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Heart of God: 31 Days to Discover God's Love for You
DaySpring brings you a new, never-before-published 31 day, 2022 devotional from the late Elisabeth Elliot. Elisabeth (1926-2015) was a missionary, author, and speaker. For over half a century, her life of obedience, timeless teachings, and best-selling books have influenced both believers and seekers of the Christian faith.
To understand the depth and reality of God's love for us is one of the great adventures of the Christian life. A Heart of God: 31 Days to Discover God’s Love for You is a one-month devotional journey to open your heart and soul to experience God’s character, His intentions, and His great plan for you in your everyday, ordinary life (and this crazy world). You’ll find out how the compassionate hand of God is in your every circumstance, even when you are suffering. May you encounter the unfolding mystery of His infinite layers and HIs unprecedented love for you right where you are.
To understand the depth and reality of God's love for us is one of the great adventures of the Christian life. A Heart of God: 31 Days to Discover God’s Love for You is a one-month devotional journey to open your heart and soul to experience God’s character, His intentions, and His great plan for you in your everyday, ordinary life (and this crazy world). You’ll find out how the compassionate hand of God is in your every circumstance, even when you are suffering. May you encounter the unfolding mystery of His infinite layers and HIs unprecedented love for you right where you are.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
294 people are currently reading
1921 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
177 books2,274 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 18, 2025
This book is a head first dive into the character and heart of God.
I used it (and will continue to use it) as part of my daily devotion so I may remember the good news of Jesus, the love of the Father and the Spirit working in us.
Extremely encouraging, a few minutes to read everyday and has a prayer at the end for guidance and reflection.
It’s good stuff sisters!
I used it (and will continue to use it) as part of my daily devotion so I may remember the good news of Jesus, the love of the Father and the Spirit working in us.
Extremely encouraging, a few minutes to read everyday and has a prayer at the end for guidance and reflection.
It’s good stuff sisters!
April 8, 2023
I never leave reviews (as in this is my first ever), but I can’t let this one slide because of my high regard for the author. In my opinion this book (which was found in her computer documents and published posthumously) does not match in depth, language or quality to her other books, newsletter or radio broadcast. This was so simplified that it seems very dissimilar to her other works. I was disappointed and confused by the quality. That being said, I recommend any and all other books written by this author.
January 31, 2024
I've grown to be hesitant with devotionals, but I wanted to read this due to the author. Elisabeth Elliot is such an inspiration to me, and an overall fascinating person. I'm hoping to be able to read all of her books in my lifetime.
Published posthumously, this was written by Elliot years ago. However, I question how much of it was truly her work. The daily readings were not bad by any means, but they did not have the depth that I have come to expect from reading other works from Elliot. Each entry is based on a different attribute of God, beginning with Scripture. There are a few paragraphs of content, followed by several quotes from prominent Christian writers. The sections are then concluded with a prayer.
Format: Ebook via Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 3 stars (which feels generous)
Book 15 of 2024
Published posthumously, this was written by Elliot years ago. However, I question how much of it was truly her work. The daily readings were not bad by any means, but they did not have the depth that I have come to expect from reading other works from Elliot. Each entry is based on a different attribute of God, beginning with Scripture. There are a few paragraphs of content, followed by several quotes from prominent Christian writers. The sections are then concluded with a prayer.
Format: Ebook via Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 3 stars (which feels generous)
Book 15 of 2024
January 30, 2023
100% recommend!! I'll probably be re-reading this before long. 😀
January 4, 2023
Although she passed away in 2015, Elisabeth Elliot continues to speak truth into my life through her books. I continually reread her work and refer back to her thoughts to enrich my own writing and teaching.
Her new book has come as a total surprise and unexpected blessing to readers! A long-forgotten Word document reached the attention of the Elisabeth Elliot Foundation, and when they discovered that it was unpublished material, they collaborated with DaySpring to publish the collection of thirty-one devotionals that comprise Heart of God.
Elisabeth’s ministry and message were permeated with the truth that a biblical understanding of God’s character will shape the believer’s response to suffering. With God’s love as a foundation, genuine trust and obedience follow–not as a requirement for salvation, but as evidence of our heart’s devotion.
With this in mind, Elisabeth examines the heart of God in the shimmering light of Scripture, turning it to examine its many facets, and to our surprise, we learn that God is both caring and just. He is humble, grace-filled, and peace-giving without lessening or diluting his transcendence or his transforming power.
Elisabeth’s rich practice of reading both deeply and widely shows up in the collection of quotations that accompany each reading. Her high view of scripture is contagious and informs every word, making this unexpected addition to my Elisabeth Elliot library a beautiful and reliable source of inspiration and encouragement for my following life.
Her new book has come as a total surprise and unexpected blessing to readers! A long-forgotten Word document reached the attention of the Elisabeth Elliot Foundation, and when they discovered that it was unpublished material, they collaborated with DaySpring to publish the collection of thirty-one devotionals that comprise Heart of God.
Elisabeth’s ministry and message were permeated with the truth that a biblical understanding of God’s character will shape the believer’s response to suffering. With God’s love as a foundation, genuine trust and obedience follow–not as a requirement for salvation, but as evidence of our heart’s devotion.
With this in mind, Elisabeth examines the heart of God in the shimmering light of Scripture, turning it to examine its many facets, and to our surprise, we learn that God is both caring and just. He is humble, grace-filled, and peace-giving without lessening or diluting his transcendence or his transforming power.
Elisabeth’s rich practice of reading both deeply and widely shows up in the collection of quotations that accompany each reading. Her high view of scripture is contagious and informs every word, making this unexpected addition to my Elisabeth Elliot library a beautiful and reliable source of inspiration and encouragement for my following life.
January 31, 2023
This is such a beautiful little book! I rate it as 4 stars only because it isn’t really “deep” in content - though with such brief readings for each day I imagine that is to be expected. The quotes by other authors that are included with each day’s reading are a nice touch. This would make a lovely hospitality gift or pastor’s wife gift, or for any Christian woman, really.
April 14, 2023
Just simple, short devos. Nothing too crazy!
December 4, 2023
This is not as meaty as a regular Elizabeth Elliot book. Very basic devotional format. Love EE usually, but this one I won’t reference again.
March 13, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
This devotional was... less than impressive.
Elisabeth Elliot's writing is always superb, but this just didn't feel like the rest of her books. While she didn't say anything that I disagreed with (that I can remember) I felt like she didn't say anything that was very impressive or hard-hitting, but that's okay! It just wasn't my cup of tea, but it was still fun to read through it with my mom this month!!!
This devotional was... less than impressive.
Elisabeth Elliot's writing is always superb, but this just didn't feel like the rest of her books. While she didn't say anything that I disagreed with (that I can remember) I felt like she didn't say anything that was very impressive or hard-hitting, but that's okay! It just wasn't my cup of tea, but it was still fun to read through it with my mom this month!!!
April 28, 2024
Great daily read
Elisabeth Elliot never disappoints. These short daily readings and prayers were lovely. I really enjoyed the quotes from others as well.
Elisabeth Elliot never disappoints. These short daily readings and prayers were lovely. I really enjoyed the quotes from others as well.
April 6, 2024
I received this devotional as a gift and was overall encouraged by it.
I liked the format: each day focuses on a different attribute of God and includes a blurb and prayer by Elisabeth Elliot plus quotes by a slew of other christian thinkers (C.S. Lewis, Tozer, Keller, Lucado, Piper, etc).
I docked 2 stars due to the below:
1) Like others have commented, the writing doesn’t sound a bit like Elisabeth Elliot’s other works, it’s very generic friendly-christian sounding, which is fine, but is eerily nothing like her. There’s an intro about how these writings were discovered in her files posthumously and how lucky the EE foundation was to have unearthed it, but I’m honestly skeptical. It doesnt matter, and I guess I can take them at their word, but it’s just weird.
2) I’m not sure who Philip Yancey is but the 2 quotes he has in this book are borderline heretical. All other quotes were solid and sound and thought-provoking even if they challenged how I’ve historically thought about things.
3) This is picayune, but bear with me. There’s an entry that talks about when Jesus says “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) during his crucifixion. In my 16 years of following God, I’ve only heard it interpreted that Jesus is referring to those who are crucifying and mocking him in that moment, and of course can and should be extended as a model to us as Christians for how we should think and pray for anyone who isn’t a Christ-follower and is breaking God’s law. However, the blurb makes a big todo about how Jesus was saying this about the crimes of the thieves on the crosses beside him, and how we shouldn’t judge criminals 🧐. I re-read the verse in context (for probably the 30th time in my life if i had to put a number on it?) and checked with 3 different commentaries following, and across the board everyone agrees the verse is referring to those who are crucifying him in that moment. Again, I dont think Elisabeth would’ve made this mistake, she was insanely devout. Just struck me as odd/off and I’d be remiss if i didnt call it out.
I liked the format: each day focuses on a different attribute of God and includes a blurb and prayer by Elisabeth Elliot plus quotes by a slew of other christian thinkers (C.S. Lewis, Tozer, Keller, Lucado, Piper, etc).
I docked 2 stars due to the below:
1) Like others have commented, the writing doesn’t sound a bit like Elisabeth Elliot’s other works, it’s very generic friendly-christian sounding, which is fine, but is eerily nothing like her. There’s an intro about how these writings were discovered in her files posthumously and how lucky the EE foundation was to have unearthed it, but I’m honestly skeptical. It doesnt matter, and I guess I can take them at their word, but it’s just weird.
2) I’m not sure who Philip Yancey is but the 2 quotes he has in this book are borderline heretical. All other quotes were solid and sound and thought-provoking even if they challenged how I’ve historically thought about things.
3) This is picayune, but bear with me. There’s an entry that talks about when Jesus says “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) during his crucifixion. In my 16 years of following God, I’ve only heard it interpreted that Jesus is referring to those who are crucifying and mocking him in that moment, and of course can and should be extended as a model to us as Christians for how we should think and pray for anyone who isn’t a Christ-follower and is breaking God’s law. However, the blurb makes a big todo about how Jesus was saying this about the crimes of the thieves on the crosses beside him, and how we shouldn’t judge criminals 🧐. I re-read the verse in context (for probably the 30th time in my life if i had to put a number on it?) and checked with 3 different commentaries following, and across the board everyone agrees the verse is referring to those who are crucifying him in that moment. Again, I dont think Elisabeth would’ve made this mistake, she was insanely devout. Just struck me as odd/off and I’d be remiss if i didnt call it out.
January 10, 2025
I am honestly very skeptical if Elisabeth actually wrote this. It sounds nothing like her and I have read her extensively. There's just something not right about it.
Here's some evidence that makes me wonder....
the EE Foundation says in the foreword that EE did her radio program Gateway to Joy from '88-'01 and that this doc was discovered amongst her radio program files by the radio producers. That would imply that she must have written it between those years.
On the next page, the Introduction "by EE" references the Passion of the Christ, a movie which came out in 2004.
So not only could she not have seen the movie before '01 (which was the timeline given for this devotional), but she also apparently did not have access to this manuscript after '01.
Additionally, I believe she was quite advanced into dementia by '04. Did she even see The Passion?? And could she then write about it in a document that she didn't have access to?
Honestly, all of these put together plus the fact that the voice sounds nothing like hers, makes me very skeptical.
I have other "conspiracy theories" about how it maybe could be authentic, but I'll leave it at that.
I'm certainly hoping that the EE Foundation did not fraudulently produce something just to stick EE's name on it. I can't imagine they would, and I'm hoping I'm not wrong about that.
Here's some evidence that makes me wonder....
the EE Foundation says in the foreword that EE did her radio program Gateway to Joy from '88-'01 and that this doc was discovered amongst her radio program files by the radio producers. That would imply that she must have written it between those years.
On the next page, the Introduction "by EE" references the Passion of the Christ, a movie which came out in 2004.
So not only could she not have seen the movie before '01 (which was the timeline given for this devotional), but she also apparently did not have access to this manuscript after '01.
Additionally, I believe she was quite advanced into dementia by '04. Did she even see The Passion?? And could she then write about it in a document that she didn't have access to?
Honestly, all of these put together plus the fact that the voice sounds nothing like hers, makes me very skeptical.
I have other "conspiracy theories" about how it maybe could be authentic, but I'll leave it at that.
I'm certainly hoping that the EE Foundation did not fraudulently produce something just to stick EE's name on it. I can't imagine they would, and I'm hoping I'm not wrong about that.
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November 22, 2025Content Summary:
Romance: Other than brief mentions of her late husband, N/A
Violence & Gore: A Brief foreword about the life of Elisabeth Elliot and how her husband was murdered by the Auca/Waodani tribe. Nothing in the devotionals.
Profanity: N/A
Substance Use: N/A
Frightening/Triggering Scenes: See violence reference, N/A
This devotional was an interesting read through. Elisabeth Elliot’s life and faith are very poignant in her writing. The confidence she has is something that I would aspire to have as well. I will say to ignore the use of the Bible *translation (NKJV). Clearly, I do not agree with that as it subtly changes the Word of God, which is a big NO. You can look up the references yourself, and some days do not have actual verses listed, so you can still enjoy her knowledge and life experience through her writing.
*I’m not sure if Betty Elliot herself used this later on in her life (from other readings, it seemed she only used KJV), or if those who found these devotionals after she passed decided to include this Bible translation. I think it’s fair to say I’m not sure who put it in there, and I do not want to point fingers at the wrong person.
Romance: Other than brief mentions of her late husband, N/A
Violence & Gore: A Brief foreword about the life of Elisabeth Elliot and how her husband was murdered by the Auca/Waodani tribe. Nothing in the devotionals.
Profanity: N/A
Substance Use: N/A
Frightening/Triggering Scenes: See violence reference, N/A
This devotional was an interesting read through. Elisabeth Elliot’s life and faith are very poignant in her writing. The confidence she has is something that I would aspire to have as well. I will say to ignore the use of the Bible *translation (NKJV). Clearly, I do not agree with that as it subtly changes the Word of God, which is a big NO. You can look up the references yourself, and some days do not have actual verses listed, so you can still enjoy her knowledge and life experience through her writing.
*I’m not sure if Betty Elliot herself used this later on in her life (from other readings, it seemed she only used KJV), or if those who found these devotionals after she passed decided to include this Bible translation. I think it’s fair to say I’m not sure who put it in there, and I do not want to point fingers at the wrong person.
May 28, 2023
A recently published devotional with a manuscript found years after Elisabeth's passing. It focuses on thirty-one different attributes of God's heart, including that His heart is: caring, just, shepherding, faithful, grace-filled, guiding, peace-giving, transcendent, all-knowing, sufficient, helping, and many others. The actual devotional is only one-page, but there are two extra pages filled with quotations from other well-known authors, pastors, and theologians that relate to that day's attribute. It is a quick read, perfect for a busy mom, yet I was wanting to go deeper every day since Elisabeth Elliot's writing typically digs deep into theology. I had to remind myself this was a devotional that skims the surface of many different attributes, not a typical book of hers that dives into one big issue, like suffering or loneliness. It helped to re-read it a few times and pray through that attribute after reading it, to take a few minutes to dwell in that truth.
Content rating: G
Content rating: G
April 26, 2024
Amazing book with such great truths, promises, and hope. Easy read! Excellent quotes and thoughts from a person who gave her whole life to serve Jesus! Highly recommended. I honestly love anything Elisabeth Elliot writes! Thank you, Sarah for gifting me to this life transformative gem. 💕
My mom and I read it on the airport while flying to Phoenix and it blessed us the whole way reminding us of the truths of our beautiful Savior and inspiring us to respond in love towards Him and others.
There is nothing anybody else can do that can stop God from using us. We can turn everything into a testimony! Corrie Ten Boom
My mom and I read it on the airport while flying to Phoenix and it blessed us the whole way reminding us of the truths of our beautiful Savior and inspiring us to respond in love towards Him and others.
There is nothing anybody else can do that can stop God from using us. We can turn everything into a testimony! Corrie Ten Boom
February 28, 2025
This is a short daily devotional that shares simple truths about God's heart, each day being a different aspect of his love for us. It was sweet, but nothing profound, and I will say, doesn't quite sound like a lot of Elisabeth Elliot's other wittings. The quotes pulled together at the end of each devotional were always interesting, though you never know if you're gonna get some straight theological fire, lowkey heresy, or something that makes no sense. I realize that these quotes were probably not gathered from her and her journals were highly edited.
July 21, 2024
Encouraging Book by Elisabeth Elliot
I enjoyed reflecting on the truths of God. I really enjoyed reading the many different quotes by other authors. Elisabeth reminded me on days I struggled of God's promises. I have recommended to my sisters and have gifted several copies, as well.
I enjoyed reflecting on the truths of God. I really enjoyed reading the many different quotes by other authors. Elisabeth reminded me on days I struggled of God's promises. I have recommended to my sisters and have gifted several copies, as well.
August 4, 2024
I am dnf’ing this book at 18%, but there’s a quote from a person that clearly doesn’t believe that God wrote the Bible. Here’s the quote:
“Back when the sacred authors used the imaginary of the shepherd to depict Jesus, they had a clear understanding of the job description.” Lena Wolter
The Bible was not authored by men! It was written by the Holy Spirit using man to transcribe it.
“Back when the sacred authors used the imaginary of the shepherd to depict Jesus, they had a clear understanding of the job description.” Lena Wolter
The Bible was not authored by men! It was written by the Holy Spirit using man to transcribe it.
February 2, 2023
A beautiful daily devotional written by the great Elisabeth Elliot about the attributes of God. I particular liked the writings on The Protective Heart of God, The Sovereign Heart of God, and The Attentive Heart of God.
May 4, 2023
A lovely devotional that I used while eating breakfast. It has attributes of God, plus devotions never-before-published by Elisabeth Elliot, along with thoughtful quotes and prayers. An excellent gift book or one to treasure in your own devotional time.
August 19, 2023
Heart of God: 31 Days to Discover God's Love for You by Elisabeth Elliot – This book is on kindle unlimited. I have loved this daily devotional this summer while I was at lunch! I loved that EE left us one last gift! Happy Reading!
December 25, 2023
Such a lovely aesthetic and yet so encouraging book by the one and only Elisabeth Elliot!! Love reading snippets of encouragement she’d pieced together and thankful someone found this and published it even after her death.
May 10, 2024
Added to daily devotion
I truly enjoyed this 31 day devotional that encourages the reader to seek the heart of a God who loves us so much he'll meet us where we are to love us to His heart.
I truly enjoyed this 31 day devotional that encourages the reader to seek the heart of a God who loves us so much he'll meet us where we are to love us to His heart.
September 20, 2025
Read this with a youth in our youth group and it was an amazing experience. God spoke to us through Elisabeth's words and her spiritual connection and devotion is unparalleled. I could read and listen to Elisabeth Elliot all day, every day!
September 20, 2025
I really liked this devotional. I find it to have good and solid Bible teaching, but I do not believe this is a work from Elisabeth Elliot. I hope this isn't true, but having read so many of her books, I don't think that the writing sounds like her at all.
January 29, 2023
Inspirational journey through some of the characteristics of God's heart with applicable challenges. Beautiful layout.
February 1, 2023
A wonderful, quick devotional to pair with your time reading the bible.
June 29, 2023
This was less of Elisabeth Elliot’s writing and more quotes from others, or rather half and half. Not exactly what I was expecting.
August 21, 2023
A devotional I plan to read again and again. The quotes in it after every entry are spiritual gems
October 11, 2023
Heart of God
A beautiful book with lovely and encouraging words about our great and loving God. Elizabeth Elliot’s wisdom is timeless and exemplary.
A beautiful book with lovely and encouraging words about our great and loving God. Elizabeth Elliot’s wisdom is timeless and exemplary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews