Be Still, My Soul: Embracing God's Purpose and Provision in Suffering

by Nancy Guthrie (Editor), David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Contributor), D.A. Carson (Contributor)

Since the beginning of humanity, the question of suffering―why it happens and how God works in it―has existed. What are you doing, God? Why is this happening? Where are you? These questions fill our thoughts when we experience deep pain and tragedy. Having lost two young children who suffered from a rare and incurable disease, editor Nancy Guthrie has put together this helpful collection of short readings exploring the question of suffering. This anthology includes essays from both classic and contemporary theologians, Bible teachers, and missionaries such as John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Piper, Corrie ten Boom, Joni Eareckson Tada, and Helen Roseveare. Each entry expounds on a Bible verse, leading readers to see and be comforted by God's perspective, purpose, and provision in suffering.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christian Living, Devotional, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2010

About the author

Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including through her Biblical Theology Workshops for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of child and are co-hosts of the GriefShare video series.

Reviews

[Addy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, highly encouraging book. As a person who endures chronic pain, I found great hope in the fairly short chapters of Be Still, My Soul. Not only are they full of great truths, each chapter is written by a person who has endured hardship in their life. John Piper, who endured cancer, wrote one. Corrie ten Boom, who was held in a concentration camp, wrote one. Joni Eareckson Tada, who has lived with paralysis and chronic pain, wrote one.

I highly recommend this book to those who are going through trials and suffering.

I will definitely be going back to this book again and again. <3

Soli Deo Gloria

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treasury of encouragement in the midst of suffering. Some of the essays left me asking questions and wanting to understand more about the connection between Christ's sufferings and ours. All of the essays, though, offered comfort , sobering truths, and godly exhortations. I was especially blessed by Martyn Lloyd-Jones's The Test of a Crisis and look forward to reading more of the writings of the authors included in this collection.

[Debby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm torn between giving this only a 1 star, but decided to be grcious and give it a 2! It's not all bad, just really lacking.

A book on the topic of suffering and the sovereignty of God needs to offer more than theological truth. Truth regarding God's providence and sovereignty that is not balanced by and magnifying God's grace, love, mercy faithfulness and goodness is simply "cold comfort". There are some good essays and excerpted sermons in this book, but I don't think I'd recommend it to someone seeking to find and know God in the midst of suffering. It's got the light of truth, but just disn't come across with much heat to calm the troubled soul to draw them to God IN their pain.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am incredibly thankful that Nancy compiled the works of godly men and women on the topic of suffering in this little book. I will definitely be returning to this book often!

[Kelly Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this in an attempt to make sense of recent tragedies, and inspired this:

Suffering, like sandpaper
Eating edges, smoothing surfaces
Shaping to its wielder's will

Mess in this world a mirror
Of the first backs turned in Eden
And a window into our depraved hearts

Do crises keep us near the cross?
At times we rather desire death
Than hang on for unfathomable peace

Afflictions like little acorns
From which huge trees grow
Only if they fall, and die

Troubled lives are part of a tunnel;
It is long, it meanders
Seemingly endless -
To ride on, we need fuel
Sourced from beyond ourselves;
Fuel that fixes hearts and minds on light
At the end of the tunnel
To which we will soon arrive -
With every leap, step, or limp
We are nearer.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many short chapters are all written by different people from different times. This may be the best book on suffering that I've read even though no single chapter goes into a lot of depth. It's also good for finding other quality books on living the Christian life.

Edit: I read this a second time ten years after the first and probably benefitted from it even more this time around.

[Julie Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My attention was caught by the title of this book because this is what I need to do. "Be still my soul", I sing this hymn to myself so often and this book inspired me to believe the truth of the words better. Nancy Guthrie dedicates this book to Joni Eareckson Tada who I first started reading and listening to in the 1970s when the Christian culture was captivated by "Health and Prosperity" preachers and teachers. Joni lives, writes and speaks a very different message, one of true hope and comfort! Nancy's dedication page reads,

Years ago, I stood at the back of a hotel ballroom listening to Joni speak and wondered to myself, “What is it that makes her so compelling? What makes people listen so closely to what she has to say?” And the answer to my question was obvious. It’s her suffering. Joni’s suffering gives her
credibility to speak. We listen because she lives where only our deepest fears take us. And we listen because the way she articulates how she has made sense of her suffering helps us to make sense of ours. Years later, when I met Joni, I told her that I hoped that I would be as good a steward of my suffering as she has been of hers. But I fear that is too lofty an aim, too high a hurdle. Joni not only shows me, and the rest of the world, how to persevere as a faithful steward of suffering, she shows us how to serve out of our suffering and how to radiate joy in the midst of our suffering. Mostly she shows us what it looks like to love Jesus even as she lives day-by-day in the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.

This book is compiled and edited by Nancy Guthrie, who herself has experienced unimaginable grief and sorrow in losing two infants in the first year of their lives. The reality of her personal suffering and that of those authors whose essays and pieces are included in this book of readings, causes me to be quiet, stop and listen. Be Still My Soul is a powerful, beautiful collection of writings penned by great sufferers, who will surely comfort any reader's soul, especially the one who is experiencing loss, pain or grief.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a very large trial last fall, 2 books about miscarriage and stillbirth were helpful in several ways. But turning next to this book of collected works was the right next step. To pull back and join Christian thinkers and preachers from all points in history considering deeply how God uses suffering in the life of the believer was such a comfort. This is not abstract to me anymore. God really does this.
I especially loved the Thomas Manton chapter and would like to read more from him.

“God’s people, whenever they are scorched by afflictions as by hot-beams, may resort to him, who is as a shadow of a great rock, and be effectually sheltered, and sweetly refreshed.”- Edwards

Love Guthrie’s collections like this. Can complement a morning devotional routine nicely, reading them slowly. Next up is her Easter one!

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, hopeful collection from Christian thinkers (and sufferers!) across centuries. You probably won't love them all equally; there are lots of different writing styles. But there is so much truth packed in here (and few pat or trite answers, which is almost as important).

If you're not suffering now, you have been or you will be. These Christian brothers and sisters offer courage through the gospel to help you suffer well.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very encouraging read. The book covers a lot of ground in terms of the theology of suffering and its implications for our heart and relationship with God. It is not a practical guide to suffering.

Each chapter is written by a different person, so the styles can be quite different. But Guthrie did such a good job of organizing the chapters and they cover a lot of ground.

[Angela Priebbenow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot to offer on the topic of grief and suffering as a Christian. The chapters are short (easy commitment to read when you have limited time!) and all offer great wisdom and encouragement. The chapter by Carson was particularly helpful for me.

[Aszerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem!!

[Louisa Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the mix of both modern and ancient writings! So uplifting for every person no matter what season of life, much recommended 👍

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soothing balm for the injured soul.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 out of 5 stars. This is an amazing collection of readings on pain and suffering. Loved the combo of classic and contemporary writers, as well as the range and depth within this specific topic.

[Dan Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found THE book to give to believers who are in the midst of pain.

This was better than I expected! By collecting writings from various great sources, Nancy Guthrie has provided a real gem. I have been a Christian for years and enjoy a deep daily relationship with my Savior, so I thought this book might have some nice ideas to hand to others. Instead, this has been tremendously encouraging to me; I am realizing more and more what a privilege it is to suffer with Christ.

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you or are you or someone you care about had suffering touch your life now or in the past? Edited by Nancy Guthrie, “Be Still My Soul” has numerous authors. Contributed by some of the best puritan authors as well as more contemporary authors, each chapter examines suffering in a different light, answering common questions Christians often face when confronted with suffering in their own life. R.C. Sproul, John Calvin, A.W. Tozer, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and many others.

[Costi B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suffering is often as difficult to understand as it is to endure. The burden of sorrow and the weight of suffering are interwoven elements of our reality.
I am grateful for this little book, because it kept reminding of a big God; A God who beckons in the midst of pain, "Be still, my child, and cling to your redeemer..

[Caitelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heart stirring book for any believer in the midst of trials. Nancy Guthrie is a woman to listen to. She has sat in the seat of suffering and been able to see God's goodness, love, and grace in the midst of it.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it - a compilation of the greats.

[David Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been intrigued with the theology of suffering for at least the last decade. In this rather short but remarkable book, Nancy Guthrie speaks to the heart of those who are grappling with suffering, grief, and loss. She writes from the perspective of a mother who has experienced significant loss in her own life, having lost two children to a rare genetic disorder. She writes from a place of deep personal experience and shares insights and reflections that are both biblically grounded and deeply comforting.

The book is divided into twelve chapters, each one focused on a specific aspect of suffering, such as disappointment, fear, doubt, and loneliness. Guthrie uses biblical stories and passages to illustrate how God works in the midst of suffering and how we can find comfort and hope in Him. She emphasizes that suffering is not meaningless, but rather that God can use it to transform us and draw us closer to Him.

Guthrie is both honest and vulnerable. She doesn't shy away from difficult questions or gloss over the pain of suffering. Instead, she acknowledges the depth of our pain and encourages us to bring it to God. Each chapter ends with a "Going Deeper" section that includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion, as well as suggested Scripture passages and prayers. These sections make the book an excellent resource for personal study or for use in a small group setting.

Overall, Be Still, My Soul is a powerful and encouraging book that offers hope and comfort to those who are struggling with suffering. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God is with us.

Quotes

"God is not put off by our messy emotions, our angry outbursts, our desperate cries for help. He is big enough to handle them all."

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the range of voices in this collection of writing on God's purpose and God's provision in suffering. Joni Eareckson Tada. Jeremiah Burroughs. Tim Keller. John Calvin. Helen Roseaveare. From the contemporary to the classic, the voices and the messages were challenging and thought-provoking. And, most importantly of all, encouraging.
I read this devotionally, a chapter each day, or every couple of days, giving me time to reflect and journal. Several of the chapters didn't really speak to me - but that was okay, because then the NEXT chapter really would hit the mark for me.
I remember when I first read the New Testament as a brand-new believer at age 24. I could not put it down; it explained my Savior to me, as well as myself and my life experiences! And I remember when, a couple years later, I finally started getting connected to a church, that I was so surprised that so many believers seemed so surprised by their suffering. Because on every page of the New Testament, God addressed the topic of suffering - reminding us that it's part of life, but it is a part that he employs to teach us to depend upon Him, to draw us near, to slough off the things that we hold too tightly in this world, to clarify our vision of Him.
So I loved this book, which reflects that the church and it's people have always dealt with suffering, have needed to encourage one another in it, and that those who suffer draw neared to God because they see Him more clearly as a result.

[Brian Winokan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers an insightful compilation of essays and excerpts from notable classic and contemporary theologians, preachers, and Bible teachers, exploring the issue of, the purpose behind, and the provision for suffering (well) through Scripture. In the throes of affliction what or whom do I choose to place my trust in? Is my heart positioned humbly towards the Lord, that says, “I may not understand you *in this situation*, but I understand why I trust you anyway. Therefore, I can trust you here too, even if it be the end of me as I know it. I can trust that come what may, all that transpires aligns with my ultimate need in my suffering: the furthering of God’s ultimate will to glorify/showcase to the world the grace and power of Christ.“? Am I submitting myself to trust and yet praying to the Holy Spirit for his enabling power to trust God? The reader is left with these helpful questions for fruitful self-examination. I would recommend this book for any reader in any season, and of course, those in the midst of hardship and pain.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and it hit all the places I thought were already healed. Some wounds I buried, some I’ve danced around for years, and others that are still wide open.
This book was a recommendation from someone I deeply trust, and it met me right in the middle of the mess. The kind of mess that’s too holy to filter, too real to schedule.

If you’re in a season of silent suffering, loud chaos, or quiet grief that creeps in when you least expect it — this book might speak to your soul the way it’s speaking to mine.

I don’t have tidy answers. Just the quiet decision to keep showing up. To let God meet me in the ache. And to keep holding space for the parts of me that are still healing. I didn't have those nearly packaged words before this book 😉😆

[J.J. Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful resource for sufferers this book is! An absolute treasure trove of wisdom from some of the most insightful Bible teachers, past and present, from Martin Luther and John Newton to Joni Eareckson Tada, Corrie ten Boom, and Tim Keller. Each excerpt was short and yet incredibly punchy, illuminating a particular aspect of the suffering journey and providing an eloquent answer to the "why" of suffering. I would highly recommend it for other Christians in the throes of suffering, particularly as the shorter length makes it easy to read a chapter at a time.

[Serendipity · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and convicting compilation of some of the best Christian writers throughout history on the subject of suffering and pain. A very timely reminder and encouragement to me that despite trials and heartaches and persecution, that they are ultimately temporary, and we can look ahead to an eternal hope — guaranteed for us because of how much God loves us who have faith in Him, and also how He sustains our souls by His grace. A short book, but also a thoughtful read to mull over, in order to gain some spiritual perspective.

[Sharonda Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this wonderful compilation, Nancy provides 25 readings on the topic of suffering. Each morning over the past month I have read one entry prior to my time in the Scriptures and my soul has truly been nourished. This is a book that will challenge and encourage every believer to understand and persevere amid the sorrows of the Christian life. I will probably make a habit of reading it once a year, and I wholeheartedly recommend you do the same.

[Shirleon Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those that are suffering or want to understand how to suffer better with Christ. I've certainly taken away a lot from it (you should see all the underlines and notes!)

It's only a four because a few were difficult go read and understand because of the time period they were written in, but otherwise, a 5 star book!

[Becky Hintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book in a time of health and plenty, found it dry, and set it aside. I picked it up again in a time of prolonged suffering and found it rich and life-giving. The selections are variously comforting, challenging (as in, I wanted to throw it across the room), convicting, and always helpful. I highly recommend having this one on a shelf, ready for the next storm.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wide ranging! Guthrie delivers a solid collection of short readings on suffering. She has selected 25 authors from a wide range of backgrounds and time periods. Though I was familiar with most of the authors, there were a couple who were new to me, so now I have their works to explore. I’m looking forward to reading more of Abraham Kuyper. I would recommend this for devotional reading.