What can you say when you’ve lost a son? In Seasons of Sorrow, Tim Challies tells of both the pain of loss and the comfort of God.
Towards the end of 2020, 20-year-old Nick Challies passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. His father, blogger and author Tim Challies, found himself grieving while given to the amazing truth that God is still good. Reading like a journal, Seasons of Sorrow documents Challies’ journey of the first year without his son.
Gospel Clarity
The 220-page book is divided by the four seasons, with cutting emotion and Gospel-clarity throughout each section. The book begins in Fall, and I was struck with Challies’ frequent use of the word “realities.” He speaks of the reality of Nick being asleep while his soul is awake and the reality of the Christian life being a mix of joy and sorrow. Challies’ faith is on full display, challenged, and refined.
What I appreciated most was Challies’ simple honesty. The pages are filled with hope, but Challies acknowledges that there is sometimes doubt in his mind. In the Winter section, he admits that while his confession would have him believe that Nick is ready and waiting for him in Heaven, he does not believe as much as he would like to. He sometimes feels like he has to force himself to believe. God’s words ring out throughout this book, but here it seems especially strong. Challies reminds us to go to God by reciting a short and simple, yet significant prayer in the Bible: “Lord Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief!”
Stronger Faith
The Spring season brought further changes for the Challies family, and they were challenged as well. From the physical changing of Nick’s old room, to the more intangible changes in Challies’ biography — the transitions came with the weight of reality. He writes that his challenge is to trust God for his son in the same way that he trusts a farmer for his food. For those who are currently journeying through sorrow, this book will spur you on to stronger faith.
The book ends in Summer, a season for courage and confidence. There is courage to face the challenges ahead, and confidence that God will supply his strength. This book will move you to tears, but you will also be moved to trust. While Challies’ skills as a writer are showcased throughout, it is his faith and belief in a sovereign God that stand out. Challies has written his words, and he places his trust in the Living Word.
Everlasting Joy
I’ve been reading Challies’ words for a very long time. From his blog to his books, when it comes to writing —he is one of my heroes. After reading this book, I simply thank God for his faith. I am resolved to better love my kids. I am encouraged to live every second, every minute, every hour, and every day for the Lord. And I am reminded that our earthly sorrow is just for a season. The ransomed shall return with singing. Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. They shall obtain gladness and joy. And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
I received a media copy of Seasons of Sorrow and this is my honest review. The author also provides several free resources to accompany his book: Seasons of Sorrow Application Questions & Group Study Guide (PDF), A Letter to Parents who have lost a child, and Helpful Things To Say To Grieving Parents. You can also read If God Would Outsource His Sovereignty.