The Joy Project - by Tony Reinke (Paperback)

About the Book

By nature we are pleasure-seekers, though chronically unsuccessful at finding a joy that endures. But what if long-lasting joy isn't found at all? What if the deepest and most durable happiness breaks into our lives, overcomes our boredom, and ultimately finds us? What if true joy is out of our reach, but reaches for us?

Book Synopsis

True happiness isn't found. It finds you.

We think of our chase for joy as a fundamental right--and it's no surprise. By nature we are pleasure-seekers, though chronically unsuccessful at finding the type of joy that will endure for more than a passing moment.

But what if long-lasting joy isn't found at all? What if the deepest and most durable happiness breaks into our lives, overcomes our boredom, and ultimately finds us? What if true joy is out of our reach, but reaches for us?

• What if joy goes deeper than the flimsy foundations of organized day planners, thinned-out closets, freshly painted walls, or a perfectly followed gym routine?
• What if joy is not found at the end of a to-do list?
• What if joy is not governed by the personality assigned to me by the lottery of my genetic heritage?
• What if Aristotle, when he said my happiness depends on me, was fundamentally wrong?

To say it another way: What if I told you someone else was more concerned for your joy than you could ever be? What if this person has been planning your joy since before you were born? Would you believe me, or would you write me off as a well-meaning but ignorant religious optimist?

If you'll hear me out, I want to share with you a true story of inescapable happiness.

The Joy Project is a story that reminds us we are characters in God's unfolding cosmic story. God has written our joy into a script, and what he planned for us we can hardly imagine. The Joy Project is the heartbeat of Scripture. Neglect the Bible, and you neglect God's Joy Project, and you neglect your own joy. The Joy Project is the boldest story ever told. It will shock you, then it will bewilder you, and then it will plunge you into an ocean of divine love.

Review Quotes

"Our eyes of flesh seek joy in the wrong places, define it with a bankrupt vocabulary, and settle for it using mistaken formulas. Because we don't know what to do but try harder and hide our shame, we get stuck and sick, depressed and despondent. This dehumanizes us, discourages us, and defeats us. But there is hope! The Joy Project is applied Reformed theology at its best."
-Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

"Biblically, colorfully, and with realistic precision, Tony Reinke presents God's work of saving grace as a jamboree of overwhelming sovereign joy. This is a book of deep truth that does good to the heart as well as the head."
-J. I. Packer

"The Joy Project is a celebration of Reformed theology, and in this way it's more in keeping with the Bible's treatment of the subject--behold the beauty before bemoaning the controversies. We cover this topic briefly in our church membership class, and for those who want to pursue it further, this book, for its accessibility and warmth, is the one I'll recommend first."
-Benjamin Vrbicek, Pastor, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

"What do you get when you combine Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project with the Five Points of Calvinism and Tony Reinke's compelling writing? You're looking at it. It sounds like a weird and unworkable combination, but it works well and results in an outstandingly beautiful presentation of the doctrines of grace. This is the most beautiful presentation of Calvinism I've ever read."
-David Murray, Professor, Puritan Reformed Seminary

"Tony Reinke's The Joy Project is a unique and delightful summary of the unfolding drama of God's sovereign grace. Tony, as usual, is biblical, Christ-honoring, gospel-centric, imaginative, and articulate. Who could ask for more? You will enjoy this book!"
-Randy Alcorn, Director, Eternal Perspective Ministries

"At the end of a restless day we look to the self-help gurus, but they can only give us magnifying glasses to gaze more deeply into our own navels. Lift your sights through The Joy Project and rejoice to read that joy is actually coming for you."
-Gloria Furman

"'Joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory' (1 Pet. 1:8). But what does that mean? Is it for me? How do I get it? What does it feel like? Is it okay for me to want it? How will it change my life? Is this 'joy' the same as being 'happy'? If not, what's the difference? And what does joy have to do with God's sovereign, saving grace for sinners in Jesus Christ? Yes, there are answers to these questions. And Tony Reinke does a masterful job in providing them. Read on, then, and rejoice with joy everlasting!"
-Sam Storms

"We all want joy and happiness -- but they seem such elusive things. We reach for them and fall, we aim and miss. For me that's because I make them dependent on me: how I'm doing, how I'm feeling. Tony Reinke shows a far sweeter way, a way to solid joy."
-Michael Reeves