Book Review: Finding God in the Hard Times by Matt and Beth Redman

Suffering is inevitable. Suffering comes in various forms. It comes in the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, persecution, and even getting a call from a doctor that leaves you and your family wondering where is God is all of this. The book of Job is about a man who suffered at the hands of Satan. In the midst of his suffering, we see him crying out to God in worship, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).

Back in 2002, Matt Redman released a worship song called, Blessed Be Your Name, which has been sung in the church for over the past decade. This song is declaration that God's name is to be praise when we are having moments of blessing or moments of suffering. Matt and his wife, Beth, have written a book that breaks down portions of that song for their readers called, Finding God in the Hard Times.

This book was originally titled, Blessed Be Your Name, which obviously was the same as Matt's popular worship song. Matt and Beth not only tell their own personal stories of heartache and suffering but others as well. Some stories mention how Matt's song has ministered to them during their time of suffering. This book is about how Christians can praise the Lord even when times are hard and there is seems to be no end in sight.

Matt Redman's music has always blessed my heart as I listen to and sing his songs. I appreciate the Redmans opening up about their stories of suffering during their marriage even before they knew each other. It is a simple book that can be given to someone going through a hard time.

Thanks Bethany House for letting me review this book.