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Christ and Calamity: Grace and Gratitude in the Darkest Valley
Lord, do you not care if we perish?
That’s what the frightened disciples shouted to Jesus as he slept in the stern of a storm-tossed boat. In the midst of suffering and uncertainty, we’re all prone to think that God has forgotten us, he doesn’t care, or he’s powerless to do anything.
And that’s true of us in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
In Christ and Calamity, Harold L. Senkbeil speaks pastorally to our suffering and uncertainty. Senkbeil shows God’s constant and faithful grace to us. Calamities come in many different sizes, and God addresses them all in his word and by his Spirit. Even when we don’t see or feel it, God is always faithful.
“If I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps 139:9–10).
The disciples’ faith in the midst of the storm may have been weak, but Jesus was mighty to save. And he will save you, too. No matter how small your faith, you can count on him to hear your anguished cry and to answer.
That’s what the frightened disciples shouted to Jesus as he slept in the stern of a storm-tossed boat. In the midst of suffering and uncertainty, we’re all prone to think that God has forgotten us, he doesn’t care, or he’s powerless to do anything.
And that’s true of us in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
In Christ and Calamity, Harold L. Senkbeil speaks pastorally to our suffering and uncertainty. Senkbeil shows God’s constant and faithful grace to us. Calamities come in many different sizes, and God addresses them all in his word and by his Spirit. Even when we don’t see or feel it, God is always faithful.
“If I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps 139:9–10).
The disciples’ faith in the midst of the storm may have been weak, but Jesus was mighty to save. And he will save you, too. No matter how small your faith, you can count on him to hear your anguished cry and to answer.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
105 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Harold L. Senkbeil
23 books35 followersRev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil (b. 1945) served as a parish pastor in the LCMS for 32 years, most recently at Elm Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, Wisconsin (1987-2002), and as Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2001 he was recognized by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, in the bestowing of the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa. Dr. Senkbeil is a 1988 recipient of the Servus Ecclesiae Christi Award. Since July 2008, he has served as both Adjunct Professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, as well as Executive Director with DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 2, 2022
4.5 Stars
Harold Senkbeil's book "Christ and Calamity" has been a tender balm for my soul in a dark season of my own suffering. Senkbeil's book is a simple pastoral encouragement for those struggling through a season of darkness and suffering. Senkbeil right diverts our eyes away from the suffering to the Christ who draws near to us in the midst of suffering, and conquers the suffering. Thus Senkbeil shows us the great hope we have in Christ even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. This is a great short book for anyone needing hope and help in the midst of suffering. I highly recommend.
Harold Senkbeil's book "Christ and Calamity" has been a tender balm for my soul in a dark season of my own suffering. Senkbeil's book is a simple pastoral encouragement for those struggling through a season of darkness and suffering. Senkbeil right diverts our eyes away from the suffering to the Christ who draws near to us in the midst of suffering, and conquers the suffering. Thus Senkbeil shows us the great hope we have in Christ even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. This is a great short book for anyone needing hope and help in the midst of suffering. I highly recommend.
December 4, 2020
All good, all true, all gospel. Faithful, but not really anything new or interesting to pull me in. I appreciate the same old truths - they don't need to be reinvented - and so this was a good reminder during dark times. But I had hoped for something more. Some way to bring those old truths into a difficult moment. It read a bit like a sermon or theology paper at times...
July 9, 2020
This short book is best summarized by this quote, “In life’s tight spots, focus not on your faith, but on God’s faithfulness. Look not at your promises to him, but his loving promises to you in his Son. Rest assured, those promises include your name.” Beginning with common emotions and feelings in calamity and looking to Jesus, the object of our faith, Senkbeil points readers to Jesus. In the midst of a pandemic, this is a great reminder of where our focus should be and what our response might look like.
February 14, 2023
Short book that offered a great amount of truth and encouragement. What a comfort to be reminded of God’s sovereignty over the afflictions we must face in this life. I highly recommend it to anyone going through some dark valleys.
December 30, 2023
Nice little book. Short, sweet, and to the point.
June 29, 2020
Short but really thoughtful book on suffering and the Christian response to hardship and calamity in general.
April 27, 2021
There's nothing fancy in the way this author presents truth, and there doesn't need to be: he lets the truth carry its own weight.
September 18, 2020
This book brings Jesus near by reminding us that it is His faithfulness which keeps us, not our own. In distress, in our darkest hour, and even in death, Senkbeil reminds us through faithful exegesis of Scripture, that God is near and we can cry out to Him. There is nothing flashy about Senkbeil’s style - no fluff or desire to fill pages. The book is compact, to-the-point, and every word carries the weight of the gospel.
The liturgies he provides at the end might be the best part of the book, as they put his wisdom into practice in a very tangible way. They also provide an example for readers to create their own, using prayer and scripture. It is a beautiful, needed book, and I am thankful to have read it.
The liturgies he provides at the end might be the best part of the book, as they put his wisdom into practice in a very tangible way. They also provide an example for readers to create their own, using prayer and scripture. It is a beautiful, needed book, and I am thankful to have read it.
December 31, 2020
This book deserves all of the stars!
Incredibly theologically sound and challenging, while also providing a warm, firm embrace. Scripture was drawn upon to speak over a year filled with pain and disappointment— but the way that Senkbeil speaks truth into the Christian’s aching heart has made it a sure staple on my devotional list. There couldn’t have been a better book to read during reflection time at the close of 2020.
Please read this book!
Incredibly theologically sound and challenging, while also providing a warm, firm embrace. Scripture was drawn upon to speak over a year filled with pain and disappointment— but the way that Senkbeil speaks truth into the Christian’s aching heart has made it a sure staple on my devotional list. There couldn’t have been a better book to read during reflection time at the close of 2020.
Please read this book!
December 5, 2021
This sweet little book is packed with beautiful gospel truths for those suffering. I highly recommend going through it slowly and prayerfully. This is a perfect book to give to a Christian walking through a dark valley.
June 8, 2020
This is a short, honest and hope filled look at what Christians should do in times of suffering and dying.
It is full of the Bible and Christ.
An honest book.
Very well written.
It is full of the Bible and Christ.
An honest book.
Very well written.
July 1, 2020
Wonderful. This book is like that first warm day of spring after a long winter.
Plus it’s currently 80p on kindle and free on faithlife ebooks / logos.
Plus it’s currently 80p on kindle and free on faithlife ebooks / logos.
June 23, 2021
This is a supremely comforting little book. It is firmly grounded in Scripture and solidly focused on Christ. I will certainly be revisiting it.
March 8, 2021
Simple yet sublime. This is wonderful book about the intersection of the calamity of life and Jesus' life, death and resurrection. There are no pious platitudes in this book. No, "just get over it," or "its a phase" or "time will heal your wounds." The author gives you the unvarnished truth about suffering, that we won't be given to live comfortable lives, but in the hands and words of Christ, we will be most assuredly comforted and promised hope in the new life that Christ has brought forth from the old. Another little treasure of this book is its instruction and model of prayer, which paramount in this calamitous life. Highly recommended.
March 15, 2023
I will absolutely recommend this to people who come to me as a pastor seeking comfort during their time of crisis. This book is drenched in the healing balm of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't recommend it highly enough.
April 12, 2021
Senkbeil's devotional came to me at a time when I needed it most. This is a book that brings the suffering reader to the living Christ and his sufficiency in the tumult of life. The book is filled with quotes similar to the following: "If you want to make headway through stormy seas, fix your troubled heart on God's word instead of on your empty feelings." If you are weary and don't even know where to begin to look for help, I commend *Christ and Calamity* to you.
October 1, 2023
Very solid book. Explains our reliance on the Lord in the midst of suffering and difficulty!
January 1, 2021
This book was written devotionally, but not in the usual pattern. Its eleven chapters present sound gospel truths for "such a time as this" - it was written in anticipation of the devotional needs of people during the pandemic (2020). It is also a beautifully crafted book - short chapters are set apart by pages of black with a specific Bible verse in white. The book ends with an outline for daily devotions.
The book was recommended by another author whose work I thoroughly enjoy and find edifying. It was beautifully written. Many people who are suffering during this time will find this book helpful, edifying and comforting.
Perhaps because I am not suffering I didn't derive as much benefit out of the book as I had hoped. I am one of those people who treasure familiar words of classic hymns and prayers, so I am reluctant to criticize this book for offering readers nothing new. Ironically, late in the book the author shares a story from his personal grief, and that was the one time my imagination absorbed everything he said. I remember attending a conference where an elderly pastor gently chided a young essayist on a Biblical topic, saying, "We hoped to see something of you in this presentation." I think I hoped for more Senkbeil absorbing how Biblical truths affected him.
The book was recommended by another author whose work I thoroughly enjoy and find edifying. It was beautifully written. Many people who are suffering during this time will find this book helpful, edifying and comforting.
Perhaps because I am not suffering I didn't derive as much benefit out of the book as I had hoped. I am one of those people who treasure familiar words of classic hymns and prayers, so I am reluctant to criticize this book for offering readers nothing new. Ironically, late in the book the author shares a story from his personal grief, and that was the one time my imagination absorbed everything he said. I remember attending a conference where an elderly pastor gently chided a young essayist on a Biblical topic, saying, "We hoped to see something of you in this presentation." I think I hoped for more Senkbeil absorbing how Biblical truths affected him.
January 26, 2023
Published in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this short booklet can be summarised with the following quote, “In life’s tough spots, focus not on your faith, but on God’s faithfulness” (p. 18). This book is not a book about the coronavirus but about trusting in God’s promises during any time of calamity and uncertainty, whether illness, disease, depression, divorce, etc. When everything seems uncertain—what the world is becoming, how long your pain will last, how much longer you have to live—Rev. Dr. Senkbeil guides the reader to see by faith that even when we falter, “God remains steady and firm” (p. 14). That is why he encourages the reader to focus not on your faith but on God’s faithfulness because faith is not rooted in how you feel, which is as fickle as the wind, but rather in God’s unchanging promises. Senkbeil does not try to warm you up with fuzzy feelings and neither does he ignore or make light of your suffering. He challenges your understanding of suffering while also making it all about our Saviour: Jesus and His cross are front and centre. My only critique is that Senkbeil should further develop what he means by saying our suffering is sanctified in Christ’s suffering. It’s a bold statement, and I’m keen to agree, but I’m not entirely sure what he means by this. If he simply means our suffering is “holy” rather than meaningless (since Christ suffered for us), then I suppose the meaning is self-explanatory in the word itself. Nonetheless, whatever it is you’re going through, I highly recommend you purchase this affordable booklet; and keep it nearby for when calamity strikes again to be reminded that Christ, who suffered for you, is always present when you suffer. For my brother pastors, I recommend you purchase this book for your shut-in members as my Elders have done. Senkbeil also offers wonderful prayers in the back that you can pray at any time, in the morning, and in the evening not only by yourself but also with others, which would go wonderfully with your family as the head of the household leads his family in prayer.
August 14, 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have found myself asking if God really cares about our suffering. In Christ and Calamity, Harold L. Senkbeil shows us grace and gratitude in the darkest valley.
Precision and Compassion
In 11 chapters and 150 pages, Senkbeil writes with precision and compassion. The backdrop of the Coronavirus is on his mind, but he gives us comfort to tackle any disastrous situation. This book will cause you to take your eyes off of yourself and to direct your gaze straight to Jesus.
This is a book about faith in Christ. More importantly, it is a book about how when we are faithless, Christ is our faithfulness. When we cry out, Christ is our advocate. And when we are afflicted, Christ is our comfort. Senkbeil shows us again and again that when we are weak, Christ is strong.
Rest for Weary Souls
The chapters are short and punchy. No words are wasted, and you can read the book in order or as the chapter titles speak to you. They feel like short devotions and I found myself wanting to rest in each one while also unable to wait and wanting to read more. Scripture saturates the entire book.
Chapter 7 was a standout chapter for me, as Senkbeil explained the difference between happiness and joy. In addition, he wrote how our words are weak, but God’s word can work wonders. He constantly draws us back to the Bible to find rest for our weary souls.
Wisdom and Warmth
This is a book that belongs at your bedside. While you can take it to your study, you will want to have it ready for those sleepless nights. Senkbeil writes with the wisdom of a pastor and the warmth of a friend. Suffering and uncertainty will come, and Jesus will be ready to provide comfort in your calamity.
I received a media copy of Christ and Calamity and this is my honest review.
Precision and Compassion
In 11 chapters and 150 pages, Senkbeil writes with precision and compassion. The backdrop of the Coronavirus is on his mind, but he gives us comfort to tackle any disastrous situation. This book will cause you to take your eyes off of yourself and to direct your gaze straight to Jesus.
This is a book about faith in Christ. More importantly, it is a book about how when we are faithless, Christ is our faithfulness. When we cry out, Christ is our advocate. And when we are afflicted, Christ is our comfort. Senkbeil shows us again and again that when we are weak, Christ is strong.
Rest for Weary Souls
The chapters are short and punchy. No words are wasted, and you can read the book in order or as the chapter titles speak to you. They feel like short devotions and I found myself wanting to rest in each one while also unable to wait and wanting to read more. Scripture saturates the entire book.
Chapter 7 was a standout chapter for me, as Senkbeil explained the difference between happiness and joy. In addition, he wrote how our words are weak, but God’s word can work wonders. He constantly draws us back to the Bible to find rest for our weary souls.
Wisdom and Warmth
This is a book that belongs at your bedside. While you can take it to your study, you will want to have it ready for those sleepless nights. Senkbeil writes with the wisdom of a pastor and the warmth of a friend. Suffering and uncertainty will come, and Jesus will be ready to provide comfort in your calamity.
I received a media copy of Christ and Calamity and this is my honest review.
October 30, 2024
This is a very comforting little book, and well put together. I would absolutely recommend giving it to someone you know who is going through a hard time. The author, Harold Senkbeil, is a respected Lutheran minister with years of pastoral experience that is reflected in his best-selling 'The Care of Souls.' You could feel his wisdom and care in the pages of this book. What I especially appreciated about it was it's simplicity. Senkbeil lays out how Christ relates to our calamity in a very clear and direct way. This is not to say that the book isn't without emotion, it is most especially when he speaks of the death of his young son-in-law. The directness of his writing almost instils a kind of confidence, the tone is assuring and firm. The greatest encouragement from the book, though, is the way that it points to Christ through and through, and the highly relevant scripture texts, often from the Psalms or the Sermon on the Mount, that remind us of God's mercy and care.
In terms of its contents, Senkbeil provides short chapters detailing the various ways that Christ relates to our individual suffering. It also includes a series of prayers related to suffering. One is a general invitation to prayer, followed by short matins and evensong prayers. I prayed the evening prayer and it was really helpful -- I could feel elements of the BCP 1662 in it. There's also a Lutheran hymn at the end, 'Jesus, Priceless Treasure,' whose words I recognise. These parts of the book that address personal spirituality are very uplifting and strike a perfect note. I should add in conclusion that the layout is really well done. I love the outward design of the cover, and the inward design in black and white is quite sharp and direct.
In terms of its contents, Senkbeil provides short chapters detailing the various ways that Christ relates to our individual suffering. It also includes a series of prayers related to suffering. One is a general invitation to prayer, followed by short matins and evensong prayers. I prayed the evening prayer and it was really helpful -- I could feel elements of the BCP 1662 in it. There's also a Lutheran hymn at the end, 'Jesus, Priceless Treasure,' whose words I recognise. These parts of the book that address personal spirituality are very uplifting and strike a perfect note. I should add in conclusion that the layout is really well done. I love the outward design of the cover, and the inward design in black and white is quite sharp and direct.
August 1, 2022
Calamity strikes all , the key question is how do we react to it and find peace and joy in the process. This short read helps us to understand and navigate the fears of life by proclaiming more than our faith in God , the most important aspect is the faithfulness of God in every situation we face.
Our faith grows as we see and understand God’s faithfulness in our lives through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, the everlastingly word and our deep prayers that connect to His Spirit. This faithfulness that we taste enables us to face the trials,pain and looses of our earthly life.
A quick and powerful read for all who are struggling with questions around God’s role in our suffering.
Our faith grows as we see and understand God’s faithfulness in our lives through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, the everlastingly word and our deep prayers that connect to His Spirit. This faithfulness that we taste enables us to face the trials,pain and looses of our earthly life.
A quick and powerful read for all who are struggling with questions around God’s role in our suffering.
March 30, 2024
Adequate words fail me when thinking of the value of this book. Raw, real, and restorative are the first that come to mind though. Tears fell from my eyes more than few times as I meditated through its words. Should be your next book, person reading this review.
Harold Senkbeil is someone who’s heart in ministry I hope to emulate, even an ounce of. The glory of God’s presence and promises to the weary, broken, guilty, despairing, and downtrodden are unrestrained in his words. He doesn’t placate the reality of this world’s hardship this side of Genesis 3. But he also doesn’t downplay the mercy, presence, love, and care of God in the midst of such a life.
May God grant us all such honesty about both hardship and hope.
Harold Senkbeil is someone who’s heart in ministry I hope to emulate, even an ounce of. The glory of God’s presence and promises to the weary, broken, guilty, despairing, and downtrodden are unrestrained in his words. He doesn’t placate the reality of this world’s hardship this side of Genesis 3. But he also doesn’t downplay the mercy, presence, love, and care of God in the midst of such a life.
May God grant us all such honesty about both hardship and hope.
August 31, 2020
A fantastic little book. Senkbeil's pen cannot help but drip with pastoral care. With tenderness learned from decades of faithful ministry and personal experience, Senkbeil gently leads the weary and storm-tossed soul to Christ. I began reading the book on a Saturday with the intention of slowly working through it over the course of a week or so, but realized quickly that I needed to finish it so as to gift it to a church member in need of its nourishing truth. So I finished it in a day and gifted it to this dear member on Sunday. I am grateful that in this instance, pastor Senkbeil is indirectly helping me to pastor the flock God has entrusted me with.
*I received this copy free from Lexham press, but wasn't expected to leave a positive review.
*I received this copy free from Lexham press, but wasn't expected to leave a positive review.
March 30, 2022
Truly comforting words, given for such a time as this!! No matter what “calamity” or crisis you are facing, Rev. Senkbeil’s timely book will bring you the peace you seek… for he shares with us the word of God, living, active, and eternal. By linking you/us with the eternal promises of God’s love and faithfulness, he assures us over and over again that though suffering is inevitably woven into our lives on this earth, we are united with the Comforter in our baptisms, and therefore, we can walk through crisis with joy, unafraid. What a beautiful book! I plan to buy more copies to share with friends and family!!
December 30, 2020
As I write this review I sit in awe that such a pleasantly small (read portable) book can pack such a complete and orthodox confession of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into its pages. The first thing that delighted me was the cover, followed by the striking black pages separating chapters that contained Scripture for meditation before each section. The cover is even soft to the touch. This book is the balm for 2020 that we have had all along, in Jesus, but put into your hands, in the voice of tender pastoral care of a gracious shepherd. Thank you Pastor Senkbeil for using calamity to remain steadfast and immovable.
September 5, 2024
I was given this book by my dad when I asked for recommendations on a specific topic, but let it sit on my shelf a while before reading it. I’m glad I did because I grabbed this book in the exact moment I needed it. This book is a lovely delve into Christ’s sufferings, and a reminder that not only can we relate to Him in these moments, but we can also eagerly bring all our troubles to His feet. I recommend this book to anyone dealing with the loss of a relationship, a loved one, or just a particularly rough patch of life.
November 27, 2020
Harold Senkbeil's books "Christ and Calamity" and "The Care of Souls" should be required reading for every seminarian. The former is more devotional, but this book is exactly what future pastors (and lay people) need to read. The wisdom and care that Senkbeil demonstrates in these works is a deep well from which pastors ought to draw much insight to use in their own ministry. I will be drawing these books off my shelf often in my future ministry.
August 7, 2020
If personal events and the world fill one with fear, anxiety, and sadness, read this book. Dr. Senkbeil reminded me that perfect One who died and rose for us all, Christ, is with me, He will never, ever leave me, and He will not leave you. The confidence he shares comes from the Word of God and is both humbling and renewing. He also includes helpful prayers at the end Thank you, Dr. Senkbeil!
December 26, 2020
Rev. Senkbeil does not waste words or time in weaving together Scripture, hymns, and ancient prayers to maximum effect. An excellent collection of the truths and promises that one is most likely to need to be reminded of when the going is tough. Useful to both those who suffer and to those who wish to provide comfort.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews