I love reading books written by artists, whether that artist is a graphic designer, a comedian, or in the case of Lauren Chandler, a singer/songwriter. I got a chance to read Chandler’s debut book, Steadfast Love: The Response of God to the Cries of Our Heart. Usually the writing of an artist is more visual; more lyrical. If the writing is theological, there is often a more concerted effort for the reader’s heart, and not just the head. All artists want the heart, but not all authors seem as concerned with this. Well, like a good artist, Chandler goes for the heart, and for the most part, she succeeds.
The basis of Steadfast Love is an extended meditation on Psalm 107, a song focusing on the steadfast love of God. There is plenty of rich material for Chandler to mine in the 43 verses of this Psalm, and she weaves her own stories of heartbreak and triumph throughout. She wears her heart on her sleeve and she writes with brutal honesty; I felt like I was getting to know Lauren Chandler well as I read. Chandler has plenty to say to the burdened and lost among us, and she consistently steers all theological musings back to the person of Jesus. Not satisfied with having us get to know her, there is palpable sense that she wants us to know Jesus Christ, the person. He is her hope and she wants him to be ours, as well.
After an incredibly strong foreword by Ann Voskamp—truly, a tour-de-force of prose that perhaps sets the bar a little too high for the rest of the book—Chandler starts in with some engaging exposition of the opening of Psalm 107. The middle of the book is moments of brilliance broken up with long stretches that I had trouble staying engaged with. It’s hard to put my finger on why. Chandler seems to be writing primarily to women, so maybe a connection is missing there. However, near the end of the book when she begins to describe her husband Matt’s battle with brain cancer, I was completely engaged. Her account is filled with raw, trembling beauty.
I am grateful that Lauren Chandler chose to narrate the audiobook version herself. Her voice reading her own words gives them a power they wouldn’t otherwise have. She does a great job on the narration.
I can imagine this book being a light in the darkness for one who is struggling with the idea of the goodness of God amidst the pain of life. Like Chandler herself says, Psalm 107 reminds us that “sometimes God wrings the worship from our hearts.” A beautiful phrase that nicely captures the message of this book. Read and enjoy as you get to know both Lauren, and the steadfast love of God better.
Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.