We enjoy so many blessings in this life. So many… Ephesians 1:3-23 gives us a nearly exhaustive list and these are only an example of the joy that will come when we get to heaven. God said so. It will be so!

We cannot make our own joy. It’s just not possible. We must understand that God gifts us with joy, His joy. I was able to find more than 150 Bible verses about joy. Every one of them connects to God! One in particular stands out to me – The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10

It has become very obvious to me that tears and joy often go together. Have you ever cried in response to joy, to worship, to intense happiness? I would venture to say that all of us have. Legitimate tears are a real sign that God lives in us.

Are you convinced that God really loves us? The conviction of God’s love for His children is absolutely necessary to understanding His joy and how it is imparted to us. Absolute certainty in His love and joy is where we find total rest.

The evil one, satan, loves to undermine our joy. He is a real expert at this. He does not want us to understand that our faith is the foundation of understanding joy. He will do everything in his power to undermine our faith. That includes waging war against our joy.

When all is said and done, when Jesus returns or we draw our final breath we can know, without question, that God is the foundation and giver of joy.

This book is more than worth your time. It was helpful to me in so many ways. I have a better understanding of so many of the stories in the Word and how they apply to this walk I’ve chosen with Jesus. Do you like books that are full of connections? This one is for you! I highly recommend reading this. I know I’ll be reading it again and again.

"Defiant Joy" by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg is a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of adversity. Greenberg takes readers on a deeply personal journey, navigating through her own experiences of trauma, abuse, and chronic illness, yet emerging with a steadfast commitment to finding joy.

What sets this book apart is its raw honesty. Greenberg doesn't shy away from the darkness; instead, she confronts it head-on, offering readers an intimate glimpse into her struggles and triumphs. Through her vulnerability, she invites readers to confront their own pain and discover the transformative power of joy.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Defiant Joy" is Greenberg's ability to intertwine her personal narrative with timeless truths and practical wisdom. Drawing from her Christian faith, she offers profound insights into the nature of suffering, the importance of forgiveness, and the pursuit of purpose amidst adversity.

Moreover, Greenberg's writing is both lyrical and accessible, making the book engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Her storytelling prowess brings each chapter to life, evoking a range of emotions from empathy to inspiration.

Ultimately, "Defiant Joy" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, joy is not only possible but essential for healing and transformation. Jennifer Michelle Greenberg's courageous memoir is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who have the privilege of reading it.

So, I need joy, and honestly, I have had the hardest time really trying to pin down exactly what joy is. Every time I have spoken with people to understand it, I hear what they say, and I hear happiness defined. This book drew me in just by the name. Defiant Joy. I figured that whatever Jennifer Michelle Greenberg had to say, she most likely knew what she was talking about, and I was NOT WRONG! Her life story parallels mostly mine, with a few key points, so I really dove in and read to understand. Chapter eight, Tears of Rage, hit me in all the ways. Anger has definitely been something I have struggled with, and much like Jennifer, I too have been told things wrongly, shamed for my feelings, and my path, even though I knew I was on the right one. The anger chapter really helped unlock something for me that I was missing. Joy has been difficult to see because I have been inundated with grief, and anger, at my past, but this book really helped me see Joy in a different light, and I am absolutely grateful for it. Thank you, not only for telling your truth, but also sharing with us all how to find joy, even in our own darkness. Highly recommend!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

While Christians have plenty to be joyful about, there are times that we misunderstand what joy is. It is often used as a synonym for happiness, so when bad times hit, we think that we're failing because we're not happy. Jennifer Michelle Greenberg seeks to dispel that in Defiant Joy by sharing what joy actually is and where it really comes from.

No one will argue that Christians should be joyful, but what that means has been debated frequently. It is something that I have been looking into for the last several years. I knew plastering a smile on my face did not fit with what I understood about joy, so this book caught my attention as soon as I found out about it. In it, Greenberg writes that not only will we face sorrow, it is acceptable to be sad. Jesus, Himself, endured sorrow. The reason that sorrow does not dampen true joy is that joy comes from God. We do not make it or build it up. It is a gift that we receive with our faith, which is a gift itself.

This book is a great read for anyone that is facing a hard time. Even though I have not faced the same history that Greenberg has, I understand the idea of trying to build up joy artificially. The encouragement to turn to God to find joy is a refreshing idea that needs to be told more often, especially to those who are new in the faith.

I was provided with a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me right off the bat when she quoted Ron Weasley. It was a great example of is misunderstanding of hard times and how to deal with them. But in all seriousness, this book really had some aha light bulb moments for me. Having Joy (especially in the Lord) doesn't mean you don't face hard times, or that you have to pretend that you are happy. She states that Joy isn't something you can generate yourself. It can't be forced, or won. It is a gift from the Lord. We have Joy knowing too that even though we may have trials in this life, in Heaven we will have the ultimate joy by being reunited with our Savior.

I love how she uses big and small experiences from her life to bring her points home. But more importantly she shares Scripture that helps you to understand that our joy comes from the Lord. I think of this part devotional and part non fiction. The chapters a a bit longer for you to read one daily. But I have started to do that and find that my outlook is already different. We don't have to fake it til we make it. Live our lives in Christ and we will find the joy in everyday experiences, and look forward to the ultimate joy in Heaven.

Greenberg has gifted readers with the best of Christian literature. Defiant Joy explains topics that many churches don't always have time to unpack properly, unfortunately. The best book I've read since 2020. Through Greenberg's expert use of diction, lyrical language and tone, the pages of this book drip with stories so gentle they eclipse a fleeting, academic read. This is soul nourishment, rich with heaps of sweet surrender and hope that doesn't quit for the glory of an almighty Creator. I cannot recommend this book enough, for teenagers, men and women and as a small group study. Greenberg is a must-watch author in the years to come. Thank you for penning this treasure.

Didn’t care for this one at all. Happiness and joy are used interchangeably—and they’re not the same thing.

I thought the book was superficial, and basically a repetition of common Christian catchphrases.

I know the author has a tremendous story and a lot of tragedy and abuse in her life. That is probably a great story. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t that story.

I wasn't familiar with Ms. Greenberg before this book, but I will definitely be looking for more of her works now. It is so refreshing to find someone who looks beyond Christian platitudes and memes, and gives a genuinely Scriptural look at a an extremely timely (yet eternal) issue and makes it immediately practical and applicable. She use illustrations (dare I say parables?) that make what the Bible is saying so much easier to understand. As a long-time pastor and teacher, I intend to shamelessly use some of her thoughts (giving her credit, of course) to help those around me.

(full disclosure: I was given an advance copy of this book for review.)

(I will add links to my reviews online once the book is released and I can post them on Amazon and Goodreads.)

This book is a great reminder that we can choose to find joy in life. We will face trials and sadness, but we can seek comfort with God. God has promised to be with us in every moment. The author uses personal journeys, Scripture, and more to encourage readers. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

I loved this book. I loved everything about it and I could not put it down. I learned so much through this book. I cried, I found hope. It pulled my heart every way. I truly recommend this book to anyone looking for hope and truth.

Defiant Joy was terrific. The author has an amazing way of going beyond just teling her story and interweaving Bible truth, she inspires you to live it.. Real, authentic joy is difficult to have all the time, but after reading the book, I am more aware of the litrle things around me everyday that can bring joy and knowing our God doesn't just leave us to struggle,He is right there with us. This book will stay with me for awhile in this season of life, knowing I too can strive for Defiant Joy.

Jennifer Michelle Greenberg is a mom, author, and advocate for abused children. In her book, "Defiant Joy: Find the Hope to Light Your Way, Even in the Darkness", she details her own abusive childhood and how she's fought for her joy. Greenberg is transparent, authentic, and makes even difficult subject matters more palatable. One part of the book I really enjoyed was Greenberg's assertion that there are four main thieves of joy: legalism, tunnel vision, misplaced affections, and insecure faith. The author encourages her readers that "faith isn't something you can fabricate and aren't expected to generate. It also means that faith isn't something you can lose."

This was an encouraging book, and I was reminded that joy won't just appear, I'll have to fight for it and lay hold on it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Defiant Joy
Find the Hope to Light Your Way, Even in the Darkness
by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg
Pub Date 27 Feb 2024
WaterBrook & Multnomah,Multnomah
Christian


WaterBrook & Multonomah and Netgalley sent me a copy of Defiant Joy to review;


The book releases February 27th, and I'll definitely be recommending it in 2024:


At the age of twenty-one, Jennifer Greenberg escaped an abusive childhood home, but few Christians encouraged her. She got platitudes like, "God won't give you more than you can handle," "Forgive and forget," and "Have faith!" that left her feeling misunderstood and alone. When would she be whole again? Is joy possible for someone who's broken?
 
Greenberg discovered joy beyond what she was taught in church by ditching false theology and toxic positivity. Greenberg explores this groundbreaking hope in her new book, Defiant Joy
 

 why prosperity gospels and legalism don't work
The way Jesus is with us in the midst of sadness, disappointment, anger, and anxiety
 How God's joy far surpasses anything we can feel 
 
God doesn't want you to pretend everything is fine. Get free from performance faith. Take joy in defiance of the darkness.

I give Defiant Joy five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Defiant Joy: Find the Hope to Light Your Way, Even in the Darkness by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg is a beautifully written examination of joy. The author writes with such vulnerability and points continually to Jesus as our source of joy. She deals with the hard questions and gives examples of how she has triumphed over her dark times. Great book overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Jennifer is a new author to me, but the cover, title and blurb intrigued me. Honestly and simply I loved this book. I learned truth, I cried, I found hope and healing as I dug into Defiant Joy and the Word of God. I highly recommend Defiant Joy for broken hearts searching for truth and everyone. Jennifer is a breath of fresh air for the Christian genre.

I received an advanced reader copy from Multnomah and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. This book beautifully wove together memoir and a scriptural reflection on joy in all its guises. Well written and interesting.

As is often the case for me, I first discovered Jennifer Michelle Greenberg on social media rather than through the more obvious option of, say, her award-winning book "Not Forsaken."

With "Not Forsaken," Greenberg became a somewhat "controversial" figure in the evangelical world as someone willing to openly speak about her childhood abuse and the church's failures but also as someone whose beliefs remained very much intact and whose commitment to staying in the evangelical world seemed remarkably firm.

As a survivor of sexual abuse and someone who'd been kicked out of two churches (my childhood church of Jehovah's Witnesses and also the Vineyard Christian Fellowship), I resonated deeply with Greenberg and admired her ability to approach such necessarily topics from a scriptural foundation.

With "Defiant Joy," Greenberg moves even further into reclaiming faith and ditching toxic theology by exploring:

• why philosophies like the prosperity gospel and legalism fail us
• how Jesus is with us amid our sadness, disappointment, anger, and anxiety
• how God’s joy far exceeds any emotion we can muster

Greenberg is, of course, not the only author to approach these types of subjects, though perhaps she's carved out her own corner precisely because Greenberg very much grounds her writing in scriptural exegesis, theological storytelling, and balancing it all with her own testimony. While I'm not one who fancies labels, often times it seems as this discussion is held from a more progressive point of view theologically. Greenberg, on the other hand, remains a committed evangelical.

With "Defiant Joy," Greenberg counsels us to move beyond "performance faith" and to move away from the platitudes that she so often heard when she escaped her own abusive childhood home at the age of twenty-one. Greenberg advises against phrases such as "God won't give you more than you can handle," "forgive and forget," and "Have Faith!" - all of which are, quite simply, borne out of toxic faith.

Did I agree with everything in "Defiant Joy?" Oh, heavens no. There were moments, fleeting ones, when it felt like a statement might be coming from an unresolved issue or thought pattern. However, I admired "Defiant Joy" constantly and I appreciated Greenberg's willingness to boldly step into issues seldom addressed adequately by an awful lot of the major denominations.

Greenberg shares her own journey of learning how to discard false theology and toxic positivity on her path to discovering joy that's a gift from God. "Defiant Joy" shares Greenberg's journey of hope vulnerably and beautifully and offers that hope for others who've wondered if it's possible to find the light when immersed in so much darkness.