A few months ago I wrote Why Apologists Should Read Biblical Counseling Books. This is another one that I recommend for everyone for those going through suffering and those counseling those who are suffering…and also for apologists to be more balanced.
Paul David Tripp. Suffering: Eternity Makes a Difference. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, April 1st 2001. 31 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Westminster | Amazon
This is a biblical counseling booklet on suffering written by the Biblical counselor Paul Tripp. It is a part of a series called “Resources for Changing Lives” printed by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing that I highly recommend and have found very beneficial for my own personal spiritual growth and also as a resource in pastoral ministry. I recommend this booklet for those who are going through suffering, those who are ministering to those who are suffering and those who are Christians…because we will all go through suffering in our lives.
A big theme in this book is the fact that without the perspective of eternity ti is hard to face hardship since the picture is not complete (2). The booklet is an exposition and application of Psalms 73. It gives us four practical ways to respond to the difficult circumstances in our lives. These four steps are examine your focus, examine your conclusion, view life from eternity and focus on eternal riches. Though I have outlined the booklet readers should still consider reading the booklet for the author manages to pack a lot of insights. In addition each point also have a subsection of “How to…” this is very practical and helpful.
I learned a lot from this booklet. Sometimes in the Christian life it seems one is re-learning what we should already know; except each time we learn it we go deeper and have a greater appreciation for the truth of God and Christ. For instance one thing I took away from this booklet is that a wrong way to measure God’s goodness is with the metric of personal happiness in physical, external and immediate circumstances. I should know better but sometimes we fall back to the wrong perspective; this booklet is helpful in addressing this. This book also reminded me that trials and suffering are no indication that God has forsaken his promises (16). There are good diagnostic questions throughout the book and each serve for great mediation and heart check. This work turn out to be much better than I expected in addressing the heart that complain or engage in self-pity in terms of going through suffering. Very edifying and God-centered.
It sounds like an excellent book, Jim! Thanks for the thoughtful and informative review! By the way, I loved what you said when you wrote, “Sometimes in the Christian life it seems one is re-learning what we should already know; except each time we learn it we go deeper and have a greater appreciation for the truth of God and Christ.” So very very true! 🙂 God bless you big time, my friend!
Thanks for your comment sister. I marvel at God grace and patience with how we learn and relearn. I needed do be reminded of that
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks the reblog! How are you doing?
Yankee Whiskey Bravo and I’m doing well my friend, likewise regarding you and yours Brother 😎
I’m really glad you’re presenting these counseling resources. I think we as a church and as individuals like to pretend these problems don’t exist or we don’t want to engage them. Good Biblical counseling can help believers understand difficulties from an eternal perspective as you mentioned rather than becoming overwhelmed by the circumstances.
Over the years I have been interested in readin and reviewing counseling resources that are biblical. The biblical illiteracy your blog notes concerning Evangelicals concerning RC doctrines are also the same problem with counseling where many today are not discerning and uncritical with bad secular psychological presuppositions and outlook
I can imagine that as a pastor you are ministering to people who are at all levels of Biblical literacy. If people have a good amount of understanding, you’re able to work with that. If they have very little, it’s a long road.
“Trials and suffering are no indications that God has forsaken His Promises”. Couldn’t agree more, Jim. 🙂
It seems I know that and should know that but its something I need to be reminded of again and again. Isn’t God so patient with us…though we are so learn to learn?
Me too, Jim. 🙂
Thank you for recomending this book!
“These four steps are examine your focus, examine your conclusion, view life from eternity and focus on eternal riches” this is spot on. As we follow these four steps we keep our focus on Jesus and not our circumstances.
God bless you richly brother Jim.
” As we follow these four steps we keep our focus on Jesus and not our circumstances.” Amen sister! That’s what it boils down to: keeping our eye focus on Jesus and not our circumstances. Focusing on Him will also sanctify us according to 2 Corinthians 3:18. Sometimes when it is hard to be godly it encourages me to think it begins by worshipfully “beholding” Him…isn’t amazing that God’s grace is not just only for our salvation but also our sanctification?
Pastor Jim, yes, it is amazing and comforting.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
Amen, that is an amazing verse! So much spiritual resources we have in Christ, so much grace to save and to sanctify! I don’t know how some preachers cannot preach the Word instead of their imagination…so glorious!
Amen, glorious! All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ.
Yes amen. God is amazing !
It’s hard to go wrong with Paul David Tripp. Excellant speaker and author.