New Growth Press has published a new book called A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing, written by Pastor Paul Tautges. In this (actually small in size) book, Tautges provides 50 devotionals that are filled with help, hope, and encouragement. The book is intended to be read on a daily basis for 50 days. If one chooses to approach the book in that manner, then the daily reading is only 3 pages long (which would probably be about one page long in a book that is bigger in size).
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A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing
I absolutely loved this book! Let me begin with the format. I love these devotional books that are becoming more and more popular. Many people will not read a book in order to deal with a hurting heart (or any issue). Perhaps the size of books can be intimidating. A book like this, however, is very easy to work through. Most people feel like they can read one page a day for 50 days. It’s not much to read at all. Each chapter is a day, and the day is referenced at the top of the page (Day X). Underneath the day is a title, such as “God Speaks Life” and underneath that is a verse of God’s Word. Tautges then provides a short devotional based upon that verse.
Please understand this: though each day’s reading is very short, it is incredibly powerful! Tautges proves to be a wise counselor/pastor in this book. Each page is saturated with counsel that is centered upon God and His Word! Every single page has a Scripture reference on it, and every day Tautges is sure to provide hope by pointing to the Lord. In addition to that, Tautges also understands the nature of loss, grief, and healing. He enters into the suffering with you. He is honest and real. He is never talking down at the reader, but he is always crawling into the pit with the reader. He is a true comforter and friend. He will indeed challenge and push at times, but this is always done gently and for your good.
Here are some of the topics that Tautges touches on in this book:
- God is near
- Blessed are those who mourn
- Grieve and worship
- How long does grieving take?
- The power of counting it all joy
- Throne of grace
- God’s love will never let you go
- God has not forgotten
- Joy is coming
- Together forever
- Comfort others
These readings are meant to be mediations, which means that it is ok (in fact, a good thing) to only read one day at time. Allow the verse(s) to sink deep into your mind and your heart. This book will bring you comfort, hope, and encouragement! You will find healing for your soul as Tautges points you to the Lord and the Word of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes everything, including how we handle loss. Not to mention that it changes us in the process of handling loss.
Tautges has done the church a great service by writing this little, impactful book! I hope that this book makes its way onto the bookshelves of every Christian. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Tolle lege, take up and read!
My thanks to New Growth Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Other Reviews of New Growth Press Books:
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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