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Near to God: Finding Solace and Strength in Suffering

In the vast landscape of Christian literature, few books manage to weave together deep theological insight with heartfelt devotional warmth quite like “Near to God: A Devotional Bible Study of God’s Character in Our Suffering” by Dr. Lauri A. Hogle. This book is not merely a collection of reflections on suffering; it is a journey through Scripture that reveals how God draws near to His people precisely in their most painful moments.

Written with both scholarly depth and pastoral care, this 30-day devotional invites readers into a deeper understanding of God’s character—His compassion, faithfulness, sovereignty, justice, love, and presence—especially when life feels broken and confusing. Each chapter is structured around a specific attribute of God, grounded in biblical passages, and designed to guide the reader toward healing, hope, and transformation.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore each of the 30 chapters in detail, summarizing their content and highlighting the key messages Dr. Hogle seeks to convey. Whether you are walking through your own valley of suffering or seeking to better understand how God works in pain, this review aims to be both informative and encouraging.

A Deep Dive into the 30 Chapters: Unpacking God’s Character in Suffering

“Near to God” is structured into 30 distinct chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of God’s character and offering a devotional study designed to illuminate how that attribute is revealed and experienced in our suffering. While a detailed 2000-word explanation of each chapter is beyond the scope of a single review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the key themes and messages conveyed in each section, highlighting the transformative insights Hogle offers.

Part 1: God’s Sovereignty and Presence in Suffering

Chapter 1: God is Sovereign: This foundational chapter establishes God’s ultimate control over all things, even our suffering. Hogle gently challenges the notion that suffering is outside of God’s purview, encouraging readers to trust in His perfect plan, even when it is incomprehensible. The message is one of surrender and trust in a God who is always in control, even when we feel out of control.
Chapter 2: God is Omnipresent: Here, Hogle emphasizes that God is not distant or removed from our pain. He is intimately present in every tear, every ache, every moment of despair. This chapter seeks to dispel feelings of isolation and abandonment, reminding readers that they are never truly alone in their suffering.
Chapter 3: God is All-Knowing: This chapter delves into God’s perfect understanding of our suffering, even before we experience it. Hogle reassures readers that God knows their pain intimately, understands its depths, and has a purpose for it, even when that purpose is not immediately clear.
Chapter 4: God is Immutable: Highlighting God’s unchanging nature, this chapter offers a rock of stability amidst the fluctuating landscape of suffering. Hogle reminds us that God’s character, His love, and His promises remain constant, regardless of our circumstances.
Chapter 5: God is Faithful: In this chapter, Hogle focuses on God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when we falter. She encourages readers to cling to God’s promises, knowing that He will never abandon them, even in their darkest hours.

Part 2: God’s Love and Compassion in Our Pain

Chapter 6: God is Love: This chapter is a profound exploration of God’s unconditional love, demonstrating how it is most powerfully displayed in His willingness to suffer alongside us. Hogle draws parallels to Christ’s suffering, emphasizing God’s empathetic heart.
Chapter 7: God is Compassionate: Here, Hogle highlights God’s deep empathy and tender mercy towards us in our suffering. She encourages readers to lean into God’s compassion, finding solace in His understanding and care.
Chapter 8: God is Gracious: This chapter focuses on God’s unmerited favor and kindness, even when we feel undeserving. Hogle reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us through any trial.
Chapter 9: God is Merciful: Delving into God’s willingness to withhold deserved punishment and instead offer forgiveness and restoration, this chapter brings comfort to those struggling with guilt or shame in their suffering.
Chapter 10: God is Patient: In the midst of often prolonged suffering, Hogle reminds us of God’s infinite patience, His willingness to wait with us, and His perfect timing in bringing about His purposes.

Part 3: God’s Power and Provision in Adversity

Chapter 11: God is Omnipotent: This chapter reaffirms God’s absolute power and ability to intervene in our suffering. Hogle encourages readers to trust in God’s ability to bring good out of even the most seemingly hopeless situations.
Chapter 12: God is Our Provider: Here, Hogle focuses on God’s faithfulness to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual, in the midst of suffering. She encourages reliance on God as our ultimate source of provision.
Chapter 13: God is Our Healer: While acknowledging that physical healing isn’t always immediate, Hogle emphasizes God’s power to heal emotional, spiritual, and sometimes physical wounds. This chapter offers hope for restoration.
Chapter 14: God is Our Deliverer: This chapter explores God’s power to rescue us from various forms of suffering – from oppressive circumstances to spiritual bondage. Hogle highlights God’s role as our ultimate rescuer.
Chapter 15: God is Our Protector: In a world that often feels dangerous and unpredictable, Hogle reassures readers of God’s constant protection, not necessarily from all harm, but through it, safeguarding our souls.

Part 4: God’s Wisdom and Justice in Life’s Trials

Chapter 16: God is Wise: This chapter delves into God’s perfect wisdom, reminding us that even when we don’t understand His ways, His plans are always perfect and ultimately for our good. Hogle encourages trusting God’s infinite wisdom, even when our finite minds cannot comprehend.
Chapter 17: God is Just: Addressing the difficult question of injustice in suffering, Hogle affirms God’s perfect justice, assuring readers that every wrong will ultimately be made right, either in this life or the next. This brings comfort to those who feel unfairly treated.
Chapter 18: God is Holy: This chapter emphasizes God’s absolute purity and moral perfection, reminding us that even in our fallen world, God remains untainted. This attribute brings a sense of awe and reverence, even in suffering.
Chapter 19: God is Righteous: Focusing on God’s unwavering adherence to what is right, this chapter reinforces the idea that God always acts in accordance with His perfect moral character, even when His actions are painful to us.
Chapter 20: God is Truthful: In a world filled with deception and uncertainty, Hogle highlights God’s absolute truthfulness. His promises are unwavering, and His word is reliable, providing a firm foundation in suffering.

Part 5: Our Response to God’s Character in Suffering

Chapter 21: Trusting God in Suffering: This chapter moves from understanding God’s character to actively responding to it. Hogle encourages a posture of deep trust in God’s plan, even when it involves pain.
Chapter 22: Praising God in Suffering: A challenging yet profound concept, this chapter invites readers to find reasons to praise God even in their darkest moments, recognizing His unwavering goodness.
Chapter 23: Praying to God in Suffering: Hogle emphasizes the vital role of prayer as a means of connecting with God, expressing our pain, and receiving strength and guidance.
Chapter 24: Waiting on God in Suffering: This chapter addresses the often difficult period of waiting for God’s intervention, encouraging patience and perseverance, trusting in His perfect timing.
Chapter 25: Learning from God in Suffering: Hogle encourages readers to see suffering as a classroom, an opportunity for spiritual growth, and a means of gaining deeper insight into God’s character and purpose.

Part 6: The Transformative Power of Suffering in God’s Hands

Chapter 26: God Refines Us Through Suffering: This chapter focuses on the purifying and refining work God accomplishes in our lives through trials, shaping us into the image of Christ.
Chapter 27: God Comforts Us in Suffering: While acknowledging the pain, Hogle highlights God’s profound comfort and solace that are available to us, often through His Spirit and His people.
Chapter 28: God Uses Our Suffering for His Glory: This chapter shifts the focus outward, demonstrating how our suffering, when surrendered to God, can be used to bring glory to Him and to minister to others.
Chapter 29: God Gives Us Hope in Suffering: This powerful chapter centers on the enduring hope found in Christ, even in the midst of the most profound despair, reminding us of eternal perspective.
Chapter 30: God Draws Us Nearer Through Suffering: The culminating chapter brings the entire journey full circle, reaffirming the central message: that suffering, in God’s hands, is a powerful catalyst for drawing us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. It is in our weakness that His strength is made perfect, and it is in our pain that we truly discover how “Near to God” we can be.

The Author’s Intent: Equipping and Empowering Through Empathy and Scripture

Lauri A. Hogle PhD’s primary intention in writing “Near to God” is multi-faceted.

Firstly, she aims to provide a biblically sound framework for understanding suffering. She meticulously grounds every concept in scripture, offering not just her own opinions but the timeless truths of God’s Word. This commitment to biblical fidelity makes the book a trustworthy guide for those seeking answers in their pain.
Secondly, Hogle seeks to cultivate empathy and compassion for those who are suffering. While she provides theological explanations, her tone is consistently gentle, understanding, and validating. She acknowledges the rawness of pain and avoids offering simplistic platitudes. This empathetic approach makes the book feel like a trusted companion rather than a distant lecturer.
Thirdly, she intends to empower believers to navigate their suffering with faith and resilience. By helping readers understand God’s character more deeply, she equips them with the spiritual tools to face adversity, not with despair, but with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The devotional format encourages active engagement, transforming passive readers into active participants in their spiritual growth.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Hogle’s ultimate goal is to draw readers nearer to God. She believes that true comfort and lasting peace in suffering are found not in the absence of pain, but in the intimate presence of God within it. Each chapter, each reflection, each prayer is meticulously designed to foster a deeper, more personal relationship with the Divine, demonstrating that even in our darkest moments, God is indeed “Near to God.”

Why “Near to God” Resonates in Today’s World

In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges – from pandemics and economic instability to personal anxieties and health crises – the themes explored in “Near to God” are more relevant than ever. Many individuals are experiencing heightened levels of stress, grief, and uncertainty, often leading to spiritual questioning and a sense of disillusionment. Hogle’s book offers a much-needed antidote to these feelings, providing:

A Theological Anchor: For those whose faith feels adrift amidst suffering, the book offers a solid, biblical anchor, reaffirming God’s unchanging character and unwavering presence.
Practical Guidance: It’s not just theory; the devotional format provides actionable steps for engaging with scripture and applying biblical truths to personal pain.
Hope and Perspective: By reframing suffering as a potential pathway to deeper intimacy with God, the book instills hope and helps readers gain an eternal perspective on their temporary trials.
Validation of Experience: Hogle acknowledges the reality and often overwhelming nature of suffering, validating readers’ feelings without minimizing their pain. This fosters trust and openness.
A Call to Deeper Relationship: Ultimately, the book is a powerful invitation to move beyond a superficial understanding of God and to truly know Him in the crucible of life’s challenges.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

“Near to God: A Devotional Bible Study of God’s Character in Our Suffering” by Dr. Lauri A. Hogle is a must-read for anyone navigating the complexities of pain with faith. It doesn’t offer easy answers or clichéd solutions, but instead invites readers into a deeper encounter with a God who is loving, faithful, and present—even in the darkest valleys.

Through each chapter, Hogle gently leads readers to discover that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but often the very place where His presence is most profoundly known. Her writing is both intellectually sound and emotionally resonant, making this book a valuable companion for anyone seeking comfort, clarity, and connection with God.

Whether you’re walking through personal loss, chronic illness, relational struggles, or simply seeking a closer walk with the Lord, this devotional will encourage you to draw near to God—and find Him drawing near to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this book suitable for someone not currently in a season of suffering?

Yes! While the book was written with those in suffering in mind, it is also a profound exploration of God’s character that benefits every believer. Understanding God’s nature prepares us for future trials and deepens our current walk with Him.

Q: Can this be used for group study?

Absolutely. Each chapter ends with reflection questions and a prayer, making it ideal for small groups, Bible studies, or counseling sessions.

Q: How long should I spend per chapter?

Each chapter is designed to be read in one sitting, followed by time in prayer and reflection. You can easily complete the book in 30 days, or stretch it out over a longer period for deeper engagement.

Q: Does the author have other books?

Dr. Lauri A. Hogle is a respected theologian and author. Check her website or Amazon page for more titles related to Christian living, theology, and spirituality.

Conclusion

In “Near to God,” Dr. Lauri A. Hogle crafts a beautiful tapestry of Scripture, theology, and devotion that speaks directly to the hurting heart. By grounding each chapter in God’s character, she reminds readers that suffering is not meaningless, but a sacred space where God reveals Himself in new and powerful ways.

If you’re longing for hope, healing, or a fresh encounter with God’s presence, this book is a gift waiting for you. Open its pages, let God speak, and prepare to draw nearer to Him than ever before.