Why Reading Still Matters (and the Faith-Filled Books Worth Making Room For)

There are a lot of things competing for our attention these days.

Our phones buzz. Our tabs multiply. Our “just one more scroll” turns into thirty minutes we’ll never get back.

And yet—there is something sacred about opening a book.

Not tapping. Not swiping. Not being interrupted by a notification telling you someone you barely know just posted lunch.

Just you. A story. And the quiet presence of God meeting you right where you are.

Reading has never been obsolete. It’s just become countercultural—and honestly, I think that makes it even more holy.

Why Reading Can Never Be Replaced

Screens give us information. Books give us formation.

A book requires stillness. Attention. A willingness to slow down and listen. It asks something of us—and in return, it shapes how we think, how we imagine, and how we understand truth.

God Himself chose words to reveal Himself. Not reels. Not headlines. Not summaries. Scripture was written to be read, lingered over, wrestled with, returned to again and again.

Reading trains our hearts to do the same. And no algorithm—no matter how clever—can replace the spiritual discipline of sitting with truth long enough for it to sink in.

Reading as a Way We Connect With God

There is a reason so many believers encounter God while reading.

Sometimes it’s Scripture. Sometimes it’s a devotional. Sometimes it’s a faith-filled novel that reminds us of redemption when we’ve forgotten how to hope.

Reading creates space. Space for reflection. Space for conviction. Space for encouragement.

It’s often in those quiet moments—when the house is still, the coffee is warm, and the book is open—that the Holy Spirit gently nudges our hearts and says, “This is for you.” And let’s be honest—God can speak anywhere, but it’s a lot easier to hear Him when our attention isn’t being hijacked every eight seconds.

Yes… We Do Need to Be Careful What We Read

Not every book is neutral. And no, this isn’t about fear—it’s about wisdom.

What we read shapes:

• our worldview

• our thoughts

• our expectations

• our spiritual sensitivity

If we’re filling our minds with messages that glorify sin, mock faith, or subtly pull us away from God’s truth, it will eventually show up in our hearts. Think of it like diet. You can survive on sugar and caffeine……but you probably won’t thrive.

Choosing reading material that aligns with the heart of the Heavenly Father is one way we guard our peace, our joy, and our discernment.

And the good news? Faith-aligned books are not boring, stiff, or joyless. (We are absolutely done pretending they are.)

Faith-Filled Books Readers Are Loving (and Why They Matter)

Below are well-loved, widely praised faith-based books that readers return to again and again—books that encourage, challenge, and gently point hearts back to God.

These aren’t “trendy for five minutes” books. They’re the kind you underline, dog-ear, loan out, and then quietly buy again because… oops.

Gentle and Lowly — Dane Ortlund

For when you need to remember who Jesus really is

This book has become a modern classic for a reason. It reminds us that Christ is not impatient with our weakness—He meets us with gentleness and mercy. Readers love it because it feels like exhaling after holding your breath for too long.

Best read with a highlighter… and tissues.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer

For the chronically busy believer

If your to-do list is longer than your prayer time (no judgment), this book gently calls us back to a slower, more intentional life with God.

It’s convicting—but in a “God loves you too much to let you live exhausted” kind of way. Also known as the book that makes you question why you said yes to everything.

Jesus Storybook Bible — Sally Lloyd-Jones

For children… and secretly for adults

This book has helped countless families show children how every story in Scripture points to Jesus.

Parents love it. Kids love it. Adults read it “just to preview” and somehow end up emotional on the couch.

A reminder that God’s story has always been about redemption.

New Morning Mercies — Paul David Tripp

For daily encouragement rooted in truth

This devotional meets readers in real life—on messy days, tired mornings, and seasons when faith feels fragile. It doesn’t sugarcoat, but it always points back to grace.

Perfect for those who want honesty without hopelessness.

Pilgrim’s Progress — John Bunyan

For the reader who loves allegory and depth

A timeless classic that has shaped Christian thought for centuries, this story reminds us that the walk of faith is a journey—with burdens, detours, and moments of breathtaking grace.

Still deeply relevant. Still deeply convicting. Still worth reading slowly.

Reading as an Act of Stewardship

Choosing what we read is one small—but meaningful—way we honor God.

It’s saying:

“I care about what shapes my heart.”“I want my mind filled with things that lead me closer to You.”

And no, this doesn’t mean we only read one kind of book or never laugh or enjoy a story. Faith-aligned reading can be joyful, creative, imaginative, and deeply human.

God created beauty, storytelling, and imagination—after all.

A Gentle Invitation

If reading has slipped to the bottom of your list, consider this a loving nudge—not a guilt trip.

You don’t need hours. You don’t need a perfect routine. You don’t even need silence that lasts longer than five minutes.

Just a book. A willing heart. And space for God to meet you there.

And if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I miss reading,”—that might just be your soul remembering what it needs.

What book has encouraged your faith recently? Or which one is waiting patiently on your nightstand?

(You know the one. It stares you down every time you walk by.)

You’re always welcome here at Lamb+Oak—where faith, words, and truth are meant to be savored slowly.

XO, Marie