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Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Sometimes life just hurts.
Out of nowhere, death, illness, unemployment, or a difficult relationship can change our lives and challenge everything we thought we knew—leaving us feeling unable to cope. But, in the midst if all this pain and confusion, we are not alone.
Weaving together his personal story, pastoral ministry experience, and biblical insights, best-selling author Paul David Tripp helps us trust God in the midst of suffering. He identifies traps to avoid in our suffering and points us instead to comforts to embrace. This raw yet hope-filled book will help you cling to God's promises when trials come and move forward with the hope of the gospel.
Out of nowhere, death, illness, unemployment, or a difficult relationship can change our lives and challenge everything we thought we knew—leaving us feeling unable to cope. But, in the midst if all this pain and confusion, we are not alone.
Weaving together his personal story, pastoral ministry experience, and biblical insights, best-selling author Paul David Tripp helps us trust God in the midst of suffering. He identifies traps to avoid in our suffering and points us instead to comforts to embrace. This raw yet hope-filled book will help you cling to God's promises when trials come and move forward with the hope of the gospel.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
About the author
Paul David Tripp
121 books1,466 followersPaul was born in Toledo, Ohio to Bob and Fae Tripp on November 12, 1950. Paul spent all of his growing years in Toledo until his college years when his parents moved to Southern California.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
November 28, 2018
This is easily my favorite book that I’ve read in 2018 and in my top 5 of books ever! If you’ve ever encouraged any amount of pain or suffering, then this book is for you (meaning it’s for everyone). Paul gives so much encouragement while also packing a powerful Biblical punch! I was deeply convicted in each chapter and after finishing the hard copy, I promptly purchased the audible version and have told everyone in my family to listen.to.it.NOW!
October 1, 2023
5***
No, I’m not a masochist who derives pleasure out of suffering. No, this is not a book that will immerse you into a drudging, dreadful pit of despair. Instead, this is a phenomenal read on the absolutely comprehensive, deeply spiritual, Christ-focused book on the misery of our human condition, and it gave me such joy as it stripped away all my bad theology rooted in self idolatry. It’s actually not complicated, but for Paul David Tripp to have the courage to tackle one of the most difficult experiences in such a way that gives hope and comfort is extraordinary. The sufferer’s painful condition is never minimized, especially his own, yet the powerful lessons on the back side are more so much impactful than the suffering itself. I wish I could recommend this book to every single person who has suffered, is suffering, or will suffer - yes, that means the entire human race - because Tripp will take you deftly through a difficult journey for a better understanding of your own personal experience. It has the power to expose your bad theology and direct you to the truth of God’s character and promises amidst your suffering.
No, I’m not a masochist who derives pleasure out of suffering. No, this is not a book that will immerse you into a drudging, dreadful pit of despair. Instead, this is a phenomenal read on the absolutely comprehensive, deeply spiritual, Christ-focused book on the misery of our human condition, and it gave me such joy as it stripped away all my bad theology rooted in self idolatry. It’s actually not complicated, but for Paul David Tripp to have the courage to tackle one of the most difficult experiences in such a way that gives hope and comfort is extraordinary. The sufferer’s painful condition is never minimized, especially his own, yet the powerful lessons on the back side are more so much impactful than the suffering itself. I wish I could recommend this book to every single person who has suffered, is suffering, or will suffer - yes, that means the entire human race - because Tripp will take you deftly through a difficult journey for a better understanding of your own personal experience. It has the power to expose your bad theology and direct you to the truth of God’s character and promises amidst your suffering.
September 8, 2018
This practical and theologically sound book on suffering comes from personal experience. Paul David Tripp was a busy counselor and author, working long hours to accomplish lots of good with his ministry. Out of the blue, he lost over half of his kidney function and now, after several surgeries, still suffers from debilitating pain and inability to accomplish things that were once easy for him. In this book he uses personal examples and Biblical teaching to show practical ways to handle the suffering that comes from living in a fallen world.
This easy-to-read book emphasizes that having a right theology of God will enable us to handle suffering better when it comes. "Suffering is never just a matter of the body but is always also a matter of the heart. It's never just an assault on our situation, but also an attack on our soul.... Too many of us, while battling the cause of our suffering, forget to battle for our hearts."
The book also provides practical ways to stop our "functional theology"--the theology that arises from the way we act, not from our head knowledge--from morphing into a heretical view of God. "What controls your mediation will control your thoughts about God, yourself, others, your situation, and even the nature of life itself. And as you meditate on what you are suffering, your joy wanes, you hope fades, and God seems increasingly distant. In the meantime, God hasn't changed, his truth is still true, and what you're facing hasn't grown bigger, but it all seems bigger, darker, and more impossible...."
Besides offering advice on controlling our thought life, Tripp reiterates things that Christians know but can forget when they are in the valley. Recount the good things God has done. Sing his praises. Avoid complaining. The Christian community is there to help in times of suffering.
Rather than offering the simple platitude that "God has a purpose for our suffering and that all things will work together for good," Tripp examines what that "good" really refers to. He turns to the Psalms and the book of Job to show that a certain level of doubt is a normal reaction to the heaviness of suffering, but it must not be a doubt that calls into question the goodness of God. The doubt of "wonderment" at what God is doing is the Psalmist's way of crying out to God, but the doubt of "judgment" is the way to create a false picture of who God is and make the suffering even harder to bear.
This book was a helpful reminder of the spiritual disciplines that can ease and comfort during times of trial. It did feel needlessly repetitive in some parts, but it was a thoroughly edifying read and will be a great blessing to many when it is released later this month. Recommended.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This easy-to-read book emphasizes that having a right theology of God will enable us to handle suffering better when it comes. "Suffering is never just a matter of the body but is always also a matter of the heart. It's never just an assault on our situation, but also an attack on our soul.... Too many of us, while battling the cause of our suffering, forget to battle for our hearts."
The book also provides practical ways to stop our "functional theology"--the theology that arises from the way we act, not from our head knowledge--from morphing into a heretical view of God. "What controls your mediation will control your thoughts about God, yourself, others, your situation, and even the nature of life itself. And as you meditate on what you are suffering, your joy wanes, you hope fades, and God seems increasingly distant. In the meantime, God hasn't changed, his truth is still true, and what you're facing hasn't grown bigger, but it all seems bigger, darker, and more impossible...."
Besides offering advice on controlling our thought life, Tripp reiterates things that Christians know but can forget when they are in the valley. Recount the good things God has done. Sing his praises. Avoid complaining. The Christian community is there to help in times of suffering.
Rather than offering the simple platitude that "God has a purpose for our suffering and that all things will work together for good," Tripp examines what that "good" really refers to. He turns to the Psalms and the book of Job to show that a certain level of doubt is a normal reaction to the heaviness of suffering, but it must not be a doubt that calls into question the goodness of God. The doubt of "wonderment" at what God is doing is the Psalmist's way of crying out to God, but the doubt of "judgment" is the way to create a false picture of who God is and make the suffering even harder to bear.
This book was a helpful reminder of the spiritual disciplines that can ease and comfort during times of trial. It did feel needlessly repetitive in some parts, but it was a thoroughly edifying read and will be a great blessing to many when it is released later this month. Recommended.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 22, 2025
If you're looking for a book to meet you right in the middle of pain (besides the literal Bible, obv) this is your book. It's filled with scripture, tender in tone and real about how isolating and disorienting suffering can be. Just like so good, this one!
March 5, 2025
The opening of Tripp’s book is tremendously raw, vulnerable and heavy—his own firsthand experience of suffering. As I read, my heart sank, yet I was moved by both his painful hardship and the Lord’s faithfulness through it.
This book follows the familiar structure of many contemporary Christian works: chapters that individually explore different aspects of a central theme, offering guidance on how we should respond to each. While I’m not generally a fan of this approach, I found many of his insights helpful—both in understanding his personal journey and in considering faithful ways to think about and navigate suffering.
Upon finishing this book (and countless times throughout), I felt a deep longing for our eternal home. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Hopelessness isn’t a prison. Despair isn’t a prison. They are doorways to hope. As the Church, we are bound together to love, support and encourage one another in times of suffering. May we be a people marked by compassion.
Thank you, Paul, for sharing your story and for so powerfully embodying what Paul (ha) says in his second letter to the church in Corinth:
I pray that Paul would continue to hope in God and that the Lord would use him to bring comfort to others.
Suffering is not ultimate. God is.
Difficulty doesn’t control our fate. God does.
Hardship doesn’t define us. God does.
Hope is a person, and his name is Jesus.
This book follows the familiar structure of many contemporary Christian works: chapters that individually explore different aspects of a central theme, offering guidance on how we should respond to each. While I’m not generally a fan of this approach, I found many of his insights helpful—both in understanding his personal journey and in considering faithful ways to think about and navigate suffering.
Upon finishing this book (and countless times throughout), I felt a deep longing for our eternal home. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Hopelessness isn’t a prison. Despair isn’t a prison. They are doorways to hope. As the Church, we are bound together to love, support and encourage one another in times of suffering. May we be a people marked by compassion.
Thank you, Paul, for sharing your story and for so powerfully embodying what Paul (ha) says in his second letter to the church in Corinth:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
I pray that Paul would continue to hope in God and that the Lord would use him to bring comfort to others.
Suffering is not ultimate. God is.
Difficulty doesn’t control our fate. God does.
Hardship doesn’t define us. God does.
Hope is a person, and his name is Jesus.
July 10, 2024
I think the title of the book is all you need to know. I couldn't put this book down.
October 1, 2018
C.S. wrote, “If I knew a way of escape I would crawl through the sewers to escape the pain.” Whether a person agrees with Lewis’s radical conclusion or not is a matter of personal opinion. However, the problem of suffering is a universal dilemma that every person must face. How we respond to suffering reveals the strength of our Christian resolve and character.
Paul David Tripp’s recent book, Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense explores a weighty subject and invites readers onto a personal journey that will encourage deep humility and personal growth. Speaking personally, Dr. Tripp’s book took my breath away. The author’s transparency and humble approach spoke deeply to my heart and lifted my spirit.
In the final analysis, this book has less to do with coping with suffering and more to do with how suffering can supernaturally transform the lives of God’s people. Listen to Tripp’s meditations and allow his words to sink in deeply:
“Suffering has the power to turn your timidity into courage and your doubt into surety. Hardship can turn envy into contentment and complaint into praise. It has the power to make you tender and approachable, to replace subtle rebellion with joyful surrender. Suffering has the power to form beautiful things in your heart that reform the way you live your life. It has incredible power to be a tool of transforming grace.”
Suffering in many ways is like pouring ice-cold water on an unsuspecting victim; a battering ram that brings even the most powerful to a place of humility and surrender. This volume is quick to remind us that all those who suffer are in desperate need of grace. Tripp adds, “This physical travail, in the hands of my Savior, is a tool used to drive me away from self-sufficiency and into a deeper dependency on God and his people.” Therefore, suffering is greatly used by God to propel his people to a place they never would have reached apart from suffering.
This fundamental message of transformation stands at the heart of Tripp’s book and has the power in itself to encourage and equip a lot of people in God’s kingdom.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Paul David Tripp’s recent book, Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense explores a weighty subject and invites readers onto a personal journey that will encourage deep humility and personal growth. Speaking personally, Dr. Tripp’s book took my breath away. The author’s transparency and humble approach spoke deeply to my heart and lifted my spirit.
In the final analysis, this book has less to do with coping with suffering and more to do with how suffering can supernaturally transform the lives of God’s people. Listen to Tripp’s meditations and allow his words to sink in deeply:
“Suffering has the power to turn your timidity into courage and your doubt into surety. Hardship can turn envy into contentment and complaint into praise. It has the power to make you tender and approachable, to replace subtle rebellion with joyful surrender. Suffering has the power to form beautiful things in your heart that reform the way you live your life. It has incredible power to be a tool of transforming grace.”
Suffering in many ways is like pouring ice-cold water on an unsuspecting victim; a battering ram that brings even the most powerful to a place of humility and surrender. This volume is quick to remind us that all those who suffer are in desperate need of grace. Tripp adds, “This physical travail, in the hands of my Savior, is a tool used to drive me away from self-sufficiency and into a deeper dependency on God and his people.” Therefore, suffering is greatly used by God to propel his people to a place they never would have reached apart from suffering.
This fundamental message of transformation stands at the heart of Tripp’s book and has the power in itself to encourage and equip a lot of people in God’s kingdom.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 19, 2020
Tripp makes two helpful insights:
1. Our suffering reveals where our treasure lies and exposes sin.
2. We aren’t machines who experience suffering in purely physical terms. We always bring to our suffering our personal theological backgrounds. We can thus increase suffering by bringing false conceptions of God and ourselves to it.
I believe the book falls short in three ways:
1. The local church is barely hinted at. The chapter of the comfort of God’s people is vague about who these people are and exactly how living within a community of faith brings relief and hope in suffering. Besides this chapter, the rest of the book leaves the reader quite alone in their struggle with suffering.
2. The writing style begins to drone to such an extent that the exhortations sound cliché and platitudinous. The book is very quotable, but not much more.
3. The Christian virtue of hope couched in terms of Jesus’ resurrection was hardly present.
1. Our suffering reveals where our treasure lies and exposes sin.
2. We aren’t machines who experience suffering in purely physical terms. We always bring to our suffering our personal theological backgrounds. We can thus increase suffering by bringing false conceptions of God and ourselves to it.
I believe the book falls short in three ways:
1. The local church is barely hinted at. The chapter of the comfort of God’s people is vague about who these people are and exactly how living within a community of faith brings relief and hope in suffering. Besides this chapter, the rest of the book leaves the reader quite alone in their struggle with suffering.
2. The writing style begins to drone to such an extent that the exhortations sound cliché and platitudinous. The book is very quotable, but not much more.
3. The Christian virtue of hope couched in terms of Jesus’ resurrection was hardly present.
December 2, 2025
Of the books I have read on this topic, this one has been my favorite thus far.
It validated my experiences with grief and suffering but always presented the Gospel as the solution.
I genuinely think all Christian’s ought to read this as we all experience hardship at some point. Even if you are not experiencing it currently, this book would equip you to help others as best you can as they walk through a difficult season.
It validated my experiences with grief and suffering but always presented the Gospel as the solution.
I genuinely think all Christian’s ought to read this as we all experience hardship at some point. Even if you are not experiencing it currently, this book would equip you to help others as best you can as they walk through a difficult season.
August 28, 2020
"God's reputation isn't' honored by our publicly faking what isn't privately true."
May 2, 2023
I love Paul David Tripp. His ministry to me has been such a huge blessing! It was amazing to read this, I had heard a bit about his story but to read all of it heat makes so many of his sermons and other books that much more meaningful. He is not someone who writes from an ivory tower. No he has been there. And it shows! He knows the God he teaches about and Paul knows how to bring us to Him. How amazing is this book?!?! I have already purchased a copy to give away. I highly recommend this book. Whether your suffering is small or big get this book!
December 1, 2025
Tremendous encouragement for the suffering Christian. This book is written from the author’s lived experience of physical ailment, and the truths ring true for many kinds of suffering. I reread several of the chapters because the content is so profound!
April 22, 2026
It’s full of solid, gospel-centered truth. I read it on my own, but honestly think it would be even better as a Bible study with others because there’s a lot you want to talk through. Definitely one I’ll keep in my back pocket for a future group, as a resource for others, or to come back to in a hard season.
July 8, 2025
This is a book that will meet you in the midst of your suffering and offer Gospel hope. Paul Tripp does not offer Christian platitudes or belittle people for their doubts and questions. Instead, he shares his own unexpected and ongoing physical suffering and uses that as the platform to discuss the dangerous ways of thinking that suffering can lead to, as well as offering alternatives that lead to comfort and hope. Paul submits that suffering is spiritual warfare - the way in which we suffer or think about our suffering is often more debilitating than the suffering itself.
One of the reasons I loved this book because it is written from the perspective of someone who knows what true suffering is. His writing is so genuine and filled with compassion, hope, and wisdom. I felt understood and challenged at the same time. Sometimes, I would listen to a chapter just to receive encouragement during a particularly difficult day, and I may just start this book over again to continue being encouraged.
Some of the organization of the book felt a bit odd and some of the content was a bit repetitive at times, but I'm giving a full 5 stars.
One of the reasons I loved this book because it is written from the perspective of someone who knows what true suffering is. His writing is so genuine and filled with compassion, hope, and wisdom. I felt understood and challenged at the same time. Sometimes, I would listen to a chapter just to receive encouragement during a particularly difficult day, and I may just start this book over again to continue being encouraged.
Some of the organization of the book felt a bit odd and some of the content was a bit repetitive at times, but I'm giving a full 5 stars.
December 22, 2022
I began this book in the hospital several months ago and it has been a faithful companion to me. It's filled with gentle, yet searing truth that has kept me from wallowing in despair and continuing to look up to Christ. It's convicted, encouraged, equipped and allowed a deep hope to grow.
Grateful Tripp took time, even in such deep suffering to write this book.
Grateful Tripp took time, even in such deep suffering to write this book.
June 17, 2024
Are you walking through suffering? Let me recommend this book to you! I can’t believe I’ve had this on my shelf for a few years and just now picked it up. I read it slowly (through many tears) but it packs a punch, showing both our sinful hearts and the magnificent faithfulness of God in the midst of our suffering. Highly recommend.
April 12, 2023
Easily one of the most helpful and encouraging books I have ever read. I wish it could be required reading for all believers.
October 18, 2024
Definitely one I’d recommend on the topic of suffering. He writes from experience and with so much grace and truth.
May 31, 2025
This is my 3rd time reading and each time has taught me differently about suffering.
November 21, 2024
If you have had any suffering in life you should read this book. Tripp does an amazing job of shedding light on the gospel and how we need it in our suffering, whatever topic it may be.
March 6, 2025
One of the best books I’ve ever read.
March 11, 2019
Read my full review on Spoiled Milks (3/11/19)
Why would God let someone, at the height of his ministry, suffer? Paul David Tripp, who has written over 30 books related to counseling, parenting, and marriage, is a well-known speaker and pastor. He was healthy. He often took ten mile bike rides. What was supposed to be a routine checkup for some pain he had ended up leading to numerous surgeries in regards to Tripps kidneys. Tripp doesn’t go into any specifics in his book as to what his issue was. To do so might lead some to say that because they don’t have that problem, they’re fine. Yet in the midst of lying on the hospital bed writhing in pain, Tripp wanted to die. He writes, “Suffering has the power to expose what you have been trusting all along” (21). His “faith” was actually just self-reliance.
“This book is about how, in suffering, to identify and defend yourself against the dangers while you celebrate and seek the comforts of God’s grace” (56).
This suffering actually helped Tripp:
1. It exposed Tripps’s idol of self
2. It exposed his own unrealistic expectations. We will not always be strong and healthy; at any moment we could suffer or die.
“Weakness simply demonstrates what has been true all along: we are completely dependent on God for life and breath and everything else” (29). We don’t need to fear weakness, but our “delusional strength” (29). Tripp wasn’t being punished for his choices or his way of thinking. We live in a broken world, and in the brokenness he realized he relied more on himself than on God.
Suffering is “never just an assault on our situation, but also an attack on our soul” (46). Suffering is spiritual warfare “you are not a machine” (46). Why is it important to bring our troubles to God? Because depending on how we think of our suffering, they can and will swallow us up.
Throughout his book Tripp directs your thoughts to God. Some of these may seem basic, but when you are discouraged, depressed, and suffering, these are the things you need brought to mind. Discouragement creeps in, and you think, “What does it matter if I do X? Why not just do Y?” Tripp encourages you to take the time to remember all the ways the Lord has come through for you.
Recommended?
It’s much easier to read a book on suffering from a guy who has suffered than from one who has not. someone could write a very theoretical book on suffering and have many true points. But for Tripp, the passion from his all-too-real experience comes out in different places in his book, and you are confident he can be trusted. He has suffered, and he is still battling with the issues. He brings the gospel to you to plant it into your life. A great book.
Why would God let someone, at the height of his ministry, suffer? Paul David Tripp, who has written over 30 books related to counseling, parenting, and marriage, is a well-known speaker and pastor. He was healthy. He often took ten mile bike rides. What was supposed to be a routine checkup for some pain he had ended up leading to numerous surgeries in regards to Tripps kidneys. Tripp doesn’t go into any specifics in his book as to what his issue was. To do so might lead some to say that because they don’t have that problem, they’re fine. Yet in the midst of lying on the hospital bed writhing in pain, Tripp wanted to die. He writes, “Suffering has the power to expose what you have been trusting all along” (21). His “faith” was actually just self-reliance.
“This book is about how, in suffering, to identify and defend yourself against the dangers while you celebrate and seek the comforts of God’s grace” (56).
This suffering actually helped Tripp:
1. It exposed Tripps’s idol of self
2. It exposed his own unrealistic expectations. We will not always be strong and healthy; at any moment we could suffer or die.
“Weakness simply demonstrates what has been true all along: we are completely dependent on God for life and breath and everything else” (29). We don’t need to fear weakness, but our “delusional strength” (29). Tripp wasn’t being punished for his choices or his way of thinking. We live in a broken world, and in the brokenness he realized he relied more on himself than on God.
Suffering is “never just an assault on our situation, but also an attack on our soul” (46). Suffering is spiritual warfare “you are not a machine” (46). Why is it important to bring our troubles to God? Because depending on how we think of our suffering, they can and will swallow us up.
Throughout his book Tripp directs your thoughts to God. Some of these may seem basic, but when you are discouraged, depressed, and suffering, these are the things you need brought to mind. Discouragement creeps in, and you think, “What does it matter if I do X? Why not just do Y?” Tripp encourages you to take the time to remember all the ways the Lord has come through for you.
Recommended?
It’s much easier to read a book on suffering from a guy who has suffered than from one who has not. someone could write a very theoretical book on suffering and have many true points. But for Tripp, the passion from his all-too-real experience comes out in different places in his book, and you are confident he can be trusted. He has suffered, and he is still battling with the issues. He brings the gospel to you to plant it into your life. A great book.
June 1, 2022
4.8 Stars
Suffering, in all it is forms, is something that every human being either experiences or dreads to experience. There are a few things darker than the loneliness and helplessness that come about through sustained weeks, months, or years of physical, psychological, or emotional suffering. Paul David Tripp’s book “Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense” aims to remind us that it's in these dark seasons of suffering that Jesus Christ draws us nearer to Himself. Tripp’s book brings us through a journey confronting our suffering but also sharing his story of suffering. Tripp has not written his book on suffering as some distant observer, but someone who has endured and will endure extreme physical and emotional pain. Yet during this suffering Tripp offers us great gospel hopes to help us patiently endure and draw near to Christ who is our comfort and peace.
Tripp’s book is broken into two parts. The first part covers 6 dangers to avoid when going through suffering. Tripp begins by steering us away from what our sinful hearts and Satan lure us to trust in whenever we go through suffering. He lists denial, doubt, fear, and discouragement as some things that can consume us while suffering. But in the second part, Tripp offers us 6 comforts to embrace while we are suffering. We do not need to be consumed by denial, doubt, fear, and discouragement but we can have hope because we have Christ. Tripp’s book seeps with Biblical passages reminding us of God’s grace, presence, sovereignty, purpose, and community he provides. One of Tripp’s main arguments is that suffering is how God causes us to realize our true weakness and rely less on ourselves and more on God. It is in suffering that God shows that He is fully in control and working things for our good. We do not need to fear or doubt but can have hope because ultimately our suffering will end, and Christ will make all things new.
I highly recommend this book as the first book to pick up for anyone who is suffering. Not only is it approaching, but it is dripping with gospel truth and hope for those who may feel like they are wandering in a spiritual desert. Suffering is dark but Christ shines brighter than the darkness than we might experience, and Tripp rightly displays this Christ in His book for those who are suffering!
Suffering, in all it is forms, is something that every human being either experiences or dreads to experience. There are a few things darker than the loneliness and helplessness that come about through sustained weeks, months, or years of physical, psychological, or emotional suffering. Paul David Tripp’s book “Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense” aims to remind us that it's in these dark seasons of suffering that Jesus Christ draws us nearer to Himself. Tripp’s book brings us through a journey confronting our suffering but also sharing his story of suffering. Tripp has not written his book on suffering as some distant observer, but someone who has endured and will endure extreme physical and emotional pain. Yet during this suffering Tripp offers us great gospel hopes to help us patiently endure and draw near to Christ who is our comfort and peace.
Tripp’s book is broken into two parts. The first part covers 6 dangers to avoid when going through suffering. Tripp begins by steering us away from what our sinful hearts and Satan lure us to trust in whenever we go through suffering. He lists denial, doubt, fear, and discouragement as some things that can consume us while suffering. But in the second part, Tripp offers us 6 comforts to embrace while we are suffering. We do not need to be consumed by denial, doubt, fear, and discouragement but we can have hope because we have Christ. Tripp’s book seeps with Biblical passages reminding us of God’s grace, presence, sovereignty, purpose, and community he provides. One of Tripp’s main arguments is that suffering is how God causes us to realize our true weakness and rely less on ourselves and more on God. It is in suffering that God shows that He is fully in control and working things for our good. We do not need to fear or doubt but can have hope because ultimately our suffering will end, and Christ will make all things new.
I highly recommend this book as the first book to pick up for anyone who is suffering. Not only is it approaching, but it is dripping with gospel truth and hope for those who may feel like they are wandering in a spiritual desert. Suffering is dark but Christ shines brighter than the darkness than we might experience, and Tripp rightly displays this Christ in His book for those who are suffering!
October 9, 2018
"Beneath the suffering of physical sickness, loss, betrayal, or whatever other dark thing has entered the door is something way more powerful and dangerous. It is the spiritual war that rages in the heart of every sufferer."
If you're familiar at all with Paul Tripp's teaching, then you probably know that he places a lot of emphasis on the heart. Our words, emotions, and actions stem from what is in our heart. People and circumstances don't make us behave a certain way; those things simply draw out what was already in our heart. This book continues in the same vein, emphasizing how suffering uniquely relates to the heart. Tripp is not particularly concerned with either what Christians suffer (e.g., physical pain, divorce, job loss, etc.) or why Christians suffer; he is concerned with how Christians suffer. We will suffer either in agony or at rest depending on what has control of our heart. Is it the traps of fear, envy, doubt, denial, and discouragement or the comforts of God's grace, presence, sovereignty, purpose, and people?
With this book, Tripp invites readers to ponder what suffering reveals about the state of their heart and to let times of suffering reorient their heart toward God:
If you're familiar at all with Paul Tripp's teaching, then you probably know that he places a lot of emphasis on the heart. Our words, emotions, and actions stem from what is in our heart. People and circumstances don't make us behave a certain way; those things simply draw out what was already in our heart. This book continues in the same vein, emphasizing how suffering uniquely relates to the heart. Tripp is not particularly concerned with either what Christians suffer (e.g., physical pain, divorce, job loss, etc.) or why Christians suffer; he is concerned with how Christians suffer. We will suffer either in agony or at rest depending on what has control of our heart. Is it the traps of fear, envy, doubt, denial, and discouragement or the comforts of God's grace, presence, sovereignty, purpose, and people?
With this book, Tripp invites readers to ponder what suffering reveals about the state of their heart and to let times of suffering reorient their heart toward God:
The one thing that will bring peace, joy, rest, and lasting satisfaction to your heart, nothing or no one can take away. In fact this thing is not a thing at all; it's a person, the Lord himself, who enters your life by grace and who will never, ever go away. When you find your hope and satisfaction in him, not in people, possessions, money, success, or physical health, no pain or loss can take that satisfaction away. When you truly place your hope in him, nothing is able to plunder your hope. (pp. 207-208)
November 2, 2025
I read this book along with my ACBC counselor upon her recommendation and instruction.
This book is written in classic Tripp fashion, which is edifying and gospel centered. I took several gems from this book, however, I felt like it was lacking in many ways. I may be picky or just not in the season of life to appreciate it. I appreciated hearing Tripp's personal experiences with physical suffering and it definitely gave me more compassion for where maybe some of his blind spots were in writing this. There was a lack of encouragement for the role of the local church and seeking community until maybe the last chapter. I felt like there were a lot of assumptions made that all suffering leads us to be tempted by poor theology and idolatry. I am glad I didn't read this book as a new Christian, I would've been very discouraged. Although I agree that suffering exposes sin in us and God uses it to conform us to righteousness, I think the overall tone of the book was lightly accusatory. I had to take breaks from reading this over the past several months, as I felt too fragile to get a lecture on how I am suffering "wrong." Again, maybe I am being picky or maybe I hoped for more nuance.
This book is written in classic Tripp fashion, which is edifying and gospel centered. I took several gems from this book, however, I felt like it was lacking in many ways. I may be picky or just not in the season of life to appreciate it. I appreciated hearing Tripp's personal experiences with physical suffering and it definitely gave me more compassion for where maybe some of his blind spots were in writing this. There was a lack of encouragement for the role of the local church and seeking community until maybe the last chapter. I felt like there were a lot of assumptions made that all suffering leads us to be tempted by poor theology and idolatry. I am glad I didn't read this book as a new Christian, I would've been very discouraged. Although I agree that suffering exposes sin in us and God uses it to conform us to righteousness, I think the overall tone of the book was lightly accusatory. I had to take breaks from reading this over the past several months, as I felt too fragile to get a lecture on how I am suffering "wrong." Again, maybe I am being picky or maybe I hoped for more nuance.
September 21, 2018
Suffering isn't a question of if but rather a question of when. There isn't a person among us who has not suffered, or who will not one day experience the pain of loss, the sting of betrayal, or the weakness of their physical body failing. Writing out of his own life-altering suffering,
Tripp writes, "[t]here could be no more stunning declaration packed with more practical hope than Jesus' words, 'I am with you always.'" Tripp's book is a gritty, street-level reminder that the hope of redemption is not just reserved for eternity but is a real, living, present hope; rooted in the fact that God is with you, in you, and for you right here, right now. This book packs a powerful dose of gospel courage as Tripp unpacks the traps of temptation that greet every sufferer and the comforts of grace that are available for those who fear God and trust their lives to his sovereign love and grace in the midst of difficulty. Tripp provides comforting truth for everyone who has suffered and solid gospel preparation for those who haven't.
Tripp writes, "[t]here could be no more stunning declaration packed with more practical hope than Jesus' words, 'I am with you always.'" Tripp's book is a gritty, street-level reminder that the hope of redemption is not just reserved for eternity but is a real, living, present hope; rooted in the fact that God is with you, in you, and for you right here, right now. This book packs a powerful dose of gospel courage as Tripp unpacks the traps of temptation that greet every sufferer and the comforts of grace that are available for those who fear God and trust their lives to his sovereign love and grace in the midst of difficulty. Tripp provides comforting truth for everyone who has suffered and solid gospel preparation for those who haven't.
December 31, 2018
My top book on the theology of suffering. Unlike other books I’ve read, this book engages the heart as well as the mind. Tripp explores a heart source of suffering: suffering poorly. In other words, not suffering well when faced with adversity, which makes everything worse. I was challenged, encouraged, enlightened. Fantastic book. I could have read it in one sitting but was so consistently challenged that I would read bit by bit in order to process and chew on every word. Excellent. (As a side note, this book is the fruit of Tripp’s own suffering. His honesty and humility in addressing his own situation is helpful.)
January 25, 2020
First off, I respect PDT and know plenty of people who are helped immensely by his books. That notwithstanding, this book would’ve been better as a long chapter in another book. No new information, just musings on suffering with scripture interspersed. Some chapters seem like they were written off the top of his head with little to no feedback from the editor. There are plenty of more comprehensive and deeper books on suffering. You can skip this one.
April 2, 2021
I can’t quite put my finger on why this book was so difficult for me to get through. It may have been the repetition or lack of connection to the stories/examples Tripp used throughout his writing.
I definitely wanted to love it more than I did, because I love Tripp as an author. That being said, there were some truly powerful and meaningful and realizations while reading.
I definitely wanted to love it more than I did, because I love Tripp as an author. That being said, there were some truly powerful and meaningful and realizations while reading.
January 15, 2024
Ooofta— definitely one best taken in small quantities but wowoweewow was it good!!!
The perspective along with personal anecdotes really drives home the points Paul makes, and I just feel comforted even reading this book.
The perspective along with personal anecdotes really drives home the points Paul makes, and I just feel comforted even reading this book.
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