We all face times of deep sorrow, challenge, and even despair. Do you know how God has proven faithful to other Christians, who have walked these dark roads before you?
Sometimes in trials, talking to others helps. Who can you listen to? Who will speak with you in a way that strengthens our souls?
The answers to both of those questions often lies with excellent Christian biography and books that point us to Christ in our calamities.
When The Darkness Will Not Lift
This book by John Piper has been a blessing to broken hearts for decades now. Available for free PDF, the subtible is immensely practical: “doing what we can while we wait for God – and joy.” If your hurts feel deeply emotional, spend some time crying out to the Lord using this voice to guide your prayers.
Grieving, Hope, and Solace
An important book by beloved retired pastor Al Martin, this book listens to your hurts, speaks truth to your soul, and informs and educates you about grief and God’s Word. A wonderful book to purchase online, you can pick up a free chapter from Martin’s book in the Narthex!
When God Weeps
Pastor Brian has read a selection from Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes’ book every year on Maundy Thursday, since it speaks so powerfully to our hurts. Tada, who suffered an accident as a teen that left her a quadriplegic, knows deeply the bitterness of suffering, yet the writing here points us back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ time and again.
Undying Love
When Reformed theology professor J. Todd Billings was diagnosed with cancer, he had hoped for a quick cure. Then he wondered if God suffered with him in his agony. But Billings learned the real answer to both of those questions, that God’s changelessness is the answer to our deepest questions about our own constantly changing sorrow & grief. Read his article online for free.
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop
Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church 