Who doesn't enjoy classic hymns? This is a great addition to any shelf. Sounds of Suffering would also make a wonderful gift.

Songs Of Suffering by Joni Eareckson Tada Offers 25 Hymns for Worship for Difficult Times. I found this beautiful book to be a balm to my soul. I love how Joni teaches us to look to and find refuge in Jesus in our darkest times and helps us to warship him and rejoice in his goodness. This book is very gospel centered and would be great for anyone who is experiencing a season of suffering.

Colossians 3:16 exhorts us to let the Word of Christ dwell in our hearts richly, that when we have deep gratitude in our hearts, we will be able to respond to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The Book of Psalms is a wonderful collection of amazing spiritual insights and worship. We sing not only when we are happy, we sing even as we lament the struggles of this life. Entitled "Songs of Suffering," this book is an attempt to make sense of some of the most popular and powerful hymns used through the centuries. Written and compiled by one who has known suffering personally, Joni Eareckson Tada who is a quadriplegic, shares with us spiritual insights and learnings from 25 hymns. Not only should these hymns be sung more frequently, the author believes that the lyrics should be memorized as well. Many of the hymn lyrics contain powerful theological truth. Included in this collection are devotional lessons, inspiring events, and strength for the soul. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse to anchor our thoughts on. The author then weaves her own stories and experience into the telling of the story and the relationship to the hymn itself. This is followed by a melody score with words and music for musicians to play and sing along to.This is helpful for those who find the hymns unfamiliar. She ends the book with a "reprise" which is a musical reflection and some last-minute advice. She divides the hymns into the following categories:
- 1) Songs of Comfort (8 hymns)
- 2) Songs of Strength (8 hymns)
- 3) Songs of Hope (9 hymns)

My Thoughts
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It takes one who is suffering to know what suffering actually entails. For many years, Joni Eareckson Tada has been an inspiration and encouragement to many people. One does not have to experience suffering in order to appreciate the angst. I have read several of her books and have always found them encouraging. In our often fast-paced world and busyness, it takes discipline to slow down and reflect on life. When stung by some of life's greatest challenges, we are often forced to stop and ask about the meaning and significance of life. Joni's experience of suffering helps her resonate with some of the most compelling hymn-writer stories. Having contracted Covid herself in 2020, she clung on the hope in God as she deals with the fearsome illness. The hymn "Be Still My Soul" helps her heart to prepare a place to sing a song of trust in God. The hymn "Abide in Me" reminds her of John 15 and how much we need to be "wedged" in the Lord. The famous hymn "It is Well with My Soul" is particularly relevant to the author. It helps her ponder on the question: "How is it I keep smiling after so many years of quadriplegia?" Our life experiences can lead us to a deeper appreciation of the hymns of old.

Thankfully, songs of suffering are not just about lament. There are hymns that give strength to the weary soul. The hymn "O Church Arise" is a drumroll of strength in God. "Immortal Invisible God Only Wise" is a powerful reminder of how big God is. Hymns like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" point us to Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith, and also a fellow sufferer. The hymns selected for the section on hope point us to the deep love of Jesus, our future hope in the coming kingdom, and many more. With beautiful accompanying photos, this book helps us use most of our senses and focus them on God. With ears to listen to the music, eyes to capture the beautiful image of creation, and senses to discern the movement of God's Spirit in us, we can let God lead us to a place that is beyond ourselves.

This is a book for all believers. One does not necessarily have to suffer or struggle now in order to appreciate the message in this book. In fact, we all go through the ups and downs of life. All of us would surely have moments of doubt and despair. When those times happen, we can remember what we learn from this book. Let this book point us not only to spiritual relief in our hearts but also to point us to the Giver of all Comfort: God Himself.

Joni Eareckson Tada is CEO of Joni and Friends, a global ministry that serves the practical and spiritual needs of people with disabilities. She is also an artist and the author of numerous bestselling books, including Joni; A Place of Healing; and When God Weeps. Joni and her husband, Ken, reside in Calabasas, California.

Kristyn Getty studied English and ethnomusicology at Queens University, Belfast, graduating in 2003. She and her husband, Keith Getty, write modern hymns for the church. Together, they founded and lead the Getty Music label, publishing house, events company, and foundation, all of which exist to develop and steward modern and traditional hymns around the world. Kristyn and Keith live in Nashville, Tennessee with their four young daughters.


Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

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This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

This book was an absolute delight to read. I love Joni Eareckson Tada as an author and she gives such great commentaries on the songs she's written about. This book is enriching and would make a great book to go through as a family as a way to learn about these great hymns. It also would look great on a coffee table.

I think this book is better than the format downloaded suggested. The content was good but I struggled with the format and page layout. Thanks to net galley for the e-arc.

Soothing and soulful encouragement to meet Christ and be strengthened while in the depths of your pain. This book includes 25 hymns (some I knew, some I didn't) accompanied with coordinating devotionals, scriptures, lovely nature photographs, and quotes. The author's perspective as a quadriplegic person and a cancer survivor are inspirational. The inclusion of sheet music in this book was a nice touch. I recommend this for Christians who want something for personal devotion/worship, as well as church worship leaders.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for the eARC

It's all too easy to think/wish/hope that the Christian walk is easy. And yet, we see all too many examples both today and within the Bible that that is just simply not the case. (But, Lord, if you want me to walk an easy road, I'm okay with giving it a shot. Just saying. :D)

Jesus says in John 16:33 that we will experience trials and tribulations in this world; Joni Eareckson Tada is one example of that. She shares parts of her story here in _Songs of Suffering_, along with sharing many others' stories--spanning centuries. Life is anything but easy. But some of the most beautiful hymns--and frankly songs in general--have been written out of the depths of horrific pain and hardship. This book brings a sampling of those to light, reminding me I--we--are not alone in pain; not only is it not unique to me or to humankind, but our Savior! He experienced the ultimate! And hymns, both those written many moons ago and more recently (yayyyy Getty team, for one), remind me of so many rich theological truths.

_Songs of Suffering_ presents an incredible collection of hymns, both familiar and new to me (and I can't wait to look up the new ones!). I love how Tada correlates music with memory; it's so true that setting things to music helps me, for one, remember them so much better. The formatting on the sheet music was a bit wonky for me (the joys of eARCs), but I'd probably end up looking them up on YouTube anyway to get an idea of the actual tunes. And the included photography was just stunning!

An encouraging read I could stand to revisit many a time over years to come.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Songs of Suffering
25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls
by Joni Eareckson Tada
Pub Date 02 Aug 2022
Crossway
Arts & Photography | Christian




I am reviewing a copy of Song of Suffering through Crossway and Netgalley:




Joni Eacerson Tada is no stranger to pain, both physical and emotional, the author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, has inspired readers for well over four decades. At seventeen a shallow dive rendered her a Quadriplegic, and for years she has battled with Chronic pain, breathing issues, and Cancer, a living testimony of God using those the world looks out as broken.




Turning twenty five hymns, complete with Devotions, and beautiful photographs, Songs of Suffering is a one of a kind devotional, created to spark hope even in lives hardships, Joni Eacerson Tada’s life certainly reflects that.



If you’re looking for a devotional that reminds you that Hope can be found even in suffering, then I highly recommend Songs of Suffering.


I give Song of Suffering five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

What a beautiful, beautiful book! I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review, but I will be purchasing this book for myself and for everyone I know this Christmas. These hymns and accompanying stories are filled with so much truth and hope!