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A Small Book
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing
Grief may threaten to overtake us or destroy our joy. In this powerful devotional book, men and women will see Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, who is well-acquainted with grief and sadness.
Author and pastor Paul Tautges offers our comforting High Priest, sharing how the Holy Spirit ministers to our hurting heart through the healing balm of God’s Word graciously applied to life’s wounds.
By biblically and transparently addressing the heart and faith struggles in the midst of this grief, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart delves deeply, but gently, into the issues of the heart—presenting encouragement and comfort in the character of God revealed in his Word.
This small but transformative devotional cultivates anchors of hope, redirecting men and women to the trustworthiness of God who is always for us in Christ. Because all of God’s promises are Yes in Christ, Tautges walks with readers through their grief to see the one who nourishes our faith and heals our soul.
In fifty brief readings, your hurting heart will find spiritual help, encouragement, and healing as you experience the comfort of God.
Author and pastor Paul Tautges offers our comforting High Priest, sharing how the Holy Spirit ministers to our hurting heart through the healing balm of God’s Word graciously applied to life’s wounds.
By biblically and transparently addressing the heart and faith struggles in the midst of this grief, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart delves deeply, but gently, into the issues of the heart—presenting encouragement and comfort in the character of God revealed in his Word.
This small but transformative devotional cultivates anchors of hope, redirecting men and women to the trustworthiness of God who is always for us in Christ. Because all of God’s promises are Yes in Christ, Tautges walks with readers through their grief to see the one who nourishes our faith and heals our soul.
In fifty brief readings, your hurting heart will find spiritual help, encouragement, and healing as you experience the comfort of God.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published March 9, 2020
40 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Paul Tautges
69 books60 followersPaul Tautges has been in gospel ministry for over 30 years and serves as one of the pastors of Cornerstone Community Church in Cleveland, Ohio. He has written or edited over 60 books, including A Small Book for the Hurting Heart, Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace, Counseling One Another, and When Disability Hits Home. Paul has been married to Karen since 1986 and, together, they enjoy their ten children, sons- and daughters-in-law, and a growing tribe of grandchildren. He also serves as editor for the popular LifeLine mini-book series from Shepherd Press, and blogs regularly at www.counselingoneanother.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 1, 2020
First sentence: Loss comes in many forms: loss through the death of a spouse, child, or other loved one; loss of relationships through conflict, betrayal, estrangement, divorce, or a move across the country; loss of financial security due to business failure, foreclosure, or long-term unemployment; loss of health or personal dreams because of disability or terminal illness. And the list goes on. Whatever your grief, whatever your pain, whatever your loss, there is comfort available.
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is a fifty-day devotional for men and women. Each entry is rooted deeply in gospel truths and saturated with Scriptural promises. Each entry is short, concise, a bit no-nonsense. What your heart needs--what any heart needs--is to better know who God is and to better trust His word to us.
I read this one in one sitting. I wasn't supposed to. The author urges his readers to read one per day. To take their time. To let the ministering words have their effect. But I was wearing my book reviewer hat. I didn't have fifty days to slowly absorb with biblical truths. I instead immersed myself in the book. While his approach may be preferred for most readers, I don't know if there's a wrong way to read it. What did I appreciate most about this one? I loved the scripture-saturation. I love, love, love, LOVE the Bible. The Bible is my meat-and-drink. It is where I come to feast. I suppose you could say without a doubt I am a Bible glutton. I don't come sporadically to the table; I come many, many, many times a day. I don't just want a tiny bit here and there. I want MORE, MORE, MORE. So I appreciated his use of Scripture throughout. I thought the book covers the basics well. I could see this one being of benefit to those who are new to Scripture and don't know where to turn in the midst of their pain and grief.
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is a fifty-day devotional for men and women. Each entry is rooted deeply in gospel truths and saturated with Scriptural promises. Each entry is short, concise, a bit no-nonsense. What your heart needs--what any heart needs--is to better know who God is and to better trust His word to us.
I read this one in one sitting. I wasn't supposed to. The author urges his readers to read one per day. To take their time. To let the ministering words have their effect. But I was wearing my book reviewer hat. I didn't have fifty days to slowly absorb with biblical truths. I instead immersed myself in the book. While his approach may be preferred for most readers, I don't know if there's a wrong way to read it. What did I appreciate most about this one? I loved the scripture-saturation. I love, love, love, LOVE the Bible. The Bible is my meat-and-drink. It is where I come to feast. I suppose you could say without a doubt I am a Bible glutton. I don't come sporadically to the table; I come many, many, many times a day. I don't just want a tiny bit here and there. I want MORE, MORE, MORE. So I appreciated his use of Scripture throughout. I thought the book covers the basics well. I could see this one being of benefit to those who are new to Scripture and don't know where to turn in the midst of their pain and grief.
Tears are a gift from God, a means to embracing your pain, releasing emotion, and revealing the depth of your love. Poetically, if God collects all the tears you cry during your life’s journey, if he keeps track of all your sorrows, then surely he cares about them. He is aware of what causes them. God records them all in his book!
Life hurts, but God heals. He heals through Jesus. Because of Jesus’s suffering, you can be assured there is no grief or loss you experience that is outside his understanding or compassion. There is nothing beyond his redemption.
In the Son of God, you have one who is more than qualified to comfort you in the burdens you now bear and the tears you now shed, since he is well acquainted with grief. Though he suffered unimaginable loss, he triumphed in the end. Because of Jesus’s resurrection from the grave, and ascension into heaven, you can have confident hope that all your hurts will one day be healed in heaven. As you think about that future day when God “will wipe away every tear” from your eyes (Revelation 21:4), remember that Jesus is now at the right hand of God praying for us (Romans 8:34).
Grief can lead to worship, if we recognize God’s hand in it. If we allow our grief to focus exclusively on our loss, we might be tempted to try to go it alone—even without help from God. But when grief is embraced by faith, it results in the humility of worship. Worship can and should coexist alongside grief. In fact, grief that does not worship will eventually become self-destructive.
We persevere through the valleys of sorrow and pain by strengthening the grip of our faith on the immovable mountain of God. Since Jesus is a sympathetic high priest, “all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
June 22, 2021
A Small Book for the Hurting Heartis the most recent volume in the “small book” series from New Growth Press. In this book, author and Pastor Paul Tautges gently and graciously walks readers through meditations on loss, grief, and healing over the course of 50 devotionals. I had my copy of A Small Book for the Hurting Heart for a while and picked it up after my recent miscarriage and I’m so glad I did. The devotionals for each day are short yet full of truth and comfort. I appreciated that the devotionals acknowledge the hardship that accompanies living in a sin-stained world while providing readers with hope. It often appears that works about suffering tend to do one or the other and the approach Paul takes is full of grace and truth.
I love that each devotional places Scripture before the devotional content. It was sweet to come across many verses that I had already been meditating on in my Bible reading time. I really enjoyed coming across the reminder on Day 7 that, “In Jesus, life comes from death. Jesus willingly suffered in your place, since he knew that the only way to give birth to new life—was by dying. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24).” Reading this reminded me of something similar I had shared in my miscarriage story and made me feel especially hopeful that God can use our grief for our good. As I’ve continued to read, I’ve felt like I’ve had a counselor present encouraging me and helping me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
I’ve really enjoyed A Small Book for the Hurting Heart and highly recommend it to anyone who is experiencing hurt and needs to be reminded of the hope of the gospel daily.
I received A Small Book for the Hurting Heart compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.
I love that each devotional places Scripture before the devotional content. It was sweet to come across many verses that I had already been meditating on in my Bible reading time. I really enjoyed coming across the reminder on Day 7 that, “In Jesus, life comes from death. Jesus willingly suffered in your place, since he knew that the only way to give birth to new life—was by dying. ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24).” Reading this reminded me of something similar I had shared in my miscarriage story and made me feel especially hopeful that God can use our grief for our good. As I’ve continued to read, I’ve felt like I’ve had a counselor present encouraging me and helping me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
I’ve really enjoyed A Small Book for the Hurting Heart and highly recommend it to anyone who is experiencing hurt and needs to be reminded of the hope of the gospel daily.
I received A Small Book for the Hurting Heart compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.
February 19, 2020
Emotions can go wrong in times of grief. It is the same with anxiety too. With loss comes unwelcome changes and also the feeling that life is unpredictable and unsafe. These feelings and emotions breed anxiety.
Our hearts are easily prone to wonder with grief and loss. A loss of a loved one, a job, and even a change of season. I consider my children leaving home a type of loss that has taken me awhile to recover. Whatever loss you experience, the hurting heart needs encouragement and reminders of who God is and how how our grief is a sanctification process of faith. Our grief can bring us inward where selfishness and isolation take over however, our grief can actually show the glory of God when we bring our grief to God. It is a long process but it is worth the journey. It can be a 40 year old wandering in the desert but it also can teach us dependence on the Lord. These are the very reasons why this book is helpful. It will get you out from the stinky thinking to praise and worship. To ultimately where you can share with others and give encouragement.
A reminder of worship in a time of heavy laden.
A Special Thank you to New Growth and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Our hearts are easily prone to wonder with grief and loss. A loss of a loved one, a job, and even a change of season. I consider my children leaving home a type of loss that has taken me awhile to recover. Whatever loss you experience, the hurting heart needs encouragement and reminders of who God is and how how our grief is a sanctification process of faith. Our grief can bring us inward where selfishness and isolation take over however, our grief can actually show the glory of God when we bring our grief to God. It is a long process but it is worth the journey. It can be a 40 year old wandering in the desert but it also can teach us dependence on the Lord. These are the very reasons why this book is helpful. It will get you out from the stinky thinking to praise and worship. To ultimately where you can share with others and give encouragement.
A reminder of worship in a time of heavy laden.
A Special Thank you to New Growth and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 8, 2020
My Thoughts:
I consider it a blessing when a book I’m reading for review is meeting me just where I need it. Another words, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is applicable for my life today. Consider page 13, “We are in a strange place.” I am living in a strange place in time because of the COVID-19. The generation closest to mine that has lived through a pandemic is my grandparents, who were all children during the Spanish Flu of 1918. I am living in a strange and surreal situation. I am so thankful to be in my own home, with food to eat, and with family I love.
The book is primarily written to readers who are going through a season of grieving and suffering. For example, the death of a loved one. However, I pulled several thoughts out of the book that spoke to me. For example, “Don’t let fear turn you away from God.” Page 13. This teaching is taught in the book several times. Don’t turn away from God and towards the fear and suffering. It is so easy to focus on the fear or hardship. Tautges reminds me to focus on God. Another big teaching that’s helped. “My friend, I don’t want you to merely survive your season of suffering. I want you to thrive.” Page 111. How do I thrive during this ordeal of stress? I write in a gratitude journal. I’m on number 100. I write down simple things. These are things that are often taken for granted. For example, the smell of banana bread when it’s baking or the sound of birds singing.
Additional reasons why I love this little book:
•It’s small but packed with valuable help.
•It’s a book of comfort, encouragement, and compassion.
•It’s divided in to 50 daily reads. Most are 3 pages long.
•I loved the Bible verses directing me to read from God’s Word about Tautges’s teaching.
•Tautges gives applicable ideas for me. For example: “Are you looking to your eternal inheritance with eyes of faith? Read about your eternal inheritance in Ephesians 1:11-18, and then take a few moments to thank God for His watchful care.”
•The book is perfect for a new Christian or a person who has been a Christian a long time.
Source: I received a complimentary hard cover copy from New Growth Press, I was not required to write a positive review.
I consider it a blessing when a book I’m reading for review is meeting me just where I need it. Another words, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is applicable for my life today. Consider page 13, “We are in a strange place.” I am living in a strange place in time because of the COVID-19. The generation closest to mine that has lived through a pandemic is my grandparents, who were all children during the Spanish Flu of 1918. I am living in a strange and surreal situation. I am so thankful to be in my own home, with food to eat, and with family I love.
The book is primarily written to readers who are going through a season of grieving and suffering. For example, the death of a loved one. However, I pulled several thoughts out of the book that spoke to me. For example, “Don’t let fear turn you away from God.” Page 13. This teaching is taught in the book several times. Don’t turn away from God and towards the fear and suffering. It is so easy to focus on the fear or hardship. Tautges reminds me to focus on God. Another big teaching that’s helped. “My friend, I don’t want you to merely survive your season of suffering. I want you to thrive.” Page 111. How do I thrive during this ordeal of stress? I write in a gratitude journal. I’m on number 100. I write down simple things. These are things that are often taken for granted. For example, the smell of banana bread when it’s baking or the sound of birds singing.
Additional reasons why I love this little book:
•It’s small but packed with valuable help.
•It’s a book of comfort, encouragement, and compassion.
•It’s divided in to 50 daily reads. Most are 3 pages long.
•I loved the Bible verses directing me to read from God’s Word about Tautges’s teaching.
•Tautges gives applicable ideas for me. For example: “Are you looking to your eternal inheritance with eyes of faith? Read about your eternal inheritance in Ephesians 1:11-18, and then take a few moments to thank God for His watchful care.”
•The book is perfect for a new Christian or a person who has been a Christian a long time.
Source: I received a complimentary hard cover copy from New Growth Press, I was not required to write a positive review.
March 29, 2020
A fifty-day devotional deeply rooted in Scripture.
Author Paul Tautges presents a powerhouse of Scriptures related to loss, grief, and healing. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart presents topics to comfort a reader in the midst of suffering. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, By His Words We are Healed, Jesus Wept and Got Angry, and Joy is Coming walk the reader from consolation to hope.
Each few-page devotional opens with a Scripture then expounds on the idea with more supporting Scripture. Most chapters close with a call-to-action or suggestion of additional Scripture to reference. The chapters are best savored one per day
This book differs from a ‘typical’ devotional in the sense that it has an almost-academic slant and is not simply the author’s narrative. At times it felt like a Bible study and tackled some difficult theological concepts.
How this book affected me:
I personally found some of the scripture-hopping to be a little confusing or difficult to follow. Admittedly, I’m far from a biblical expert and I need a lot of help translating it. But I can see that someone who is used to being in the Word would find it easier to follow.
Who would enjoy this book:
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is written for the hurting and grieving. With the heavy biblical focus, readers who are familiar with and comfortable reading and understanding the Bible would be the best fit.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books, adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We’re proud to be listed in the Top 50 Christian Book Bloggers ! I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.
Author Paul Tautges presents a powerhouse of Scriptures related to loss, grief, and healing. A Small Book for the Hurting Heart presents topics to comfort a reader in the midst of suffering. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, By His Words We are Healed, Jesus Wept and Got Angry, and Joy is Coming walk the reader from consolation to hope.
Each few-page devotional opens with a Scripture then expounds on the idea with more supporting Scripture. Most chapters close with a call-to-action or suggestion of additional Scripture to reference. The chapters are best savored one per day
This book differs from a ‘typical’ devotional in the sense that it has an almost-academic slant and is not simply the author’s narrative. At times it felt like a Bible study and tackled some difficult theological concepts.
How this book affected me:
I personally found some of the scripture-hopping to be a little confusing or difficult to follow. Admittedly, I’m far from a biblical expert and I need a lot of help translating it. But I can see that someone who is used to being in the Word would find it easier to follow.
Who would enjoy this book:
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is written for the hurting and grieving. With the heavy biblical focus, readers who are familiar with and comfortable reading and understanding the Bible would be the best fit.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books, adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We’re proud to be listed in the Top 50 Christian Book Bloggers ! I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.
March 24, 2020
I recently read A Small Book for the Hurting Heart by Paul Tautges. This little book applies the healing balm of God’s Word to the wounds of our lives. This is where we find hope in the midst of grief.
The book begins with “God is Near” and ends with “Comfort Others” and isn't that exactly what we need to know and do?
In the midst of our grief and pain, we need to know that God IS near. Then, we should use that grief and pain to comfort others when they too go through deep waters.
Between “God is Near” and “Comfort Others,” you'll find 48 other encouraging meditations. Each will challenge you to reflect on God’s goodness, grace, and mercy. You will be encouraged to keep praying and to know that God has not forgotten you. Through this book and Scripture, you will see God with renewed eyes. You’ll find that God is enough, and you will learn how to grieve with hope. You may find it helpful to keep a journal, as I did.
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is for anyone who is experiencing the grief that accompanies any kind of loss. You're most likely thinking of someone who would benefit from this little book right now. Buy a copy for them, but keep a copy for yourself also for when sorrow and grief come to visit.
Read my full review here: https://www.instaencouragements.com/b...
The book begins with “God is Near” and ends with “Comfort Others” and isn't that exactly what we need to know and do?
In the midst of our grief and pain, we need to know that God IS near. Then, we should use that grief and pain to comfort others when they too go through deep waters.
Between “God is Near” and “Comfort Others,” you'll find 48 other encouraging meditations. Each will challenge you to reflect on God’s goodness, grace, and mercy. You will be encouraged to keep praying and to know that God has not forgotten you. Through this book and Scripture, you will see God with renewed eyes. You’ll find that God is enough, and you will learn how to grieve with hope. You may find it helpful to keep a journal, as I did.
A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is for anyone who is experiencing the grief that accompanies any kind of loss. You're most likely thinking of someone who would benefit from this little book right now. Buy a copy for them, but keep a copy for yourself also for when sorrow and grief come to visit.
Read my full review here: https://www.instaencouragements.com/b...
August 16, 2020
A Prescription for Pain from the Word of God
I appreciate the thoughtful work that went into this book. Pastor Paul Tautges guides the reader in a journey that finds jewels in Scripture which are relevant to hurting hearts like mine. Losing my wife was, and still is, the most devastating thing to me right now (even after three months have passed). A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is a helpful road map to comforting words in the Bible that can comfort the reader and others who are dealing with grief and loss. Take the journey. We can’t rush the grief journey, but we can find hope along the way by turning toward God who is the God of All Comfort.
I appreciate the thoughtful work that went into this book. Pastor Paul Tautges guides the reader in a journey that finds jewels in Scripture which are relevant to hurting hearts like mine. Losing my wife was, and still is, the most devastating thing to me right now (even after three months have passed). A Small Book for the Hurting Heart is a helpful road map to comforting words in the Bible that can comfort the reader and others who are dealing with grief and loss. Take the journey. We can’t rush the grief journey, but we can find hope along the way by turning toward God who is the God of All Comfort.
March 23, 2020
This beautiful little book is a treasure in itself. Every day for 50 days is a scripture of hope, comfort and words of wisdom to lift up the spirit and heart of the hurting person that is reading it.
This precious little book would have been a godsend in such time of sorrow. It's a light shining through the darkness of pain and grief. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any person that is dealing with loss and grief. God bless Pastor Paul Tuatges for allowing the Holy Spirit to help write this wonderful book of love, and scripture.
This precious little book would have been a godsend in such time of sorrow. It's a light shining through the darkness of pain and grief. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any person that is dealing with loss and grief. God bless Pastor Paul Tuatges for allowing the Holy Spirit to help write this wonderful book of love, and scripture.
February 14, 2024
Helpful for realigning my tendency toward self-pity into a hope-filled perspective focused on God's help in sorrow. It doesn't take the sorrow away, but it refocuses it to seeing good in the midst of it. A variety of subjects covered- some hit, some didn't (just based on where I was at personally, I think), but overall a worthwhile read and one I plan to incorporate into a curriculum for healing.
March 30, 2020
A good read for any going through any form of loss whether bereavement or loss of job. Perfect companion for the time we are currently living in.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
April 17, 2020
In this book, Paul Tautges pastorally guides the reader to who God is in their suffering. He writes 50 devotions, focusing on the Trinity, in which he gently teaches the reader about who God is in their suffering and how they can know him in it
March 12, 2020
I've experienced some great losses recently and I appreciate books like this to give me comfort,.. The format of daily devotionals is good..
May 13, 2024
This is one of the best books I have read on the subject. It is a must read for all Christ's redeemed.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews