203: Joni Eareckson Tada | Songs of Suffering & Hymns of Hope

Joni Eareckson Tada | Songs of Suffering & Hymns of Hope

Joni Eareckson Tada is CEO of Joni and Friends, a global ministry that serves the practical and spiritual needs of people with disabilities.

She is also an artist and the author of numerous bestselling books, including Joni; A Place of Healing; and When God Weeps.

Joni and her husband, Ken, reside in Calabasas, California.

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Joni Eareckson Tada and Amber discuss how robust hymns of the faith “stokes her hope” during periods of intense pain and suffering.

Questions Discussed During Songs of Suffering & Hymns of Hope:

Having lived as a quadriplegic for over 50 years, how would you say your view of suffering and our suffering Christ has changed?
When it comes to spiritual disciplines and daily rhythms, what have been some of your anchors?
You’ve recently released Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls in which you write, “The song must possess enough spiritual muscle to barge into my soul and shake awake a hopeful response. It must be a hymn whose lyrics raise me onto a different plane spiritually.” Flesh that out a bit for us and maybe share a few examples.
I am going to share a few Hymn titles from your book. Share the first few thoughts that come to mind when you hear the title:
1. It Is Well With My Soul
2. Where You There (When They Crucified My Lord)?
3. When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
4. Standing On The Promises
5. When We All Get To Heaven
In the midst of breathing problems, breast cancer, and chronic pain, how do you strengthen yourself with Jesus’ example in the upper room?
Let’s close with the work you have and continue to do to improve the lives of those living with disabilities. You’ve said, “people living with disabilities need more than just smooth sidewalks, lowered drinking fountains, and exit ramps.” What else do they need and how are you on the front lines of those efforts?

Songs of Suffering & Hymns of Hope Quotes to Remember:

“There comes a time after you have suffered a long while when you realize that your afflictions are not primarily about you. Instead, they help you resonate with Christ. Your afflictions help you appreciate Him and the pain he went through.”

“I need anchors that really keep my emotions from dragging me down that dark path to depression and so I memorize scripture….I also memorize stanzas of great hymns of the faith.”

“I’ve gotta stoke my hope. I’ve got to keep my hopes bright. I’ve gotta learn how to rejoice in hope as Romans 12 says. So, I make it my aim to enlarge my soul with these robust hymns, to make it roomier, to make it bigger for Christ.”

“Hymns that convey an elevated, glorious, big view of God help bolster my hope.”

“When you’re in a brain fog and you can’t seem to get the grammatical structure straight in your head, or you find your heart wandering in prayer, then make your hymnal your prayer book.”

“We are so quick to turn our frustrations into complaints, into angry resentments…We become very inward when we do that, but instead, turn your heartbreak, your sorrow, your anguish Godward.”

“People need Jesus, no matter what their condition.”

“I just wanna squeeze every single ounce of effort out of this paralyzed body that I possibly can to see that other people with disabilities hear the good news of Jesus.”