Author: Craig Svensson

Subtitle:

Meditations on Finding Comfort Through Affliction

Where do you turn when the darkness of a trial will not lift? Many places in Scripture provide encouragement for those experiencing physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational affliction. But it is in the story of Job that we face the bewilderment that often accompanies persistent suffering. The drama draws us into Job’s distress as he wrestles with the tough questions and the anguish of soul that comes when the pain won’t stop.

Many people struggle with the dense dialogue of Job’s story. As a consequence, knowledge about this wisdom book is often limited to the first two chapters and the last few chapters. Yet there is tremendous wisdom to glean from the ping-pong-like speeches of Job and his friends—wisdom that can help us better understand the perplexity of human suffering and our responses to affliction. The Humbling of Job provides a meditative journey through the book of Job to capture the rich benefits we can gain from thinking carefully about the protracted discourse of Job and his friends, as well as contemplating the stunning truths of the opening and closing narratives. It is a journey that will bring help and hope to those living in the crucible of affliction.

About the author:

Craig K. Svensson, PharmD, PhD, is Dean Emeritus and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology in the Purdue University College of Pharmacy, as well as Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology in the Indiana University School of Medicine. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.

Endorsements:

“Dr. Svensson’s insights are exegetically solid, theologically rich, and thoroughly practical to provide comfort and hope. I found myself being edified with each meditation. His work has become one of my all-time favorite pieces of devotional literature which I will revisit again and again.” ~ Dr. Brent Aucoin, President of Faith Bible Seminary, Lafayette, Indiana