We are not living our best life peacefully if we are weighed down by resentment, guilt, worrying about everything. This book shows you how to empty out all the negative and leave it behind. Very positive, encouraging and heartwarming.

I read a lot of Christian nonfiction books so I really expected to like this, but it really didn't click with me. It is my first book by Joel Osteen, but it felt like an overzealous sales pitch. It didn't feel genuine and he speaks in absolutes to the point that it feels unrealistic, such as a 90 year old women he met who was so happy and stress-free she didn't have wrinkles...like okay it really doesn't matter either way but I guarantee she was not wrinkleless at 90. His propensity to exaggerate extends beyond that though and some of it on lesser things made more important things feel unauthentic as a byproduct. I appreciate that he is positive and trying to put across a good message, but the vehicle to do so, including the writing and his personality, really didn't accomplish it for me.

Another home run for Joel Osteen! Again, as in previous books, he truly writes like he is talking to his reader. SO many great points in this book and I felt like they were each directed at me. Will highly recommend to friends and co workers.

In the “surprisingly helpful” category: I was surfing pretty low on the wave, so to speak.. I saw this title and my need for hope overcame my snark & skepticsm. I’m glad it did. The basic reminder that I can’t fill my mind with the all heaviness of the world and expect to keep my head above water was what I needed. And then the 100 highlightable paragraphs about God’s love for us and the reassurance that there’s a Good Plan we can count on? I suspended disbelief and thought, “Well, what if it’s true?” And there I was, back on the wave. (Also true: I hate the subtitle and the gross “influence” push in Christian culture. Whatever. Don’t let dumb culture keep you from the encouragement you need). Thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book.

Empty out the Negative is another uplifting book by Joel Osteen. It offers perspective and ushers in change!

This was a great book to read for those who need to find joy, or rediscovering the power of their positive thinking written by a powerhouse author who knows exactly what being positive means. He shares stories of God’s grace and power over our lives and makes it a lot easier to follow a path of being positive. Those who might think easier said than done would benefit greatly from this book. And this book couldn’t have come at a better time. Such a joy-filled book is perfect timing, and the author tells stories of examples to further his point. Highly recommend.

This was one of the best books I've read in awhile. The last year has been very rough for me, and I feel happy that 2020 is over. But, even though a new year started, I still felt sad and confused about everything that happened. I needed a new mindset, a new outlook to help me make positive choices. This book helped me change how I speak to myself, and gave me a better vision of the future. I have recommended it to family members to assist them in renewing their minds for the new year. I recommend it to everyone. We need a new mindset, as individuals, families, communities, and as a nation. Read it! Thank you, Pastor Osteen!
I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I struggle with both depression and low self-esteem. This book was a great spiritual take on both. Uplifting for those who feel down and don't know how to get out of it.

Joel Osteen has be sharing his positive message for years. In this book, he discusses many things but the biggest is how to turn your negative thoughts into positive ones. I will be re-reading this for years to come. It is a great read especially in these tumultuous times. Thank you NetGalley and FaithWords for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

( received a complimentary e-book to read in exchange for review )

Nineteen years ago, thru a Joel Osteen broadcast, I was born again. Have enjoyed and learned from all of Joel's teachings, and this one is no exception. While I read thru a bit faster than I normally would to be able to submit a timely yet accurate review, there were many takeaways which will stick with me for a long time to come. Also, very shortly, I plan to revisit this title and use it as part of a deeper study on how negativity can hold us back from all that God intends.

Osteen knows that having a positive attitude with positive thoughts is essential to well being during this pandemic. We need to guard our minds, he says, and get in tune with God. He provides stories from the Bible, his own life, and the lives of others as examples. I like the biblical examples. There is David, so overwhelmed with guilt for past actions that he became ill. But he knew what to do and finally repented, asked God to forgive him and found restoration. What a good lesson to not live with guilt and shame but rather go to God and receive his mercy and forgiveness. There is Joseph who did not let the bad deeds others did to him defeat him. And Paul who did not let the past dictate his future.

Osteen is not naive. He acknowledges that bad things happen to us. I appreciate his suggestion to have an “I don't understand file.” We must trust God even when we do not understand His ways.

I like Osteen's insight into forgiveness. Forgiving does not mean we approve of the deed done. It only means we are cleansing our minds of the toxic thoughts.

“Your thoughts are running your life,” Osteen writes. (58/181) This book contains good encouragement and some practical ideas for keeping our thoughts and attitude positive. I am impressed with the number of Scripture passages and biblical examples Osteen uses. This short book is easy to read yet is packed full of good positive inspiration.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

A wonderful positive book for these times for Christians. I enjoyed the author's suggestions on how to lead a more positive and God filled mindset. The author has a wonderful positive message here that would be helpful to anyone living in negativity that needs change for the better in their lives. A very enjoyable uplifting read . Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. This is a great book for gifts for your Christian friends.

Joel Osteen’s “Empty Out the Negative” is a breath of fresh air living in a tumultuous time where fear and negativity is lurking around every corner. His ability to understand the human dilemma and our propensities to be bound by fear, shame, guilt, anxiety, and sadness and at the same time understand the good news of what God says about us, and offers us, is a fresh prescription for living a life of joy and freedom. I highly recommend!

Empty Out the Negative: Make Room for More Joy, Greater Confidence, and New Levels of Influence by Joel Osteen
Publisher: FaithWords
Genre: Christian
Release Date: November 10, 2020

Empty Out the Negative is a book about removing the negative from our lives by Joel Osteen.

I’ve been a fan of Joel Osteen for years and appreciate his positive messaging. I’ve read most of his other books and this one is on par with the previous ones!

I love how his style of writing feels like he is talking to you over a cup of coffee, like we are old friends and he is offering his support and wisdom.

I truly appreciate the use of stories from the bible, his life and those around him to demonstrate the lessons.

This was a quick read and definitely worth the time. The book is filled with some great tips for identifying and removing the negative from your life and served as a reminder to me to stop some my anxious thoughts before they can take over.

I'm so grateful to Joel Osteen, FaithWords, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was received as an ARC from FaithWords in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I know of Joel Osteen and his live sermons on Sunday Mornings but this book out of all he has written brought the most light in my mind and is exactly the hurdle I am going through right now. It is hard to rule out the toxic behaviors and toxic environments especially when they surround you everywhere you go. People tend to defer to the negative side because that is what they were used to or that's what they were taught to do by their parent/guardian. Joel does a wonderful job painting a picture that if you work on eliminating the negative, your days will always be positive and the people around you will embrace your positivity and stay positive too. Love is the most powerful emotion and it definitely is supreme over hate and anger.

We will consider adding this title to our B Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.