Music is one of my absolute favorites among God’s many beautiful gifts to mankind. I heartily agree with Martin Luther, who said, “Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” Music has particularly been dear to me in times of affliction. During trials, music—especially old hymns—uplift my spirit, encourage me and draw me closer to the God of all comforts.
One person who understands this effect of music is Joni Eareckson Tada. When she was only 17 years old, Joni had a diving accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. In the years following her accident (over 50 years now), she also wrestled with chronic pain, lung problems, and cancer. And during her seasons of intense suffering, she drew comfort and hope from timeless hymns of the faith.
Therefore, she wrote Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls to teach us the songs that helped her persevere in her pain. Tada handpicked these songs to encourage and edify weary Christians.
She says, “The song must possess enough spiritual muscle to barge into my soul and shake awake a hopeful response. It must be a hymn whose lyrics raise me onto a different plane spiritually; it must summon in me the emotional wherewithal to remember my station in life so that I can rise above my circumstances. A well-crafted song of suffering—filled with truths about life and God—has power to do that. It grinds biblical truth into our souls, like a pestle grinding powder in a crucible.”
The 25 hymns are arranged in three main sections: Songs of Comfort, Songs of Strength, and Songs of Hope. They feature hymns such as Abide With Me, Wonderful Peace, Dear Refuge of my Weary Soul, Faith is the Victory, O The Deep Deep Love of Jesus, and Face to Face with Christ, My Savior. Each hymn has lyrics, a devotional lesson, related Scripture, gorgeous artwork, and sheet music.
Songs of Suffering is a delightful and encouraging devotional! In God’s providence, I read this book while in pain, and I was blessed by Joni’s inspiring example and the biblically rich lyrics of the songs.
The devotional not only comforted me, but it also strengthened me, instructed me on suffering like Jesus, helped me refocus on Christ, and reminded me of my eternal hope in Him. One feature of the book I also particularly enjoyed was the quotes from past saints, particularly my favorite, Charles Spurgeon.
I cannot praise Songs of Sufferings enough, and I highly recommend it! This devotional deserves to be in your library and regularly visited as you experience new seasons of sorrow. Don’t only read the devotional; learn the hymns, memorize them, and practice singing glorious praises to our God amidst adversity.
*Crossway publishers graciously gave me a review copy, and this is my honest review.*
