When you hurt, what does it mean for your faith?

Too often church culture and religious individuals suggest that emotional pain shows lack of faith or sin against a punitive God. How ironic—Jesus suffered loneliness, misunderstanding, persecution, and death to meet us at the lowest places and lift us to hope and life with his resurrection.

Reframing apparent defeat as the first step in a life of purpose, this book shows how Jesus's blessings, the Beatitudes, address the paradox of living through suffering on the way to joy. When you feel depressed and anxious or unworthy or ashamed, this book helps you recognize and accept God's love as Jesus meets you in your suffering. It will help you hear Jesus's affirmation that you make a difference even when you feel unworthy of discipleship.

This vital resource features engaging spiritual and devotional practices and group discussion questions ideal for use by individuals on their own, in counseling or in groups. Christians and seekers in emotional pain, as well as counselors, clergy, spiritual directors, Stephen ministers, and family members will gain needed insight and guidance for the spiritual journey through suffering. Listeners will discover how Jesus's blessings convert emotional suffering from a source of shame to a resource for faith.