God Is Not a God of Destruction: Be Careful What You Read 

I often watch videos on YouTube where people wrestle with whether they should read a book that will destroy them emotionally. They continuously refer to the “universe” telling them what they should and shouldn't read, but here's the truth: it's actually their own choice. In this blog post, I'm sharing my own opinion about reading books that don't edify, but destroy a person's emotions. This type of activity doesn't reflect God. 

Let's begin.

The “Universe” Isn't Making Your Reading Choices 

Have you noticed this trend? Someone picks up a book, reads the synopsis, sees all the trigger warnings, and then films themselves debating whether they should read it. “The universe is telling me something,” they say. “Should I listen to the signs?” 

But here's what I realized: when we attribute our decisions to the “universe,” we're actually avoiding personal responsibility for our choices. The universe isn't a sentient being guiding your TBR pile. You are. And more importantly, if you're a person of faith, you have the Holy Spirit to guide you, not some unclear cosmic force.

God Builds Up, He Doesn’t Tear Down

Here's the fundamental truth I want to share: God is not a God of destruction. Yes, He allows trials that refine us, but that's different from voluntarily consuming content designed to traumatize or emotionally devastate us.

What Does Edification Mean?

When we talk about something being “edifying,” we're talking about content that builds us up spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. It might challenge us, sure. It might make us uncomfortable in ways that lead to growth. But there's a massive difference between:

• A book that explores difficult themes with hope and redemption. 
• A book that wallows in darkness for darkness sake.

One leaves you changed for the better. The other leaves you drained, anxious, and emotionally wrecked. 

The Problem With “Emotionally Destructive” Content

I'll be honest with you: I don't understand the appeal of seeking out books specifically because they'll wreck you emotionally. When did emotional destruction become a badge of honor in the reading community? 

We're Called to Guard Our Hearts

Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This is not only about romantic relationships or what we watch on TV. It applies to what we read, too.

When we fill our minds with hopeless narratives, graphic violence, and relentless tragedy, we're not guarding our hearts. We're exposing them to unnecessary harm. And for what? To say we read something “devastating”? To prove we can handle the darkness?

The Emotional Toll Is Real

Let me get practical for a moment. After reading or watching something emotionally destructive, how do you feel? Anxious? Depressed? Unable to sleep? That's your body and soul telling you something important: this content isn't good for you.

God didn't design us to carry unnecessary burdens. When Jesus said, “For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:30, NLT), He meant it. Why would we voluntarily pick up heavy, dark burdens in our entertainment choices?

It's Your Choice, Not Fate

Here's where I want to bring it back to those YouTube videos. When someone says “the universe is telling me not to read this,” what they're really experiencing is wisdom, discernment, or even the Holy Spirit nudging them away from something harmful. 

Take Ownership of Your Decisions 

You don't need to blame or credit the universe. You have agency. You have wisdom. And if you're a believer, you have direct access to God's guidance through prayer and His Word. 

If something in your spirit is telling you not to read a particular book, that's not the universe - that's discernment. Listen to it. Honor it. And don't feel pressured by bookstagrammers or BookTok to consume content that will harm you.

What Should We Read Instead?

I'm not saying we should only read sunshine and rainbows. Life has darkness, and literature can reflect that in meaningful ways. But there's a difference between books that:

Acknowledge darkness while pointing toward light, hope, or redemption. 

Glorify darkness or leave you drowning in despair with no lifeline. 

Philippians 4:8 as a Guide

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

This doesn't mean we can't read about difficult topics. It means we should be intentional about what we allow to take root in our minds and hearts.

Final Thoughts

God Is not a God of destruction. He's a God of restoration, redemption, and renewal. When we willingly consume content that destroys us emotionally, we're acting contrary to His nature and His desires for us.

You don't need permission from the universe to skip a book that will harm you. You have permission from the One who created you to protect your heart, your mind, and your emotional wellbeing. 

So the next time you're standing at the crossroads, book in hand, wondering if you should read something potentially destructive, remember this: you already know the answer. Listen to that wisdom. It's not the universe speaking - it's something far more reliable guiding you toward what's good and life-giving. 

Be intentional. Be wise. And above all, guard your heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).