Sometimes suffering feels unbearable and lonely, and while the Bible offers plenty of reading on the subject of suffering for a Christian, it can be useful to have other texts to read as well. I’ve compiled an extensive list of books on suffering for Christians.

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On suffering in general…

• Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey – Yancey writes on 3 questions we seldom dare ask – Is God unfair? Is he silent? Is he hidden? His thorough writing offers hope by way honesty.
• Where is God When It Hurts by Philip Yancey – Yancey works through the challenge of believing in God’s love and goodness while we experience physical, emotional and spiritual suffering.
• Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller – This is an incredibly thorough exploration of the theology of suffering and practical implications of how we have faith and seek God even in our pain. There’s also personal stories at the end of most chapters, giving the book even greater depth. I highly recommend reading this.
• Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors – Katie writes from a small village in Uganda where she witnesses unending suffering and hardship firsthand. When the suffering becomes even more familiar, she wrestles with the goodness of love of God.
• The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp – In lyrical verse, Voskamp reminds us that our brokenness is the path to abundance.
• Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy – Alia’s writing is beautiful and breathless. She writes about becoming poor in spirit and how our weaknesses are our invitations in God’s Kingdom. (Although I have not read this yet, it’s high on my list.)
• Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor – Barbara explores natural characteristics of the dark and the ways we often respond in fear. She then applies these lessons to faith, reminding us that there’s treasures in the dark, too.
• A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada – Joni writes on chronic pain as a quadriplegic and wrestling with her faith. (Although I have not started this book yet, it’s been recommended and referenced so frequently that I’m sure of its worth.)
• Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot – Elliot suffered immensely in her life and is famous for handling it all in stride and great faith. This book is a complication of 6-part speech she gave on the topic of suffering. While the dictation from speech to book leaves it a little hard to follow, Elliot shares remarkable truths about suffering and the nature of God. (I was supplied this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my honest review.)
• The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis – In brilliant Lewis thinking, he tackles the issue of God’s goodness and God’s sovereignty in light of the world’s suffering. (Also application, A Grief Observed, on his wife’s tragic death.)
• Embodied Hope by Kelly Kapic – Kapic explores how Christ is the reason we have hope in our suffering while working through theology and drawing on his wife’s chronic illness.
• Hope When It Hurts by Kristin Wetherell and Sarah Walton – Kristin and Sarah alternate to share short reflections to help you cope with your present suffering through Biblical insight. Each chapter has room for journaling. (I have not read this yet.)
• The Gift of Pain by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey – Dr. Brand writes on pain based on his 50 years of working to leprosy patients (who cannot feel pain) in India. Together, they explore the importance of pain and what it teaches us. (I have not read this yet.)

On mental illness…

• Troubled Minds by Amy Simpson – Simpson writes on mental health in our present age and how the church ought to be loving those who are suffering in our midst. (I have not read this yet.)
• Still Life by Gillian Marchenko – A memoir of living with depression. (I have not read this yet.)
• If You Feel Too Much by Jamie Tworkowski – From founder of To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), this book has short, blog-like essays about struggling and asking for help.
• Hope Prevails by Michelle Bengston – A doctor blends her professional knowledge with her personal story to write on depression and hope within the context of faith. (I have not read this yet.)

On feeling abandoned by God…

• Come Be My Light by Mother Theresa – These are writings of Mother Theresa compiled and commentated on by Brian Kolodiejchuk. These are letters she sent to her spiritual directors where she describes her interior spiritual life as one largely void of feeling God’s presence, all while she served the poorest of the poor with Christlike compassion.
• Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross – This is a dense, deep read but describes faith in the face of not feeling God’s presence. If you’re wondering if you’re the only one to feel like God has abandoned you, this is a worthwhile, albeit challenging, read.

Have any of these books offered you comfort? Do you have another good suggestion? Share in the comments!