Sanctuary: Cultivating a Quiet Heart in a Noisy and Demanding World

by Denise J. Hughes

Whether it's the TV or radio continually playing in the background or the persistent pinging on our phones, the constant noise and frenetic pace of modern life can be overwhelming. The cacophony of cultural messages that permeate the air produces an inner restlessness that says, "You should be doing more, saying more, posting more and sharing more."

More than ever, we need sanctuary, not only as a refuge from the noise around us but also as a place where God's truth can be clearly heard.

This 31-day devotional explores what it means, and what it looks like in very practical ways, to lead the "quiet life" Paul speaks of in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. Readers will come to see that a quiet life doesn't mean escaping from the world around them but their hearts on Christ so that they can live with a clear focus, a quiet confidence and a steady peace.


Contents
Introduction : Searching for Sanctuary
Day 1. Where Strength Is Found
Day 2. A New Identity in a New World
Day 3. The Mirrors in Our Hands
Day 4. Having a One-Thing Heart
Day 5. A Place of Refuge
Day 6. When Light Pierces Darkness
Day 7. The Grace of Good Work
Day 8. A Timely Heart X-Ray
Day 9. To Be Seen and Understood
Day 10. The Encouragement We Really Need
Day 11. A Different Choice on a Different Day
Day 12. The Hands That Serve
Day 13. When Small Things Matter in Big Ways
Day 14. The Question We Must Settle
Day 15. Of Comfort and Conviction
Day 16. Known by Love
Day 17. This Is Just the Overture
Day 18. The Pursuit of Less
Day 19. Loss Can Either Define or Refine
Day 20. Where We Turn When Life Turns Hard
Day 21. Even on the Far Side of the Sea
Day 22. The Habit of Gathering
Day 23. The Power of Silence
Day 24. Where Our Focus Lies
Day 25. Vessels of Purpose
Day 26. From the Overflow
Day 27. A Sweet Respite for the Soul
Day 28. A Life Poured Out
Day 29. After a Little While
Day 30. A Sanctuary of Praise
Day 31. A New Sojourn Begins
Epilogue: A Blessing for Your Journey

Genres: Faith, Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2022

About the author

Denise J. Hughes is the author of the Word Writers series and a passionate student of the Bible. A popular conference speaker, she is also an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and the editorial coordinator for (in)courage. She lives with her husband and three kids in the Los Angeles area. Follow her at www.wordwriters.us and on Twitter @DeniseJHughes.

Reviews

[The Book Bunch (Sam) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at day 12 as my husband and I did not agree with the author's very anti social media opinion. We did try to see if we could get anything out of this despite difference in opinion but found nothing there of substance.

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful & encouraging devotional. I enjoyed the social media break I took alongside it. Highly recommend!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Denise has already written, and this new book did not disappoint! I was given an advance copy of this book and enjoyed reading it in a virtual community. It was wonderful to share the experience together.

Denise has written yet another wonderful book to get us to stop and think about how intentionally we are at making space for Jesus in our lives. She reminds us of the power of social media, which can steal our peace and joy if we focus there instead of on Him. This book is a treasure!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where can we find rest and safety from social media? In Sanctuary, Denise J. Hughes delivers a plan for cultivating a quiet heart in a noisy and demanding world.

Living a Quiet Life

The theme of “living a quiet life” echoes throughout this book. This refers to 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, and Hughes helps us see how it means to live with dependence on God. It is a life free from constant noise and hustle, and it is a life defined by purpose rather than ambition. Hughes gives a brief theology of technology, specifically focusing on how social media has become the place where we shape our identities. She calls us back to the sanctuary of God’s presence, where we can rest in being a new creation and having our new identity in Christ.

Hughes stays extremely relatable throughout the book. She speaks of being emotionally drained and spiritually empty. She speaks of her tendency towards overcommitment. She speaks of venting in a group text and different sins that can take place in our technological world. Hughes covers a lot of ground, helping us have more discernment with our social media habits.

Evaluating Ambitions and Championing Community

I appreciated the way Hughes goes after our hearts. For example, she speaks of holy ambitions versus unholy ambitions and gives us five ways to discern them: (1) Do you have relationships with people who cannot benefit you in any way? (2) Do your ambitions or dreams take you away from your family to an inordinate degree? (3) How committed are you to honoring and observing the Sabbath? (4) Are your ambitions or dreams about making God’s name great or yours? (5) Will you be ok with God if your ambitions or dreams never come about in this lifetime? These hard-hitting questions are throughout the book, and help us see where we need help.

I was most interested to see how Hughes placed an importance on community. The physical, local, flesh and blood church is where real community takes place. She shows how it is only possible to commune in real space and time, and we come together as broken people. The church is where we can be ourselves in our brokenness and find strength and healing together with God. Hughes calls us to embrace the habit of gathering regularly with God’s people.

Freedom from the Noise

This book would be a great read for young adults who feel the weight of the social media world, or for older saints who feel distracted and distraught with their social media habits. The book ends by saying that the Christian can be free of the noise of social media, saying that we can find all of the encouragement and help we need from the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us. This was refreshing to me, and reminded me that Christ does not need the tools of social media for the sanctification of our souls. We can put our phones and social media apps away. He has given us everything we need.

I received a media copy of Sanctuary and this is my honest review.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional. The cover is beautiful, and Denise Hughes' writing is powerful. In a world dominated by social media, this devotional helps us refocus on Jesus and find true peace.

The devotional is structured over 31 days, with each day comprising around three pages that include thoughtful questions and a concluding prayer. The content is both relatable and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide audience.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

[Matilda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘make it your ambition to lead a quiet life’ - 1 thessalonians 4:11

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a much needed respite. We live in a fast-paced world, with a lot of “noise” everywhere we go. These days, much of our noise comes from our devices. Being constantly connected deflates us, pulls us away from the people around us, causes us to miss out on our own lives, and affects our relationship with God as well. This book helps us to lay aside the distractions, find unique ways to restore our souls, build the relationships with the loved ones in our lives, and have a closer walk with God. This book is a treasure and one that I highly recommend.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished up being a part of a wonderful book club with author Denise Hughes for her new book, Sanctuary: Cultivating a Quiet Heart in a Noisy and Demanding World. It is a 31-day devotional, with daily scripture, devotion and action points, along with prayer that go together with focus on a daily topic. I have read and done a few of her previous Bible studies she has wrote and always recommend. She provides solid biblical information to help you grow in your faith.

I really enjoyed the book, it was so timely, as it dealt with things I have been struggling with. The world is definitely louder than it was before we all had cell phones, internet, and social media. I have a love hate relationship with it. This devotional book, especially the action points to take at the end of each reading were so helpful and what I needed, some of them really challenged me! Sanctuary now has a deeper meaning for me and I definitely want to take advantage it! I can see myself reading this yearly while taking an online break. The book was a helpful reminder that God is in control, we can trust Him with our cares and concerns and know that He has a plan and purpose. I have many highlights throughout the book and notes in my journal from it. Here are a few:

"To experience a quiet heart that is truly at rest in Christ, we must first repent of looking to anything other than God to satisfy us. Finding sanctuary begins with repentance: with acknowledging that we can't fix the malaise that plagues our souls. But God can, and our confidence rests in Him alone."

A divided heart is at the root of all restlessness."

"Cultivating a quiet life is leading an others-centered life."

"To cultivate a quiet heart is to live free form the pursuit of more. It's often through the pursuit of less that we are freed from the talons of material things."

"It's more about where we primarily devote our time and our focuses, because the things we give our attention to are the things that shape and mold us"

At the end of the book is a great epilogue of a summary of the 31 action points from the daily devotions. And a reminder that it's an ongoing journey, daily working out of what Christ has worked in us.

[Alex Banwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of advent, I typically choose a devotional book to take me through this chaotic season, hoping it will keep me grounded in the truths of why we wait for Christmas. I select something that will guide me through the events of the birth of Christ. However, this year, I wish to recommend something a little different.



Sanctuary by Denise J Hughes is not an advent book in your typical sense. Yet I feel it is the ideal thirty-one-day devotional to take us through the last month of the year, and that there is no coincidence in its release date of 1 December 2022.



For many of us, this is the most hectic month, and the very time when we long for Sanctuary. It is a season that is meant to focus on Jesus. Yet he can be crowded out by all the noise. Many of the things that are designed to draw us closer to him actually push us away, as they become sources of pressure. Our to do lists grow. WE sit through church services with our minds awhirl, trying to figure out how we will comply with the ever-increasing demands placed upon our time and energy reserves.



Denise J Hugh’s latest book was birthed out of her desire to live a quiet life, based on Paul’s statement in 1Thessalonians 4: 11. “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” In thirty-one daily reflections, Denise seeks to show us what a quiet life is, and what it is not.



In the age of social media and online pressures, Denise helps us understand the value of balancing the time we spend engaging with technology against face-to-face communication with the people God has placed in our lives. She does not seek to turn us away from social media, but encourages her readers not to let it take over. She tries to steer us away from the pressure to conform and to seek approval from people we will never likely meet this side of heaven.



Denise urges us to enjoy God’s creation, the gifts he has given, and the people he has brought into our lives. She also teaches about the need for silence and times of prayer, reflection, and Bible study.



A quiet life doesn’t require enforced silence and solitude, although sometimes these things are a blessing. Having a quiet heart doesn’t force us to withdraw from people, but we should ensure that God’s voice is our primary influence.



The true secret to a quiet life is drawing closer to our Saviour, and Denise encourages us to do that on each of the thirty-one days. She reminds us of the various forms of sanctuary. In the Old Testament, there was the tabernacle, then the temple. For the modern-day Christian, we have our churches, Bible study groups, etc. Sanctuary may mean different things to different people, depending on our personalities and the season we are going through. However, it is only a true sanctuary when it is found in Jesus.



Thank you, Denise, for helping me to take stock, sit back, and re-evaluate the importance and meaning of a quiet life.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thirty-one day devotional for women is about finding peace and quietness in the midst of a fast-paced, hectic world. The author, Denise J. Hughes, writes about her own challenges with social media overuse and workaholic behaviors, and shares some of the lessons she has learned about how to accept her limits, pursue a quiet heart, and hear God's voice over the noise of the world. The readings are all about four to seven pages long, sometimes with one page that highlights a main quote. They all open with a short Bible verse, and conclude with contemplation questions, ideas for putting that reading's ideas into practice, and an example prayer.

This book will encourage Christian women to consider practical ways that they can slow down and prevent themselves from burning out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The book is appropriate for women in various stages of life, and although devotionals with a single theme can often become repetitive, I found that this book had sufficient variety with all of the different Scriptural stories and reflections that the author included about the concept of sanctuary and meeting with God.

My main critique is that the constant emphasis on quietness can make it seem like this book is mainly for introverts. One of the readings addresses this concern, and Hughes explains why these core concepts apply to both introverts and extroverts, but this appeared very late in the book. I think this explanation should have come sooner, and I wish that Hughes had included examples throughout about how extroverted women can pursue spiritual quietness even when they are less easily overwhelmed and have louder personalities. Overall, any women can glean value from this book, but more acknowledgment of different personalities would have been helpful.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book. I enjoyed reading this book and the way that the author, Denise Hughes, provided insight into how to quiet myself in our noisy online world. Denise is a gifted communicator who provides wisdom from the Bible in how to find Sanctuary in Jesus. Denise's words spoke deeply into my heart and habits while challenging me to reconsider how much time I spend on social media and to allow what I do post be an overflow from my quieted heart. Denise shared historical information about how the Old Testament tabernacle was created and provided parallels to our modern lives.

This book will help readers discover their purpose which is not to be overwhelmed with messages that inundate us on social media, but to spend time with God and allow a shift in our thinking. As time is spent in prayer and Bible study, our hearts settle and slow down. The book is a must read for women who want to learn how to lead a quiet life.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow Denise Hughes on Social Media and had seen posts about this book. I thought it sounded and looked good.. and I decided it would be a nice start to the new year. I had no idea the impact it would have! This is truly one of the best devotional studies (it is more than a typical devotional) I have read. First and foremost, everything she shares and suggests in rooting in Scripture... not just opinion or her advice. Also, Hughes has lived this book. God walked her through this journey before she wrote it. That is evident in her sharing and the passion felt as I read. I have been telling everyone I know about this book and have no doubt I will be purchasing it as a gift for many of my friends. It challenges and encourages and most of all makes the reader stop and think. It has affected changes in my life and I have no doubt it will continue to influence me more. In fact, there are few books I re-read. This will be one of them. I have already looked back at various parts.

I want to quickly say that this book isn't about being physically quiet all the time. It isn't about disconnecting completely with the world. I see this as a wonderful reminder of our need to Abide in Him and Hughes looks at ways to do that in a world that clamors for our attention 24/7!

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctuary by amazing author Denise Hughes is a thought provoking 31 day devotional that will linger with you. The main purpose of this jewel of a book is to assist readers to slow down, find sanctuary, and rest in the Lord. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or fledgling, the words of this gifted wordsmith with make you consider how you are living life. It did this reader. Each daily selection is just a couple of pages but packed full of relevant information to help readers.

I highly recommend this lovely book. It would make a great gift or choice for a small group. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.

[Hannah Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best devotionals I’ve read in a long time! The daily Bible verses were always so applicable and meditative and the prayers at the end of each day stayed on my mind throughout the day. If you’re looking for some peace in this crazy and noisy world, this book is a perfect fit for you! Her emphasis is that peace doesn’t just come at the end of this 31 day devotional, it is a constant, daily practice of grace given to us as we choose Christ instead of the chaos surrounding us! 10/10 recommend!

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 31-day devotional centers on 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 and offers such a thoughtful invitation to slow down, quiet the noise—both inside and out—and find rest by anchoring our hearts in Christ. With relatable stories, practical encouragement, and biblical wisdom, it’s been a wonderful addition to my morning rhythm. If you’re looking for a new devotional this season, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!

Thank you, The Good Book Company, for my copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Lois Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a noisy world that continuously pushes us to be more, do more and say more, it’s countercultural—even counterproductive—to do the opposite, on purpose. And yet, Denise Hughes gently and convincingly explains why pursuing a quiet life is perhaps the best way to encounter God and find the peace that only He can provide.

If your heart longs for sanctuary, this encouraging and practical devotional will show you how and where to find it.

[Mariale & Pieter Dros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I started to read this book, I was so overwhelmed with all the noise and business around me that I told my husband that I wanted to move to a top of a mountain.... it's so funny that one of the first things that Denise tells us here is that to find quietness, you don't need to move to a top of a mountain! It's a very refreshing and beautiful book. I totally love it, and it came to my hands in the perfect moment!!!

[Emma S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good devotional book. I think it's particularly helpful for people feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities and the general busy-ness of life. Devotionals are short and to the point, with very practical application; a real strength. I found it wasn't quite meaty enough for my own daily Bible reading, but I would definitely recommend this to those who feel like they barely have time / struggle to make time in the Word.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to dig deeper into what it means to worship God in His sanctuary. I was disappointed at how much social media is cited as a source of noise when the subtitle, “cultivating a quiet heart in a noise and demanding world” can mean so much more than the noise from social media for some of us. The became am eye-rolling experience every time i read a reference to social media with only lip service to the myriad other ways noise crowds our lives.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the past 31 days, I have been journeying with the author, and a group of women through Sanctuary.

With the hectic schedule of the upcoming Christmas season, I am happy to have walked through this devotion. As the author states at the end of devotion, this is a lifestyle which I can continue to focus on even after finishing.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longing for a break that refreshes rather than adding to your stress?
Take a few minutes to share a beverage and a look at a few scriptures to help you understand how God wants you to live and rest in him.
Denise has a warm, engaging style that makes it easy to read, reflect, and return to her chat the next day. In a month, your attitude toward a quiet heart might be transformed.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book during the month of December, because for me, a worship leader/choir director, that is by far my busiest month of the year. It's a time when I long for quiet and sanctuary, but I don't get it. I was glad to have that daily focus and I'm determined to set better boundaries in the future.

[Carolyn Reardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses the tabernacle-sanctuary in the beginning to help us to understand the significance of a quiet life. It goes on to give us many ways in which we can lead a quiet life over the loud roar of our world. Excellent resource to help us start to live that quiet life that helps our soul.

[Crystal Storms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Through 31 short chapters, Denise invites the reader on a journey of cultivating a quiet heart and finding rest and sanctuary in the midst of our busy and noisy world.

[Debbie Passow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 31-day devotional includes scripture, a daily devotion, prayer and helpful ideas on how to live a quiet life. It is beautiful and well written. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Christina Slavonik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely devotional for this day and age

[Jane Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this busy, noisy, social media filled world, this is a daily reminder just to take some time, be quiet and refresh, reflect and replenish.

[Ashley Walkup · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn’t contain any earth shattering revelations but is instead packed full of encouraging reminders, inspiration, and good, soul-delighting truths.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been the best devotional, I have ever had my hands on. I didn’t pick it up every day so it took longer than 31 days, but it's astonishing how that when I did, the message hits me right in the face like it was meant for me in that moment. I can feel God reaching out to me in these messages during my times of need. I have recommended this to all my friends!