Name: When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

Are you feeling despondent, depressed, or discouraged? When we encounter severe trials and suffering, we are often tempted to think that our situation is somehow out of God’s hands. In these dark times, God seems silent, and we feel isolated, confused, and alone. Everyone experiences suffering; even the biblical writers expressed anguish at times. This emotion is clearly captured in the Psalms. Through these brief meditations on Psalms 88 and 89, Ligon Duncan shows us how to respond to our own suffering with the assurance of our heavenly Father’s mercy, which sustains us even in the darkest circumstances.

Title

When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent
Author(s)

Ligon Duncan
ISBN

9781433569050
Format

Paperback
Publisher

Crossway
Topic

Prayer, Suffering & Loss
Bible Book

Psalms
Audience

Adults
Pages

64
Published

04/01/2020

Ligon Duncan

Jennings Ligon Duncan III is an American Presbyterian scholar and pastor.

See other titles by this author

Overall rating

4.0 based on 1 review

Facing Suffering with Faith and Lament

The book draws heavily on Psalm 88 and the example of Heman the Ezrahite. Duncan shows that grief, despair, and lament are normal parts of the Christian life. He reminds readers that trials do not negate God’s love and that even in our darkest moments, Christ’s suffering points the way to hope and redemption. Theologically rich, the book highlights John Calvin’s insight that the Psalms are the “anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul.” Duncan repeatedly emphasises that we interpret our circumstances in light of God’s character, not the other way around, and that trials can deepen our dependence on Him. His reflections encourage believers to approach suffering with honesty, trust, and faith rather than bitterness or despair. For those seeking Scripture-based insight and pastoral perspective, it is profound and comforting. The book is an honest, challenging, and encouraging read for any Christian wanting to face suffering with faith and hope.