When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture by Mark Talbot

When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture (Crossway, 2020). 

In this volume, Mark Talbot offers a pastoral and theological framework for understanding and enduring profound suffering. Talbot reflects that in moments of deep distress, when personal and general narratives that give life meaning seem to collapse, believers can find solace and hope in the stories of suffering saints found in Scripture. These biblical accounts are not mere historical records but are intentionally included to guide and sustain believers through their darkest times. 

The central metaphor of the book is the disappearance of stars, representing the loss of guiding beliefs and hope in the face of overwhelming pain. Talbot suggests that just as the stars have not actually vanished from the sky when obscured by clouds, God's steadfast love and care remain constant even when they are difficult to perceive. As he reflects, "Even if we lose our bearings we shouldn’t conclude that God has lost his" (21). 

Talbot specifically examines the narratives of Naomi, Job, and Jeremiah. These are case studies of faithful individuals who grappled with immense hardship. Through their experiences of loss, physical agony, and emotional despair, Talbot illustrates that suffering is a real and often bewildering part of the Christian life. 

However, by examining the entirety of their stories, including the aftermath of their trials, Talbot emphasizes God's ultimate faithfulness and his ability to bring his people through even the most devastating circumstances. The book encourages readers to be honest with God about their pain, much like the psalmists of lament, and to anchor their hope in God's character, particularly his chesed, or steadfast love, which is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative.

Overall, Talbot's volume validates the real and often overwhelming nature of pain while simultaneously pointing to a robust, scripturally-grounded hope. Its use of biblical categories, particularly the concept of God's steadfast love (chesed) and the psalms of lament, provide a solid theological foundation for readers to build their trust in God amidst trials. The tone of the book is consistently positive and encouraging, not in a way that minimizes suffering, but by gently and persuasively reminding the reader of God's ultimate sovereignty and benevolent purposes, thereby offering a sustaining and hopeful perspective for those navigating their own periods of darkness.

Another worthwhile feature of the book is that Talbot shares some of his personal story of pain and loss (he was paralyzed when he was young) and writes from a posture of one who has felt deeply both the pain of this world and the hope of God's lovingkindness. 

Some Notes:

• See details of this volume and future plans for the series this volume is a part of. Cf. my goodreads & reviews of volumes in the ESV Commentary series; Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.