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Review: Known and Loved

Known and Loved book cover on blue background

The concepts of being known and loved can affect how we think and act as Christians. Thankfully, God's perfect love is not blind to who we are, nor is it empty or shallow. In Known and Loved by Glenna Marshall, we discover what it means that God has pure affection for us as His created beings through further studying Psalm 139. 

Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Fearfully and wonderfully made—some truths transform us, body and soul.

We hear that God is love and that He loves us, but what does that mean? And can this truth sink into our hearts in such a way that we are changed?

In Known and Loved, Glenna Marshall reflects on Psalm 139, exploring the transformational truth that we are fully known and loved by the Triune God of the universe. This book, overflowing with truth and encouragement, combats the myths and lies that we are unlovable, alone, or unseen. God sets His love on us in spite of our failings and even when we feel unlovable.

The psalmist tips our chins to fix our gaze on God who doesn’t hold back His affections. Taking readers verse by verse Glenna shows how you are … known to the core, known body and soul, known in the dark and in your suffering, known when you want to run or give up, known in your fears and when you feel alone.

We can be certain of God’s steadfast love. Immerse yourself in Psalm 139—a transformational journey into the heart of God for you.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Diving into Psalm 139, Glenna Marshall takes readers verse by verse to examine what it means to be truly known and loved at the same time by God. In breaking this psalm down into nine sections, readers have the opportunity to better understand the ways in which God knows us in our most vulnerable times and in times of questioning. The conversational style presented is winsome and comforting, allowing us to relate to many of the stories posed in this book. It's a deeply vulnerable look at how we should relate to God when there is much about ourselves that we might believe to be in the way of fully knowing Him. I appreciate that the emotions around the fall—when Adam and Eve hid from the Lord—are addressed as they can keep us away from a relationship with Him today. Without minimizing the impacts of our sin and our broken humanity, this book is instead an invitation to run to the Father, who knows every intimate detail about us.

I love that solid theology is imparted while addressing practical applications in our lives. To be known by God means that He sees us in our darkness and when we feel lost among many. To be loved by God means that He is willing to bridge the divide to save and restore us. This is a book that does not shy away from topics such as evil, our enemies, and the pain we experience in our lives. If you're looking for a book that takes you more deeply into Psalm 139 while reaching into your felt needs and hidden longings to be known and loved, this is an excellent resource that balances biblical teaching and life transformation while drawing you closer to God's perfect desire for His people.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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