Our congregation has lately been in an unusual season of suffering. Generally, I have found that my desire to comfort people who are suffering usually outstrips my natural ability to do so.  But with time and experience and God’s grace I’ve grown in this area. 

Here is a list (in no order and admittedly anecdotal) of a few resources that have been particularly useful to me as I’ve sought to help bring God’s truth to bear on people who are hurting:

1.   My God Is True! Lessons Learned Along Cancer's Dark Road by Paul Wolfe

Wolfe (a PCA pastor not to far from where I minister) is a cancer survivor.  He speaks with the credibility of one who has suffered and does an excellent job of balancing sensitivity and truth.

2.   Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions by John Donne

In 1624 Donne lay on what he thought was his deathbed.  Still reeling from the recent deaths of family and friends, Donne turned his brilliant pen to the subject of death and dying:

Each man's death diminishes me,

For I am involved in mankind.

Therefore, send not to know

For whom the bell tolls,

It tolls for thee.

3.   Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by John Piper and Justin Taylor (eds.)

This is a very helpful volume of applied theology.  It looks at suffering in many forms and brings the truths of Scripture to bear on them with personal testimony, pastoral wisdom and grace.

4.   Conduct Gospel-centered Funerals: Applying the Gospel at the Unique Challenges of Death by Brian Croft and Phil Newton

This is a very detailed, practical advice on conducting funerals well.  It’s great for new pastors who have questions about the logistics of leading a family through the process of planning a funeral.

5.   The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes

This isn’t a book about suffering, per se.  But it holds up the grace, mercy and compassion of Christ in a marvelous way.  And isn’t that what people need to see when they are going through trials?

6.    How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil by D.A. Carson

This book is more doctrinal than pastoral (though pastoral reflections are included at the end).  It’s very helpful for someone wrestling with the way that suffering and evil fit into the story line of the Bible and the plan of God.