Defiant Joy

In a world filled with pain and uncertainty, Defiant Joy offers a beacon of hope. Stasi Eldredge invites readers to embrace a joy that stands resilient against life’s hardships—a joy rooted in unwavering faith and the unyielding love of God.

Through personal stories, biblical insights, and heartfelt encouragement, she guides us to a place where joy becomes an act of holy defiance. One that neither denies nor diminishes our pain, but dares to live with expectant, unwavering hope.

For a deeper exploration of these themes, engage with the Unwavering: Living with Defiant Joy video series available through Wild at Heart.

Why this book matters

Many people struggle to find joy amidst grief, disappointment, or chaos.

Defiant Joy meets readers in their sorrow and offers a powerful invitation: to choose joy—not as a fleeting emotion, but as a steady, faith-filled posture.

This book helps readers:

• Embrace joy as a courageous response to suffering

• Cultivate resilience in the face of everyday struggles

• Learn spiritual practices that ground you in God’s love

• Discover beauty, life, and hope in places you least expect

These themes are expanded upon in the Unwavering Bible Study Guide, with exercises for reflection and growth.

What you’ll discover in Defiant Joy

The essence of defiant joy – A kind of joy that’s chosen, not based on circumstances, but rooted in truth.

• Navigating sorrow with hope – How to hold both grief and joy in tension without denying either.

• Living authentically – Learning to walk through your pain with vulnerability and trust in God’s presence.

• Practical spiritual rhythms – Practices that help you stay grounded and expectant even in dark seasons.

Stasi Eldredge also explores these themes in Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul.

Who should read this book?

This book is for:

• Anyone longing for joy while walking through pain

• Those struggling with disappointment, anxiety, or sorrow

• Women seeking an honest, faith-filled perspective on emotional resilience

• Readers who want to reclaim beauty and hope in the everyday

For a complementary perspective on for men, consider the book Wild at Heart by John Eldredge.

Defiant Joy as a group study for churches & small groups
Many churches and women’s ministries have used Defiant Joy to start conversations around hope, healing, and inner strength. Its honest, compassionate tone makes it an ideal choice for small group study.

Why use this for a church or group study?

• Sparks honest, meaningful dialogue around emotions and faith

• Encourages participants to walk in hope even through hardship

• Includes discussion materials to guide weekly sessions

• Helps women support one another in reclaiming joy

The origin of Defiant Joy

Stasi Eldredge wrote Defiant Joy out of her own experience walking through seasons of personal loss and hardship.

Instead of offering platitudes, she brings wisdom shaped by vulnerability and hope. Her message is clear: joy isn’t the absence of sorrow—it’s the presence of God in the midst of it.

Restoring Joy, Rekindling Identity

Defiant Joy aligns with the heart of the Wild at Heart mission—restoring hope, identity, and wholehearted living in the lives of men and women.

This book extends that vision specifically to women who are weary, uncertain, or in pain, reminding them that joy is not only possible—it’s powerful.