I cannot put into words how much I love this book. I found myself nodding along and saying YES! so many times. As someone who went through a very very difficult season a couple of years ago, the wisdom in this book cemented so much of my experience with God through times of trouble. I immediately ordered it from Amazon so I can have a hard copy to highlight and go back to. HIGHLY recommend!

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.”

Clinging to Hope, by Charles Swindoll, is a biblically-based guide to help believers find hope amidst crises and ever-present hardships. He details, using Scriptural truth and biblical antidotes, how to find understanding and persistence through all kinds of ordeals that we all face from time to time in this journey called life.

Pastor Swindoll’s writing flows well and his points are easy to grasp. This book provides the reminders and insights that we all need from time to time to help us remain steadfast when things are falling down around us.

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.

Clinging to Hope: What Scripture Says about Weathering Times of Trouble, Chaos, and Calamity
by Charles R. Swindoll is just what I needed right now in my life. This one is a keeper and will keep it on hand when I need inspiration again.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This book describes the many ways to cope with struggles and ways to live by Hope. Hope can only be found through Jesus and clinging to his promises and assurances.

Swindoll does a beautiful job of incorporating scripture and every day living guidance to live in Hope. I love that at the end of the book he adds discussion questions so this can be done as a Bible study group.

I would definitely recommend this book.

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 meaing 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, in most of the chapters. 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.

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.