Author: Joni Eareckson Tada

Subtitle:

25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls

Joni Eareckson Tada Offers 25 Hymns for Worship for Difficult Times

As an author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, Joni Eareckson Tada has inspired people around the world with her story of faith in the midst of suffering. In this beautiful collection of hymns and devotions she acts as a “song leader,” guiding readers through their own painful seasons with heartfelt praises to God.

Songs of Suffering includes 25 hymns with accompanying devotions and photography designed to spark hope in hardship. Opening with a special message from hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, this book is a source of comfort for anyone who needs biblical encouragement, prompting readers to seek refuge in the Lord and rejoice in his goodness.

• A Beautifully Designed Book from Joni Eareckson Tada: Includes 25 hymns with sheet music, devotionals, and photography 
• An Uplifting Call to Worship: Emphasizes the Bible’s command to sing and leads readers in hope-filled praise 
• Comfort for the Hurting: Makes a thoughtful gift for friends or family dealing with pain, illness, or loss
• Opens with a Message from Keith and Kristyn Getty: Read their reflections on worship and Joni Eareckson Tada’s inspiring ministry

Table of Contents:

Foreword: Personal Reflections from the Gettys
Before You Begin

Part 1: Songs of Comfort
Be Still My Soul
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Abide with Me
It Is Well with My Soul
Come, Ye Disconsolate
Wonderful Peace
Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right
Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting

Part 2: Songs of Strength
O Church, Arise
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)?
Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Faith Is the Victory

Part 3: Songs of Hope
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
I Must Tell Jesus
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Standing on the Promises
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
For All the Saints
Far from My Heavenly Home
Face to Face with Christ, My Savior
When We All Get to Heaven

A Reprise
Acknowledgments: Thankful for These
Notes
More for You
Scripture Index
About Joni and Friends
About the Photography

About the author: 

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.

Endorsements:

“No one in the evangelical world has done more reading, thinking, praying, and reflecting on suffering and faith than Joni Eareckson Tada. She is always ‘must-reading,’ but this particular book is a brilliant addition to her body of work. Music sends theology deep into the heart in a unique way, and Joni’s meditations on these beautiful hymns will make them even more effective in your life. Highly recommended.”  ~Tim Keller, Pastor Emeritus, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City

“Scripture tells us to be Spirit-filled: ‘addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.’ Joni is the only person I know who actually lives this out, and she does it despite suffering more than anyone else I know. God has given Joni to the church as a gift and beautiful example of sacrificial worship. I’m so grateful that she has authored this book!”  ~Francis Chan, Crazy Love Ministries; pastor; author, Crazy Love and Letters to the Church

“Once again Joni has found a way to redeem her suffering and to do so in a way that inspires and encourages others. A gorgeous book with a deep message.”  ~Philip Yancey, author, Where the Light Fell and What's So Amazing About Grace?

“My friend Joni lives with pain in her body, a tune in her heart, and a song on her tongue. Her faithful ministry to us all comes through the songs she sings, the great example of what Ephesians 5:19 was meant to look like in us all. I aspire to become what I see in my sister. In her prolonged suffering, she worships her loving Father, to proclaim his greatness to a watching world. Joni is a miracle, a spectacle of grace. Who better to lead us through our most precious hymns for the hardest seasons of life?”  ~Tony Reinke, Senior Teacher; Host, Ask Pastor John, Desiring God

“Joni is a pillar of hope to our generation. I’m grateful for her wisdom and for her voice that cuts through the complacency and calls us to hope. This devotional collection is one you’ll reach for when you’re weary.”  ~Sandra McCracken, singer-songwriter; hymn writer; recording artist; columnist, Christianity Today; author, Send Out Your Light

“Songs of Suffering is one of those rare books that isn’t intended to be read; it’s intended to be experienced. I sang, cried, smiled, prayed, and worshiped through every page. No matter what you’re walking through, let Joni be your song leader, and your heart won’t be the same.”  ~David Platt, Pastor-Teacher, McLean Bible Church; author, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

“Where would we be without hymns? Where would we be without songs to express our sorest griefs and deepest sorrows? I hope you'll allow Joni Eareckson Tada to introduce you to some of the best and most powerful of them all, to explain how they have been a blessing and comfort to her—and to encourage you to get to know them, to commit them to memory, and to sing them before the Lord, so they can be a blessing and comfort to you as well.”  ~Tim Challies, author, Seasons of Sorrow

“If you take the time to open up this book, be warned: It will grow your faith. It will help you fall in love with Christ more, as you learn to sing hymns that will sustain you and uphold you through days of misery and suffering. I was greatly encouraged by Joni’s Songs of Suffering, and you will be too.”  ~Deepak Reju, Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC

“Joni’s gorgeous writing, as poetic as the hymns she champions and cherishes, helped me stare into the time-honored texts, many of which I’ve sung all my life, and discover depths and beauties I’d not seen before. Reading this book was truly illuminating and inspiring to my heart.”  ~Fernando Ortega, hymn writer; recording artist; worship leader

“Joni has given us a gift: to learn to sing through our sorrows and all the days of our lives. Through historical hymns and biblical reflections, we are reminded to go to our Savior, who cares for us more deeply than we could ever imagine. Join Joni and the choir of those who have gone before us to sing of the excellencies of our God. Your heart will be glad as your tongue rejoices (Ps. 16:9).”  ~Trillia Newbell, author, A Great Cloud of Witnesses; If God Is For Us; and Sacred Endurance