Abundant Life: Light in the Darkness

Celebrating the books, music, Scripture and more that are giving us hope in the reality of today’s messy world

Abundant life might seem like a far-fetched idea in the reality of today’s world. A cursory glance at the day’s headlines or the list of things you, your friends, family and neighbors are walking through might only serve to underscore that fact.

But, Christ has called us to abundant life—eternally, yes, but there’s also an aspect of that rich, fullness we can live out now. So today, we’re sharing a few of the things—from books and verses of Scripture to music, food and recipes—that are giving us glimpses of hope and light in a dark world.

Courage, Dear Heart: Letters to a Weary World

By Rebecca K. Reynolds

Available here

In a series of letters, author Rebbeca K. Reynolds reminds us that God is ready to join us in the midst of anything we’re walking through. Let her words tune your heart to hear his grace.

“Rise Up”

By Andrew Peterson on the album Resurrection Letters, Vol. 1

“In the days following the Covenant School shooting here in Nashville and the final days of Lent, this album became a staple in my life. I listened to it in the car, at home while making dinner and even while I was getting ready for work. This song reminded me that God is just and good, and evil has already been conquered—and one day the whole world will recognize that powerful truth.” —Mandy Crow

Buy the Resurrection Letters Anthology here.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

By The Brown-Eyed Baker

Available here

The Brown-Eyed Baker is one of our favorite baking blogs, and recipes like this one are part of the reason why! This recipe is basically just a big sugar cookie, topped with a simple homemade buttercream and sprinkles. It’s easy to make, delicious and big enough to share with a group—who will be grateful you shared! (Hint: the recipe doesn’t include almond extract but we definitely added some!)

“Knowing Faith” podcast

By Kyle Worley, J.T. English and Jen Wilkin

Available wherever you stream podcasts

“Knowing Faith” has long been one of The Bookery’s favorite podcasts, but the current season, which focuses on the doctrine of salvation, has been especially life-giving. If you want a deeper understanding of what God has done through Jesus, this may be the season for you. Kyle, J.T. and Jen discuss deep doctrinal truths and unpack theology in an unthreatening conversation, and you’ll feel like you’re sitting down for coffee with friends!

Homecoming

By Kate Morton

Available here

“I’ve been a Kate Morton fan since I read The Forgotten Garden. I love her storytelling style and the way her novels generally take place in two timelines that eventually intersect. This novel is set in Australia, so it’s fun to dive into a setting I’m not as familiar with. I’m about two-thirds through the book and have some ideas about what’s happening, and I can’t wait to see if I’m right!” —Mandy Crow

Psalm 80

Read it here

“Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Again and again in Psalm 80, the psalmist turns to these phrases, and they are the cries of our hearts right now. The invitation is not for God to turn to us, but for him to bring us back in alignment with him and his ways. It is only by his grace, mercy and power that we are saved. This week, we invite you to turn again to the psalms and ask God to turn your heart back to him.

What’s giving you life right now? Share a few thoughts in the comments!

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