It is inevitable that each of us will suffer in this sin-stained world; we often need help to get through our suffering and need to arm ourselves up in anticipation of future suffering. Here are books I recommend on the subject of suffering.
My own book Seasons of Sorrow deals with suffering, and especially the grief of loss.
(See also book recommendations on death.)
Top Recommendation
A Book of Comfort for Those in Sickness by P.B. Power. There are few books I have ever read that have impacted me more deeply than this one.
I went through this book with pencil and highlighter in-hand and relished every page. There is so much I want to go back to and to reflect on further. But even with a single, brisk read, it spoke deeply and brought great comfort. And, wouldn’t you know it, that day of resting my hands allowed me to sit and write the next.
Other Recommendations
- Surprised By Suffering by R.C. Sproul. Sproul writes about a wide variety of topics relating to suffering and death, with the first half of the book looking at life leading up to death and the second half looking at life after death.
- A Day’s Journey by Tim Keesee. Keesee traces his battle with cancer and spends time with those who have suffered in other ways.
- Suffering and the Sovereignty of God edited by John Piper. A variety of authors contributed to this conference that was turned into a book.
- Does Grace Grow Best in Winter? by Ligon Duncan. A short but good book based on lectures.
- Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray. Help for those who struggle with depression.
- Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore. Sometimes our suffering is related to temptation.
- Polishing God’s Monuments by Jim Andrews. This book intersperses narrative with teaching, experience with theology.
