We are not immune to suffering as we walk through this world. Christians suffer like everyone else but we have a hope that others do not have. We have the hope that Christ is with us through all things. We do not walk through this life alone. The songs shared in this book are a comforting reminder of that hope we have in Christ.

It was a true delight to read through this newest devotional from Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni shares 25 hymns and 25 personal devotional thoughts based on stories from her life, her friends, and some are drawn from the histories of the hymns. It is unlike other hymn devotionals I have read before because she shares so much from her personal experiences with suffering. Her life has been inspirational for so many people around the world and this is a lovely addition to her writings and ministry work.

I love that she shares the actual hymns as you would find them in the hymnal. If you play the piano or other instrument you can take time to play through each one each day as you read. I sat each day and sang through each hymn in my morning quiet time. I let the words and music wash over me. She also shares scripture and quotes from theologians and fellow Christians. It is a beautiful book. It would be a delightful gift for that musician in your life or for someone who loves the old hymns. I grew up singing from the Baptist Hymnal but there were several hymns here I did not recognize. I was delighted to learn some new ones as I read through each entry. I wholeheartedly endorse this book. It was beautiful, inspiring, and comforting. It truly was like a balm to the spirit as I read through it. I will continue to read this one and enjoy the timeless messages of the hymns within for years and years to come.

I received a copy of this book free of charge. I was only asked to examine the book and give an honest review.

Having lived for over 50 years with quadriplegia and chronic pain, Joni Eareckson Tada is no stranger to suffering. In this beautiful, coffee-table quality, hardcover book, she shares brief meditations on 25 of the songs that minister to her most in the midst of her pain and suffering. Each meditation includes the words and music of the hymn, artful photography, Scripture verses, and quotes from others who have also suffered pain and loss.

"Do you serve God in your suffering? We serve him when we imitate Jesus' endurance in our suffering. Or his patience in the face of disappointment or his perseverance while shouldering our cross. We imitate his kindness when we forget our own hardships in order to lift the spirits of others. And when we choose contentment over complaining, we imitate his glad willingness to submit to the Father's terribly yet wonderful will. All of it comprises a fragrant, sacrificial service to God. (p. 91)"

Joni's testimony of finding joy in Jesus in spite of intense suffering is inspiring, and her voice rings with authenticity because she has been there. Is there, and continually disciplines herself to imitate Christ.

This book would be a comforting and encouraging gift, for yourself or for a friend. Recommended!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Crossway, in exchange for my review.

This I believe is Joni's finest work. The book encourages memorizing the songs. It's worth the effort. When sorrow, pain or any other trial strike - the words and melody are right there in your memory to draw on. The book itself is beautiful. Just to look at God's creation in the photographs is quieting to your soul.

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.