How Joyful People Think – Jamie Rasmussen (2018)

Jamie Rasmussen, How Joyful People Think (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2018), 184.

“All joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still about to be,” writes C.S. Lewis. Joy is that illusive quality that all people search for but so few actually discover. Jamie Rasmussen uncovers the biblical rationale such a pursuit in his book, How Joyful People Think. The subtitle captures the essence of his argument: 8 Ways of Thinking That Leads to a Better Life.

Rasmussen argues that joy is a matter of perspective. That is, correct thinking is indispensable as one sets out in pursuit of joy. Simply put, “It involves learning to think as God wants us to think.” How Joyful People Think is an practical exposition, then, of Philippians 4:8 –

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

The eight ways of thinking that lead to a better life are a direct reflection of this verse. Rasmussen applies careful pastoral wisdom and exegetical insight to alert readers to treasure which is summarized in this powerful Scripture:

Whatever is true

Whatever is honorable

Whatever is just

Whatever is pure

Whatever is lovely

Whatever is commendable

If there is any excellence

If there is anything worthy of praise

“Think about these things.” The strength of the author’s argument is his allegiance to Scripture. Readers will be disappointed if they are in search of psychological tips of self-help formulas. Rasmussen is committed to mining the treasure chest of God’s Word and passing the truth to anyone who will listen.

How Joyful People Think is refreshing, encouraging, and has the power to lift the downtrodden, encourage the discouraged, and equip the weak-minded. It is a vivid reminder that joy is not only possible; joy commanded and is found in Christ alone!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.