The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul

by Ruth Chou Simons

Discover how to live freely and release your burdens with gospel meditations that turn your focus to the God who cares deeply for you.

Are you looking for a new way of living? A way to stop anxious thoughts and release heavy burdens you aren't meant to carry?

In The Way of the Wildflower, bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons invites you to draw inspiration for your weary soul from the flowers of the field through thirty gospel focused meditations covering five ways of the Dependency, Freedom, Resilience, Unhurriedness, and Belovedness.

This gorgeous, full-color devotional features Ruth's signature art and stunning hand-painted botanicals,

Bible verses to meditate onPractical applications of God's WordKey truths to preach to yourself when you feel burdenedPrayers to help you practice the way of the wildflowerWildflower facts and the lessons we can learn from them 

If you're wrestling with your past, struggling in your present, or fearful for your future, pause and be still. Consider how the wildflowers grow, remember that the God who cares for them cares for you, too, and let your anxious soul find rest in Him.

 

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!” — Luke 12:25–28 (NIV)

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality, Devotional, Christian Living, Christianity

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Strivings Cease, and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, podcaster, speaker, and the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of GraceLaced, an art and lifestyle brand. Simons uses each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts, making deep truths beautifully accessible with her signature art and relatable communication style.

Simons has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox, Christianity Today, and Hallmark Home and Family. Ruth and her husband, Troy, live in Western Colorado and are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Connect with Ruth on social media at @ruthchousimons.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book carries a quiet peace that felt like an invitation to slow down and remember that the Lord holds every burden I try to carry alone. Each page opened with gentle truth, reminding me that He tends the anxious places in my heart with the same steady care He gives to the wildflowers He scatters across the earth.

Ruth’s meditations felt like small, steady breaths drawn from Scripture … not rushed, not heavy, simply rooted in the character of God. The pairing of each passage with a single bloom created a rhythm that helped my mind settle and my thoughts turn toward the One who provides, sustains, and meets His children in their need.

The artwork added its own quiet ministry. Soft washes of color, delicate petals, and thoughtful detail created space for my heart to rest. The beauty on the page never distracted from the truth; it simply helped me see that the God who shapes every flower with intention shapes my life with the same care.

These meditations invited my soul toward dependency, resilience, unhurried rest, and belovedness… gently drawing me into deeper trust. Every reflection carried the assurance that the Lord holds His children with unwavering tenderness and keeps every promise He has spoken.

This book will bless anyone seeking calm in anxious days, anyone who needs Scripture wrapped in beauty, and anyone longing for a quiet place to remember the Lord’s tenderness toward His children.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on biblical faithfulness, clarity of message, and the author’s ability to illuminate Scripture with accuracy and affection for Christ, ensuring transparency and trustworthy reflection of the book’s spiritual depth and value.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

As lovely and encouraging as can be. I love the premise, the content, and the stunning artwork!

[Bethany Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc as part of the book launch team. I love Ruth's books, and I'm excited to have the actual copy of the book in my hand. Artwork is just not the same on a computer screen as in a book. The book deals with anxiety and uses flowers to describe different types. It was an enjoyable read.

[Laura and Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Ruth is the best.

I listened to the audio book read by the author.

Ruth has such a way with words and this book is jam packed with scripture.

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its gorgeous illustrations and even more beautiful truths, The Way of the Wildflower is an encouragement to embrace God as our creator, savior, and sustainer rather than striving to navigate life in our own strength. Each topic is relevant, but none are superficial. Ruth brings readers back to Scripture and back to Jesus in each entry.

[BrontëKas · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A mind fixed on the faithful character of God cannot fixate on deficiencies in God’s plan for us at the same time.”

“Our salvation isn’t secured when Jesus points to the way; it is in and through him as the way.”

Ruth does it again. Her tone is kind and her theology is steel.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible devotional book!

Challenging, encouraging, scripturally sound, beautiful, easy to digest in small doses, left me thinking about SO MUCH!

Love, love, love this author!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most amazing book in so many ways!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Ruth’s writing is gentle and beautifully thoughtful, and each flower she highlights serves as a meaningful reminder of God’s care and provision. As someone who loves flowers, this book especially resonated with me, but it also deepened my sense of wonder at creation—how God designed all things to flourish in their own environments, perfectly provided for. A truly uplifting and reflective read. 🌸

[Lucy Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is coming at a time when so many of us long time followers of Jesus are just weary of the world and desperately need the reminder that we can rely on Him for all that we need. The divisions are really helpful-making it easy to quickly turn to a topic relevant to your current circumstance; Ruth’s points are insightful, and of course, the artwork is as beautiful as ever.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing devo!! I highly recommend!!

[Nikki Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get it. Read it. You won’t regret it. So so good!

[Kimberly Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was beautiful to its core and brought much needed encouragement and truth to reset my gaze on Jesus, whatever my circumstances. I’ve loved all of Ruth’s books, but this is my favorite one yet.

[Danielle Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and filled with truth. Ruth writes in a way that truly grabs your heart and reminds you of God’s love for you. Grab a copy and as you read, you’ll feel your soul take a deep breath and rest in God’s goodness and grace!

[Angela Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an encouraging book!!

[Hillary Baden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth’s talent with words and art are astounding! I so appreciate how she seeks to point her readers to the Lord through her beautiful artwork as well as her words. This devotional was absolutely gorgeous, and encouraging! Ruth is so relatable and transparent about her walk with the Lord and this devotional is inspiring. I also appreciate that her devotionals are not just “fluff” to go with the art, but are laced with Scripture and meaningful reminders of God’s steadfastness and faithfulness. Each devotional is based off a wildflower and has given me beautiful little reminders of how God uses His creation to remind us of His character.

*I received a free digital copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review

[Sherry Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how this book doesn't have a perfect five-star score!

I was gifted this book by very special friend and it is the pearl in my crown of books.

The pages are so beautifully illustrated, the cover is so rich and luxurious and the content is absolutely magnificent.

The way she speaks in this devotion totally resonates with my heart. Everyday there was something that spoke to me in a real and powerful way. If you don't have this book, you need to get this book!

I will treasure it always!!!! 🌿🌷🌹🪻🌻🌼🌸🏵️🌿

[Benjamin Mallinak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t tend to think of myself as a very anxious person, but seemingly each chapter had me thinking “oh yeah, this really speaks to me too.” Ruth weaves Scriptural truth with personal anecdotes and wildflower metaphors so well. Add in the beautiful watercolor art interspersed throughout the pages, and it’s just a really great book.

[Taylor Haskell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a devotional where she shares 30 anxious thoughts meant to be brought before the Lord and cast on Him. She uses wildflowers to point out simple truths that I need to be reminded of daily. Not to mention, her artwork is astonishing.

Overall, a simple yet encouraging read for the troubled and anxious heart. Thankful my mother bought me this one for Christmas.

[Taylar Taitague · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite devotional books that I will keep coming back to for Scripture and encouragement in different seasons of life. It’s also beautiful - Ruth’s artwork is on every page, making it a book you can leave out on display. This will be a go-to gift I get for people. Highly recommend!

[Stevie Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book full of such encouragement. The meditations feel like a gentle hug when your soul is weary. I am sure that I will reread it again and again.

[Ashton Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with gorgeous paintings. Creates in me a longing to get outdoors and see the wildflowers again, giving all of my worries, fears, anxieties, dreams, and joys to the Lord.

[Morven Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book

[Janine Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book to always have on hand. 30 different topics or encouragements paired with a characteristic of a specific wildflower. What a wonderful, special way to remember how God takes care of wildflowers and how much more He will take care of us through different seasons of life.

[Arice]

This book has met me in a season. It started with the pain and has worked through to the healing that only Jesus can give. It has blessed my heart and thinking about wildflowers has given a earthly representation to have my heart has felt. The writing is real. It is relatable. It is full of truth. The sections of the devotional are powerful and God will work through you as you read this devotional if you surrender and lay it at his feet.

[Christina Brandsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. Reflective. Encouraging.

Newly returned to Colorado, I am taking in so much natural beauty and am especially entranced by the wildflowers. I love how much nature reminds and shows me about God. This book was beautiful. The drawings of flowers, the connections between the flowers and our own spiritual journeys, and the gospel truth woven through were perfect.

There's nothing wildly new or flashy. I maybe wish it was a little more profound. I wish the pictures for the flowers were near the flower's explanation rather than being on opposite sides of each meditation, but it was still good. Almost 4.5-5 stars, but just 4 for me for now.

I like starting the year slow. I'm not a hustler who jumps at new year's resolutions. If anything, I want my goals to come alive in spring when the flowers and baby animals do. But, I do like to dream of that spring from the coziness of winter and these slow reflections were the perfect start to the year. As always with these types of daily reads, I had to read more than one reflection in a day to honor the library's due date.

Favorite exerpts:
Meditation 4:
"It may not feel like a mercy in the moment, but God is too kind to grant a life of ease if it means we will miss out on a life of dependence on him. After all, God's desire is for his people to love him, trust him, and worship him as their faithful God."

Meditiation 13:
"With conviction, when I take an honest look at my own life, I come to this conclusion: I either don't know his voice, don't trust his character, or don't grasp how much better Jesus is than anything else I could turn to."

Meditation 18:
"The limitations in capacity for any particular season do not preclude the possibility-or necessity-of true friendship. When what we need and what we think we can offer feel like they're at odds, we must return to the Word for clarity: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31) Intentionality will overcome inconvenience only if we believe friendship is part of God's plan-not just a good idea. If we believe friendship is meant to make us feel better about ourseles, we won't make time for any relationships that cost us more than our time (especially if it involves our egos). But if we look to God's Word and consider relationships and friendships a necessary aspect of the body of Christ, we will choose to be intentional, even when friendship is not convenient.

Meditation 25:
There's a beautiful exercise to apply Philippians 4:6-9 in a way that helped me think less of myself and more about Christ and others. Definitely worth revisiting.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes gift books look beautiful without having much substance inside. With books by Ruth Chou Simons, you know that what you're getting is both visually stunning and spiritually nourishing. This latest devotional helps women rest in Jesus in the midst of anxiety and life challenges, and it also features beautiful watercolor art of wildflowers. Every single page includes art, whether it is a lush scene or a simple silhouette. This book is also aesthetically pleasing as a physical object. The cover has a nice texture and shiny gilding, the sewn binding is sturdy, and the thick pages feel premium.

Each reading focuses on a different life situation or emotional theme, such as "when disappointment threatens to take you out." Chou Simons shares biblical wisdom for responding to these universal concerns, and she writes with great compassion for her readers. She shares gospel truths, unpacks Bible verses, and offers hard-won perspectives from her life. Bible verses also appear in calligraphy as part of the art.

The Way of the Wildflower uses wildflowers as a metaphor for the Christian life, just like Jesus did in Matthew 6:28-30. Each devotion features art representing a different flower. At the end of the reading, Chou Simons briefly shares facts about that flower. These illustrated side notes may include details about where the flower grows and what leads to its flourishing, as well as any relevant historical or cultural associations with the plant. The author then ties in a spiritual message, relating each wildflower to the message from that reading.

The Way of the Wildflower is a visually beautiful, spiritually encouraging gift book. This book can speak to readers in lots of different tough situations. I appreciated how calming the writing and the art were on nights when I felt too unsettled to focus on reading anything else. Women in many different life stages will appreciate this book's depth and wisdom, as well as its sheer loveliness, and I highly recommend it. This is a gorgeous coffee table book and a great source of spiritual encouragement.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Melanie Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Way of the Wildflower, Ruth Chou Simons offers a quiet, soul-refreshing devotional for those feeling overwhelmed, burdened, or spiritually dry. Through short reflections, she draws powerful parallels between the way wildflowers grow—unhurried, dependent, unseen—like flowers that bloom in hidden places without effort or worry, we’re reminded that flourishing doesn’t come from performance, but from being anchored in grace.

Each reading is rooted in Scripture and offers gentle encouragement without pressure or performance. The themes—like resilience, rest, identity, and freedom—speak to anyone needing a reminder that they are deeply loved and cared for.

What makes this book especially unique are Simons’ beautiful hand-painted watercolor illustrations. Her artwork transforms each page into a space of calm and beauty, reinforcing the message that flourishing comes not from striving, but from resting in God’s care.

This is more than a devotional—it’s an invitation to slow down, let go, and remember that, like the wildflower, you are already being held. The Way of the Wildflower is not just a book to read—it’s a moment of worship in stillness, like a quiet walk through a blooming field, where your soul is allowed to exhale.

[Alyson Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of the Wildflower lives up to its name and is truly full to overflowing with “Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul”. No matter what you bring to the table when you open this book, you will find the truth of God’s Word on each page, ready to speak peace and love to whatever you are walking through and whatever you are carrying inside.
Ruth’s spiritual depth, authenticity, and ability to speak truth in love is so evident throughout this devotional. She leads by example in what it means to truly trust Jesus and rely on His steadfast character, no matter the challenges or circumstances of life.
This devotional is organized into five “ways” of living as the wildflowers do: dependency, freedom, resilience, unhurriedness, and belovedness. Each section is full of Scripture, practical application of truth in a variety of circumstances and seasons of life, and thoughtful looks at the wildflowers that inspire and beautifully fill each page of the book. Ruth’s artwork encourages you to pause, linger, and meditate on the goodness of God as you reflect on the truths shared.

I highly recommend The Way of the Wildflower to anyone wanting to grow in understanding and awe of the beauty of the Gospel, and anyone ready to lay their anxious burdens down.

[Julie Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Chou Simons is in a stand-alone category and has created a genre that is uniquely her own. While I have admired her work in bookstores, usually unique lovely quaint spots, this is the first of her books that I have taken time to thoroughly read and savor. And, I am awed by the stunning marriage of beauty and biblical theology. Many illustrators illustrate with magnificience and theologian/authors write with excellent use of language and wisdom. Simons does both with the exceptional skill of a master.

Her dedication page states the theme that is woven throughout every sentence and saturates each breathtaking illustration.

"To the ones who imagine that unburdened
is possible only when you're surrounded by
wildflowers and mountain air;
Jesus is better, and you are more loved than the flowers of any field."

In reading these Gospel meditations, one's anxious soul will indeed be unburdened. Simons details and highlights the characteristics of each particular wildflower. Skillfully she details the various ways the flowers exist in dependency, freedom, resiliency, unhurriedness and even belovedness.

If read carefully and thoughtfully, burdens are lightened, worries and fears lose their power. At least this was my experience!