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Clinging to Hope: What Scripture Says about Weathering Times of Trouble, Chaos, and Calamity
Respected Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll opens God’s Word to help you understand how you can find hope in times of crisis.
All of us are in desperate need of strength to endure and hope to carry on. Life is difficult and demanding. It’s often filled with pain, heartaches, setbacks, and detours. Disappointments in others sadden us, scandals among those we respect shock us, and disputes in our families, churches, or workplaces demoralize us. When such troubles strike, they can be downright devastating. But they don’t have to be!
In Clinging to Hope, Chuck Swindoll reassures us that we can endure unexpected calamities. How? By taking our stand on the strong foundation of God’s Word. When trials and tribulations rumble in like a fleet of bulldozers to demolish our lives, we can emerge from the rubble with a strong resolve to recover and rebuild. Not just to survive, but to thrive.
In Clinging to Hope, Chuck will help you answer questions such
Why is there so much suffering?Why did my family member or friend succumb to health issues?How can I carry on when I have no strength left?Why is there so much conflict in the world?Where can I find hope when there is none to be found?
All of us are in desperate need of strength to endure and hope to carry on. Life is difficult and demanding. It’s often filled with pain, heartaches, setbacks, and detours. Disappointments in others sadden us, scandals among those we respect shock us, and disputes in our families, churches, or workplaces demoralize us. When such troubles strike, they can be downright devastating. But they don’t have to be!
In Clinging to Hope, Chuck Swindoll reassures us that we can endure unexpected calamities. How? By taking our stand on the strong foundation of God’s Word. When trials and tribulations rumble in like a fleet of bulldozers to demolish our lives, we can emerge from the rubble with a strong resolve to recover and rebuild. Not just to survive, but to thrive.
In Clinging to Hope, Chuck will help you answer questions such
Why is there so much suffering?Why did my family member or friend succumb to health issues?How can I carry on when I have no strength left?Why is there so much conflict in the world?Where can I find hope when there is none to be found?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
55 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
965 books834 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 11, 2022
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the author, Charles R. Swindoll.
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS
#WINNER
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS
#WINNER
March 1, 2023
Very encouraging thoughts from Chuck, with each chapter focusing on a particular story or character from the Bible to help guide us through times of struggle, disappointment, pain, or trauma. That sounds heavy, but Chuck is always good at addressing the real issues of life with the most caring, pastoral voice I know. If I say it’s not my favorite book of his that I’ve read, that’s no major criticism. It simply means that he is a very consistent, and consistently good, writer. The different focuses in each chapter weren’t as engaging for me as books that dive more deeply into a single theme—and I was also reminded in this book of other books where he's discussed the same people and stories. In his chapter about David and Goliath, however, I was really intrigued by his surmises about Goliath’s possible medical condition. I’d like to do more research on that and see how widespread that interpretation is.
If you’ve read a number of Chuck’s previous books, then you’ll know what to expect from this one. If you’re new to him, this is a fine place to start. He’s one of my favorite pastors, and I’m grateful for his wonderful example.
I highly recommend this podcast interview he did recently with his daughter Colleen. It gives a lot more of the autobiographical detail that will make parts of this book come alive. In fact—take an hour to watch this interview, even if you have no intention of reading the book. It's really amazing.
If you’ve read a number of Chuck’s previous books, then you’ll know what to expect from this one. If you’re new to him, this is a fine place to start. He’s one of my favorite pastors, and I’m grateful for his wonderful example.
I highly recommend this podcast interview he did recently with his daughter Colleen. It gives a lot more of the autobiographical detail that will make parts of this book come alive. In fact—take an hour to watch this interview, even if you have no intention of reading the book. It's really amazing.
January 26, 2023
If you are looking for encouragement in trials, you definitely have to read this book. Packed with scripture wisdom, bible study cases (Abraham, Joseph, Job, Isaac) and real life exemples, the author brings sunshine when heavy clouds enter your life.
“God’s abiding presence didn’t translate into a sudden rescue from slavery or release from prison. Instead, even in the depths, God’s grace provided the power to endure.”
“At times, God will use thorn therapy to make you aware of attitudes and behaviors in your own life that need to be changed. It may seem like He’s crushing you, but in reality He’s curing you. It may feel like He’s harming you, but He’s healing you. Let’s be brutally honest: it may look like He hates you, but He loves you.”
“God’s abiding presence didn’t translate into a sudden rescue from slavery or release from prison. Instead, even in the depths, God’s grace provided the power to endure.”
“At times, God will use thorn therapy to make you aware of attitudes and behaviors in your own life that need to be changed. It may seem like He’s crushing you, but in reality He’s curing you. It may feel like He’s harming you, but He’s healing you. Let’s be brutally honest: it may look like He hates you, but He loves you.”
September 9, 2022
The wisdom of well-known Bible teacher, Charles Swindoll, shines through this entire book like a beacon of hope for those enduring difficulties and today’s trying times. He readily brings to light what scripture has to say about experiencing troubles, trials, suffering and many other related topics. In one of my favorite chapters, When Doors Slam Shut, he helps us understand that, “When a door closes to something good, it will often lead you to an open door of something better.” I facilitate a grief support group and this book will certainly be added to our recommended reading list as a source of hope and truth for those that are bereaved.
June 2, 2022
What a timely book! The author addresses many different kinds of problems - trauma, loss (of finances, position, loved ones, etc), betrayal and more. There aren't easy answers here, but there is a shift in perspective to give the reader a way to see beyond the trouble.
Swindoll makes use of the tragedies of several different men from the bible to illustrate his points, men such as Joseph, Abraham, Job, David, and Paul. The writing is solid and easy to understand. This book is written for people who are believers in Jesus - people who know that God is trustworthy but might need a little reminder in the face of personal storms. But if you are not a Christian, this is still worth your time, even if only to help you understand the hope Christians have.
Family friendly in every way.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. My opinion is my own.
Swindoll makes use of the tragedies of several different men from the bible to illustrate his points, men such as Joseph, Abraham, Job, David, and Paul. The writing is solid and easy to understand. This book is written for people who are believers in Jesus - people who know that God is trustworthy but might need a little reminder in the face of personal storms. But if you are not a Christian, this is still worth your time, even if only to help you understand the hope Christians have.
Family friendly in every way.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. My opinion is my own.
October 31, 2022
Everyone goes through trials and troubles in life, such as: some unexpected tests; meet with 'giants'; have doors shut on us and have a diversity of adversity of various kinds. Through it all, as we grow in Christlikenss, Chuck Swindol is telling us in this book of his, that there's purpose and meaning to be found; therefore, 'cling on to hope'.
This has been a wonderful walk through of assurance and reassurance for me as a believer in Jesus. I especially related to the chapter about 'enforced' solitude that comes for a while and that the Lord asks of us from time to time. There is great merit in soliude, Swindol tells the reader - if we are humble enough to learn from it.
The reader will meet some 'popular' Bible heros such as Moses, David, Paul and Jesus, chosen specifically per chapter to emphasize a particular facet respectively, about our tribulations of life. I've learned things from them as author Swindol enlightens along the way, lessons other than which we learn in Sunday School; quite interesting as well as very helpful.
At the end of the book are sets of questions per chapter one can reflect upon and/or discuss in a group setting. I believe they have the potential to help make the book's message more beneficial in the spiritual growth of the serious learner who wishes to know more of God's wisdom for their lives.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
June 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent to me by NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers.
This has been a wonderful walk through of assurance and reassurance for me as a believer in Jesus. I especially related to the chapter about 'enforced' solitude that comes for a while and that the Lord asks of us from time to time. There is great merit in soliude, Swindol tells the reader - if we are humble enough to learn from it.
The reader will meet some 'popular' Bible heros such as Moses, David, Paul and Jesus, chosen specifically per chapter to emphasize a particular facet respectively, about our tribulations of life. I've learned things from them as author Swindol enlightens along the way, lessons other than which we learn in Sunday School; quite interesting as well as very helpful.
At the end of the book are sets of questions per chapter one can reflect upon and/or discuss in a group setting. I believe they have the potential to help make the book's message more beneficial in the spiritual growth of the serious learner who wishes to know more of God's wisdom for their lives.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
June 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent to me by NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers.
May 8, 2025
I very much enjoyed this book. The following is taken out of chapter 10.
When God slams doors shut - Charles Swindoll
Chapter 10 - Clinging to Hope
1. Because He is sovereign , he’s in full control of all the doors in your life. He is God and I am not. He will open up new doors of opportunity.
2. God take full responsibility for the doors he closes to you and those he opens. It’s not your responsibility. Stop pounding on closed doors.
3. When a door closes to something good, it will often lead you to an open door of something better. When God closes a door, it doesn’t necessarily mean your plan was bad or that he was steering you from danger. He may just be wanting to lead you to something better.
4. Not until you walk through the door that God opens will you realize the necessity for closing a door
When God slams doors shut - Charles Swindoll
Chapter 10 - Clinging to Hope
1. Because He is sovereign , he’s in full control of all the doors in your life. He is God and I am not. He will open up new doors of opportunity.
2. God take full responsibility for the doors he closes to you and those he opens. It’s not your responsibility. Stop pounding on closed doors.
3. When a door closes to something good, it will often lead you to an open door of something better. When God closes a door, it doesn’t necessarily mean your plan was bad or that he was steering you from danger. He may just be wanting to lead you to something better.
4. Not until you walk through the door that God opens will you realize the necessity for closing a door
July 26, 2023
Reading, studying, and listening to the teaching and preaching (and infectious laughter) of Chuck Swindoll has been a significant part of my spiritual growth since 1979. An outstanding communicator, he has shared the truth of God's Word around the world via the radio ministry of Insight for Living. He has written numerous books, almost all of which I've read and many reread.
Clinging to Hope is a book for this time in the midst of trouble, chaos, and confusion in every area of life.
Readers will be uplifted, encouraged, and emboldened to live with their eyes on Jesus.
Clinging to Hope is a book for this time in the midst of trouble, chaos, and confusion in every area of life.
Readers will be uplifted, encouraged, and emboldened to live with their eyes on Jesus.
February 4, 2023
I received this book in a Goodreads promotion.
This was a little slow read to begin with, but once I got going, I found it encouraging. It challenged me to consider my own responses to difficult times.
This was a little slow read to begin with, but once I got going, I found it encouraging. It challenged me to consider my own responses to difficult times.
September 16, 2023
Helpful and hopeful for hardship in life
May 30, 2023
A timely resource for those looking to continue to grow in faith and leadership in these trying times.
A reminder to stay connected to the anchor of our faith and trust when everything seems to be falling apart.
Everyone should pause and take time to read this challenging writing.
A reminder to stay connected to the anchor of our faith and trust when everything seems to be falling apart.
Everyone should pause and take time to read this challenging writing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews