The Story by Max Lucado

Over the Christmas holiday, my husband gifted me a small book from our church called The Story. It cost only five dollars, yet its impact has been priceless. From the moment I began reading, I was drawn in. This book presents the Bible as one continuous, cohesive narrative of God and His people, written in the New International Version and thoughtfully condensed into 31 chapters.

I’ve only just begun, and I’m approaching the story of Joseph. On quiet weekends at home, I find myself sitting outside in the backyard, reading a few chapters while my dog runs freely nearby. Those moments have become sacred. I have truly enjoyed my time in God’s Word. The more I read and learn Scripture, the more grounded I feel. It has become my foundation of stillness—a pause from life’s noise and troubles—reminding me that my story is part of a much greater journey that began long before me and continues into eternity.

A few years ago, I explored therapy, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. While those practices helped briefly, something was still missing. I found myself deeply depressed, dwelling on past mistakes, longing for purpose, and unsure of who I had become or how to fix it. It wasn’t until I returned to church and began reading the Bible again that everything changed.

That return was transformative. It became clear to me that God is the only source of true and lasting joy. Fulfillment does not come from money, popularity, or a full social calendar. It comes from a personal relationship with the Lord and a life rooted in obedience to Him. Through that relationship, my heart and soul were renewed. I found peace. I found forgiveness. I found stability. I found grace—and a second chance to live rightly.

Today, I am genuinely happier, and my prayer is that someone else might experience the same joy and peace. If you are feeling sad, depressed, or searching for meaning, what do you have to lose? Give your spiritual life a chance.

Begin by reading The Story. Learn how we were created, how God’s promises unfolded, and how He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save the world. Within these pages are promises, hope, courage over fear, and an overwhelming love that reveals the truth: you matter to God. He loves you deeply and desires a relationship with you.

Seek Him—and you will find far more than you ever expected.

https://www.thestory.com/