Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie explores Christian faith and spirituality. Guthrie, an accomplished journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s The Today Show, leverages her platform and personal experiences to delve into her relationship with God. Published in 2024, this work belongs to the Christian inspirational genre, focusing on themes of divine love, grace, faith, adversity, and human connection. Guthrie’s background in journalism and her public profession of faith inform her perspective, providing a blend of personal narrative and theological reflection. Through this book, she considers the simplicity of God’s love, arguing its transformative power in everyday life.

This guide refers to the 2024 Thomas Nelson Kindle Edition.

Summary

Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie is a personal examination of Christian faith. Guthrie’s work is structured into six thematic sections: Love, Presence, Praise, Grace, Hope, and Purpose. These sections form the backbone of her reflections on her spiritual journey and relationship with God. Written in a conversational and intimate tone, the book utilizes a first-person narrative to convey Guthrie’s personal anecdotes, scriptural reflections, and theological insights. The setting is primarily contemporary, drawing on Guthrie’s experiences in various locations, including her professional environment in New York City.

The book opens with reflections on the fundamental nature of God’s love, using personal stories to illustrate how this love has manifested in her life. Guthrie stresses the simplicity and omnipresence of divine love, drawing from her childhood experiences and moments of personal connection with God. She introduces the concept that “mostly what God does is love us” (5), which becomes a recurring motif throughout the book.

Guthrie then explores the concept of God’s presence in everyday life. She shares experiences where she has felt God’s nearness and discusses the importance of being present and aware of this divine experience. Guthrie compares this to tuning into a radio station, suggesting that God’s presence is constant, but humans must attune themselves to perceive it.

The narrative delves into the act of praising God, even in difficult times. Guthrie recounts personal struggles and how maintaining an attitude of praise helped her find peace and perspective. This section emphasizes gratitude and worship as vital components of a faithful life, illustrating how praise can transform one’s outlook and deepen one’s relationship with God.

Examining the theme of grace, Guthrie shares her personal failures and moments of redemption. She discusses the concept of unmerited favor and how accepting God’s grace has been transformative for her. Guthrie uses scriptural examples and personal anecdotes to highlight the liberating power of grace and the importance of extending grace to oneself and others.

Addressing the challenges of maintaining hope amidst life’s difficulties, Guthrie shares stories of personal loss and disappointment, reflecting on how faith has provided her with a sense of hope and direction. She emphasizes that hope is not just wishful thinking but an expectation based on God’s promises.

The book concludes by exploring the idea of divine purpose. Guthrie reflects on her career, relationships, and personal growth, discussing how she has sought to align her life with God’s purpose. She encourages individuals to seek their own purpose and to trust that their lives have meaningful roles in God’s plan.

The conclusion reaffirms the central message that God’s love is the foundation of all aspects of faith and life. Guthrie underscores the importance of remaining open to God’s presence, praising Him through all circumstances, accepting His grace, holding onto hope, and pursuing one’s purpose. She encourages finding solace in the constancy of God’s love.