don’t normally like daily devotionals, but anything written by David Powlison is an exception. Having used this for almost a year now, I can commend it wholeheartedly.
December 30, 2024
HIGHLY recommend this daily devotional! Similar feel to New Morning Mercies, so if you liked that, try this! He is one of my favorite authors of Christian books.
December 31, 2025
Love David Powlison. You can obviously tell it’s just excerpts taken from his other writings, but still really helpful and makes for a good devo.
January 20, 2023
David Powlison is a new-to-me author and his book Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith piqued my interest. Devotionals are some of my favorite types of books to read and Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith was a really nice and deep read. Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith is a year-long devotional with devotion entries for each day of the year. Each entry either has an opening Bible verse or quote/song lyric and then Mr. Powlison expounds on that day’s particular Bible verse or quote/song lyric.
Since David Powlison is a new-to-me author, I approached Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith with an even more clean and open slate than I usually do when reading books because I have no expectations at that point. Each devotion entry is concise, but powerful. I love the thoughts that Mr. Powlison brings out in many of the entries and how it made me see what he was talking about in a new way (which is good). I love how some of the entries are presented–some have bullet points of other thoughts and Bible verses or attributes that correlate with the opening Bible verse or quote/song lyric and that some have poems or prayers. Each entry was very thought provoking and not only did the entries stretch my thinking, but I also saw how the Author and I saw things similarly. I used Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith as part of my personal devotional time and often read more than one entry a day. I really appreciated reading this book and how it made me think about things. If you are looking for a devotional that will not only challenge you, but help you in your walk with Christ, then I highly recommend Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith by David Powlison!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
Since David Powlison is a new-to-me author, I approached Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith with an even more clean and open slate than I usually do when reading books because I have no expectations at that point. Each devotion entry is concise, but powerful. I love the thoughts that Mr. Powlison brings out in many of the entries and how it made me see what he was talking about in a new way (which is good). I love how some of the entries are presented–some have bullet points of other thoughts and Bible verses or attributes that correlate with the opening Bible verse or quote/song lyric and that some have poems or prayers. Each entry was very thought provoking and not only did the entries stretch my thinking, but I also saw how the Author and I saw things similarly. I used Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith as part of my personal devotional time and often read more than one entry a day. I really appreciated reading this book and how it made me think about things. If you are looking for a devotional that will not only challenge you, but help you in your walk with Christ, then I highly recommend Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith by David Powlison!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
October 20, 2022
Many Jesus-seekers want to know how to deepen their relationship with God. Well, David Powlison’s Take Heart is a great starting point! If a reader absorbs these one-page prompts and uses them to facilitate internal reflection, personal challenges, and intentional dialogue with God, the result will be a deeper faith.
The 365 daily prompts cover many lesser-known verses, giving the reader a broader exposure to Scripture than they might get otherwise. The selected Scriptures cover the beauty of the Psalms, the truth of the Gospels, and a mixture of Old and New Testament verses. All of the Scripture and the reflective, instructive messages point us to a deeper relationship that a reader of this book would be seeking.
Take Heart – Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith is a posthumous publication of David Powlison’s many years of Christian writing and teaching. His wife participated on the team who brought Mr. Powlison’s words to a new life in these devotions.
Who would benefit from this book: Anyone who enjoys devotionals that take just a few minutes a day to read and those who are looking to deepen their relationship with God would enjoy this book. Take Heart would also make a nice gift for a new believer or someone who is struggling with faith or facing a current struggle.
How this book affected me: This is my kind of book! It helps the reader focus on drawing nearer to God by using Scripture and a short reading. The topics vary and cover a lot of ground that will apply to most people in many circumstances. The commentary is thought-provoking, challenging, and inspiring.
I received this book with no obligation for a positive review.
The 365 daily prompts cover many lesser-known verses, giving the reader a broader exposure to Scripture than they might get otherwise. The selected Scriptures cover the beauty of the Psalms, the truth of the Gospels, and a mixture of Old and New Testament verses. All of the Scripture and the reflective, instructive messages point us to a deeper relationship that a reader of this book would be seeking.
Take Heart – Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith is a posthumous publication of David Powlison’s many years of Christian writing and teaching. His wife participated on the team who brought Mr. Powlison’s words to a new life in these devotions.
Who would benefit from this book: Anyone who enjoys devotionals that take just a few minutes a day to read and those who are looking to deepen their relationship with God would enjoy this book. Take Heart would also make a nice gift for a new believer or someone who is struggling with faith or facing a current struggle.
How this book affected me: This is my kind of book! It helps the reader focus on drawing nearer to God by using Scripture and a short reading. The topics vary and cover a lot of ground that will apply to most people in many circumstances. The commentary is thought-provoking, challenging, and inspiring.
I received this book with no obligation for a positive review.
October 20, 2022
My Thoughts:
Take Heart is a one-page entry a day devotional.
The Bible texts used are from the NASB, NRSV, and ESV.
Each entry has a Bible verse followed by a brief devotion. Several of the devotionals are prayers. I actually noted several prayers in the book. An example is “A Prayer for Wisdom.”
The themes in the devotional book: weakness, prayer, stress, sanctification, faith, anger, spiritual warfare, comfort, fear, anxiety, failure, suffering, mercy, low self-esteem, and God as our loving Father.
Some of my favorite devotions:
January 6, a “call to get out of your comfort zone;”
July 12, forgiveness. In this devotion it states the “alternative to forgiveness.” This is sobering. A warning.
August 4, forgiveness. “Did you know that most angry people don’t ask for forgiveness?” This is something I’d not considered, but I believe it.
December 3. “Jesus engages each person and situation in a personalized way.”
I love this devotional. I prefer longer content, but for a person who is not a big reader this is perfect. For a person who wants a short devotion to read in the morning before the day starts, this book is perfect.
Format: E-book.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from New Growth Press and Audra Jennings. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Christian readers of devotionals with an emphasis on life challenges.
Rating: Excellent.
Take Heart is a one-page entry a day devotional.
The Bible texts used are from the NASB, NRSV, and ESV.
Each entry has a Bible verse followed by a brief devotion. Several of the devotionals are prayers. I actually noted several prayers in the book. An example is “A Prayer for Wisdom.”
The themes in the devotional book: weakness, prayer, stress, sanctification, faith, anger, spiritual warfare, comfort, fear, anxiety, failure, suffering, mercy, low self-esteem, and God as our loving Father.
Some of my favorite devotions:
January 6, a “call to get out of your comfort zone;”
July 12, forgiveness. In this devotion it states the “alternative to forgiveness.” This is sobering. A warning.
August 4, forgiveness. “Did you know that most angry people don’t ask for forgiveness?” This is something I’d not considered, but I believe it.
December 3. “Jesus engages each person and situation in a personalized way.”
I love this devotional. I prefer longer content, but for a person who is not a big reader this is perfect. For a person who wants a short devotion to read in the morning before the day starts, this book is perfect.
Format: E-book.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from New Growth Press and Audra Jennings. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Christian readers of devotionals with an emphasis on life challenges.
Rating: Excellent.
December 22, 2022
Where can you find God when you feel weak? In Take Heart, David Powlison delivers daily devotions to deepen and strengthen your faith.
The Lord is With You
Over the last 20 years of his life, Powlison experienced open heart surgery, five cancer surgeries, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue. These devotions were curated with the background of weakness in mind. Published posthumously, this collection of selected writings, teachings, and messages help you see and believe that the Lord is with you.
Each devotional consists of only a few short paragraphs. Powlison doesn’t waste any words — he speaks directly to your heart. An opening passage helps to start each devotional entry, with many from the book of Psalms. Powlison is wise and warm, writing as someone who has been once before in the depths of darkness and despair.
Our Strong and Sovereign Savior
Trust is a major, standout theme. It is clear that Powlison saw God as a personal God, and this carries over in the way we find help for our faith in our day-to-day life. If you feel weak, in waiting or in want — there is mercy and grace to be found in every page of this devotional.
This tight, 400-page hardback book is a treasure. Powlison is a seasoned counselor, and surprisingly intimate with his writing. Reading this book as from a faithful father or a loving friend — his words will gently lead you to our strong and sovereign Savior.
I received a media copy of Take Heart and this is my honest review.
The Lord is With You
Over the last 20 years of his life, Powlison experienced open heart surgery, five cancer surgeries, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue. These devotions were curated with the background of weakness in mind. Published posthumously, this collection of selected writings, teachings, and messages help you see and believe that the Lord is with you.
Each devotional consists of only a few short paragraphs. Powlison doesn’t waste any words — he speaks directly to your heart. An opening passage helps to start each devotional entry, with many from the book of Psalms. Powlison is wise and warm, writing as someone who has been once before in the depths of darkness and despair.
Our Strong and Sovereign Savior
Trust is a major, standout theme. It is clear that Powlison saw God as a personal God, and this carries over in the way we find help for our faith in our day-to-day life. If you feel weak, in waiting or in want — there is mercy and grace to be found in every page of this devotional.
This tight, 400-page hardback book is a treasure. Powlison is a seasoned counselor, and surprisingly intimate with his writing. Reading this book as from a faithful father or a loving friend — his words will gently lead you to our strong and sovereign Savior.
I received a media copy of Take Heart and this is my honest review.
Read
September 12, 2022I loved that this book of devotionals encourages you to "take heart" as you trust God to bear you up each day. It covers various topics and offers biblical counsel and wisdom that will anchor you in truth and remind you of God's grace, faithfulness, and our need to draw near to and seek His face daily. It's full of encouraging devotionals and daily reminders to "take heart" and dive deep in God's love and rest in the finished work of Christ. I highly encourage this book of devotionals and think it will shine redeeming light into your heart and encourage you to live in hope on your daily journey with the Lord Jesus Christ.
I received a copy of Take Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I received a copy of Take Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
September 30, 2023
I’ve spent the last year going through this phenomenal devotional every morning. Rich with impactful, Biblical counsel, it has been an incredible encouragement to me.
Published posthumously, it’s a compilation of excerpts from the author’s many writings on the topics of fear, anxiety, anger, lust, etc.
I highly recommend it to anyone seeking meaty Biblical counsel that speak to the heart and turns our eyes to the Lord. It’s certainly deepened my faith, and I’m sure it will do the same for you.
Published posthumously, it’s a compilation of excerpts from the author’s many writings on the topics of fear, anxiety, anger, lust, etc.
I highly recommend it to anyone seeking meaty Biblical counsel that speak to the heart and turns our eyes to the Lord. It’s certainly deepened my faith, and I’m sure it will do the same for you.
December 31, 2024
Recommend!! A smattering of the late biblical counselor’s best-of, just a little each day. It is indeed very devotional in nature and short enough that it can complement your Bible/prayer time without taking too much time. I especially loved how it kicked off the year with a devotion about our weakness and how God uses it. It is the time of year when we most want to be strong and make goals and run fast but it was such a great reminder I considered many times afterwards.
January 2, 2026
This was so good.
I don’t do devotionals very often just because I don’t find that I keep up with them and I always want to go to the Bible more than a devotional.
However, I thought David Powlison had some really good reflections here. I started this devotional in March, so I was missing a few months but for the majority of the year, I found the daily reminders helpful, Christ-centered, and encouraging.
I don’t do devotionals very often just because I don’t find that I keep up with them and I always want to go to the Bible more than a devotional.
However, I thought David Powlison had some really good reflections here. I started this devotional in March, so I was missing a few months but for the majority of the year, I found the daily reminders helpful, Christ-centered, and encouraging.
January 15, 2023
I love these writings from late david Powilson. He encourages readers through short Bible verses, hymns, and theological quotes about how to endure suffering in a world full of it. Through his own personal experiences with open heart surgery and cancer, these pages are filled with perspectives from his heart. I love the theological soundness and simplicity of the hard to grasp truths. 10/10 recommend for everyone to use in their daily devotions. Especially if comprehension is hard because these devotionals are easy to understand and short enough for everyone to read.
March 6, 2023
I'm not usually a fan of daily devotionals unless they're incredibly rich (I like to absorb everything as quickly as I can) so this one didn't make the cut for me to save for once a day. It was good biblical material, though.
December 31, 2023
Helpful.Hopeful.
This gentle volume is a good way to spend each day looking at God and his word and seeing his love for us through Jesus. We are needy, but David Powlison points the reader to a loving, wise, gentle, just God.
This gentle volume is a good way to spend each day looking at God and his word and seeing his love for us through Jesus. We are needy, but David Powlison points the reader to a loving, wise, gentle, just God.
August 26, 2024
I really enjoy David Powlison and this devo extracts daily readings from his other works, with a Bible verse and a thought to take with you through the day. Thoroughly enjoyed my 365 days reading this devo.
December 30, 2024
Fantastic devotional! David Powlison was a gift to the church - brilliant and humble. This is one of the best devotionals I’ve used. It makes you think, and it points you in specific ways to the One who changes you.
December 31, 2024
Must be read every day
This devotional has given me hope on bad days and it’s mostly because I know David Powlison wrote from his own life. His life spoke Jesus daily to those around him. Thank you David.
This devotional has given me hope on bad days and it’s mostly because I know David Powlison wrote from his own life. His life spoke Jesus daily to those around him. Thank you David.
December 31, 2024
365 days of filling my mind with the things of God, with biblical truth, and with sweet wisdom, thanks to David Powlison’s ability to share Scriptural truth in gentle ways that speak directly to life.
December 28, 2023
This is my favorite out of all devotions that I have read. It is very pastoral and so encouraging. Very good.
December 29, 2023
This is a wonderful devotional book. In this book you’ll receive a daily dose of God’s grace and mercy found in Christ; humbly delivered to redeemed and deeply loved sinners. Highly recommended!
December 31, 2023
So good!! I love it!
Remember!!
He says, “You are mine. So take heart. I will complete what I have begun.”
Can’t wait to re-read it in 2024!
Remember!!
He says, “You are mine. So take heart. I will complete what I have begun.”
Can’t wait to re-read it in 2024!
February 10, 2024
Excellent every day devotional. Could reread this every year and continue to lean more and more of God and His desire for us to know Him deeply
December 19, 2024
Such a good devotional.
December 31, 2024
The first year long devotional I have ever done. I really enjoyed it and there were lots of really good, convicting, encouraging entries.
January 1, 2025
Great devotional!
Very thought provoking. A great guide as you lean in to God. I would recommend it to anyone including couples.
Very thought provoking. A great guide as you lean in to God. I would recommend it to anyone including couples.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews