Have you experienced suffering? Are you currently suffering? Do you know someone who is suffering? Then this book will serve you well. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, written by Mark Vroegop is a needed work, born from pain during a season of suffering for him and his wife following the stillbirth of his daughter, Sylvia. During this time of suffering, Vroegop realized that many Christians are unfamiliar with the gift of lament. Through real stories of suffering, faithful use of scripture, and a warm pastoral tone, the book wonderfully teaches the purpose and practice of lament.

The book is divided into three major sections. Part 1, “Learning to Lament” uses Psalms of lament, to show us how the Bible instructs us to lament. Part 2, “Learning from Lament” surveys the book of Lamentations to understand the lessons that lament teaches. Finally, Part 3, “Living with Lament” provides practical application of how lament can be both personal and corporate.

I highly recommend this book as a useful tool for those experiencing suffering or walking alongside someone who is suffering. Even if you don’t fall into either of these categories, due to the results of the fall on our broken world, it is only a matter of time before this book becomes a helpful preparation tool or resource, as we wait for King Jesus to make all things new, doing away with the need for lament.

It's available in our bookstall, but you can buy it here.