How to Handle Trouble by Jay E. Adams

by Jay E. Adams

Trouble is something all people must deal the loss of a spouse, a job, one’s health, one’s possessions, one’s freedom. Jay E. Adams writes, “While God has not yet removed trouble from the Christian or the Christian from trouble, he has, by the Word and his sprit, given believers all that is necessary to handle trouble successfully.” Focusing on Philippians 1:12–26, where Paul portrays hardship as an opportunity to glorify Christ, Adams presents clear and biblical directives for discerning God’s hand at work in bringing good out of troublesome circumstances, great or small.

Genres: Counselling, Christian Living, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

About the author

Jay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.

Reviews

[Rachel Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book on biblically handling trouble! Adams provides a short, practical outline of what it looks like to respond to trouble in a distinctly Christian way, for the glory of God, the good of His people, and the salvation of the lost.

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really hoping for more from this book. Someone gave it to me to read during a difficult time in my life; I don’t mean to be snobby, but it’s really for a less mature or less educated Christian. Everything in it is pretty basic; if you’ve been in church all your life, chances are that you already know all of this.

I also think that as Christians, we tend to push aside the pain of a difficult situation by “trying to look on the bright side.” Finding the bright side of a situation can actually turn into a defense mechanism against the pain. We need to feel the pain and let it fade a little before we start meditating on the good in the situation. The author did give one short caveat about how emotions are not sinful at the beginning of the book, but spent the rest of book teaching you to look for the good things in a bad situation.

Three stars because it was still mostly solid Biblical advice.

[Jordan Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

More suited for a counselor or teacher then a counselee.

[Katie Daughtry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise little book on dealing with trouble as a believer

[Austin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide for handling trouble. Gives a theological understanding along with practical steps to take.

[Pamela Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a homework assignment for Issues in Biblical Counseling Course. I had a little difficulty reading through the first couple of chapters, because I have had much trouble in my own life, but I began to embrace the truths in the authors message that our troubles are light and momentary in comparison to the Glory that will be revealed when this life is over.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book that gave me much encouragement as I went through a hard time in my life. It's a quick read that helped remind me that God is in the mess. This would be a great book to share with someone who is hurting.

[Matthew Gasperoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to some circumstances in my life, I was recommended to read this small book by a friend. It is a short and biblical read that will help and encourage followers of Christ and His Word through current troubles by reminding them of God's sovereign hand in all of life. The book doesn't dismiss major trauma and holds fast to God's truth and promises. It ends some chapters by asking questions and offering thought starters for the reader, which I found quite helpful.

To clarify, if you're looking for self-help tips and reflective meditations to seek calmness and peace in times of trouble, you won't find it here. However, if you are a Christian who has made Christ their Lord and Savior (albeit imperfectly) and strives daily to repent and submit to God's revealed Word deposited in the Bible, then this will be helpful. I admit that if you are doing that, you may not really 'need' this book! However, it still offers some very practical Christ-centered and God-glorifying reminders and tips for what we expect from life over and over again... trouble.

The final chapters on preparation for trouble and self-inflicted trouble were especially encouraging and helpful.

Overall, it's worth the read, and you don't have to be going through trouble to glean from this book. God bless.

[Jenna Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book is an excellent reference for Christians who are looking for support and encouragement in handling trouble in their lives. I appreciate that Adams was able to clarify what he meant by trouble and give ways to handle all types of trouble both big situations and “small” situations.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good biblical booklet on how to deal with trouble God's way. I really appreciate how Adam's organizes the biblical thoughts on whatever subject he is dealing with. another great tool in the Christian counselor's toolbox.

[Renee Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love this quote: “Surely you could use more w durable, couldn’t you? Well, that may be one reason why trouble is headed your way.” Also, I love this quote too: “We learn nothing of the details of his [Paul’s] suffering.”

[Debbie Levis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic in Christian counseling. It is concise and easy to read and filled with good solid Scriptural insight

[Joseph Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful mini book on how to handle trouble in our lives and the lives of others

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, concise, good read focusing on Philippians 1:12–26 and seeing hardship as an opportunity to glorify God and grow in Christlikeness.

[Joseph Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

An orthodox view on troubles with practical suggestions. Highly recommended for every Christian.

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book about handling life difficulties. I read it while one ER with my son...go figure :)