Book Review: The Hidden Smile of God by John Piper

July 24, 2006 Posted by Roger Overton

The Hidden Smile of God is Book Two of John Piper’s series The Swans are Not Silent. Each volume collects three biographical messages Piper’s given on historical figures in the Christian faith. In this volume, Piper expounds on the afflicted lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd and explains how their suffering can help us today.

John Bunyan is most famous for his book The Pilgrim’s Progress, though many are also familiar with his biographical Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. Living in England in the 17^th century, Bunyan saw times of religious freedom and religious persecution. Due to his commitment to his faith, he was imprisoned for twelve years away from his wife and children.

While most of us have heard of John Newton (author of Amazing Grace), few of us have heard of his friend William Cowper. They both lost their mothers at age six, but Cowper also suffered from not having a father who loved him properly. Though his poetic gift resulted in some beautiful hymns, he suffered from severe depression and attempted suicide numerous times throughout his life.

Piper claims that Jonathan Edwards’ biography of David Brainerd “has inspired more missionary service, perhaps, then any other book outside the Bible.” (13) Failing to succeed at Yale, Brainerd looked to opportunities aside from education in which to serve God. He found his calling in evangelizing Indians, a service he recounted as incredibly lonely in his diary. Though his lonely depression was difficult, his battle with tuberculosis was his most costly challenge and it took his life at only twenty-nine years of age.

The Hidden Smile of God is a great opportunity to learn about three men I knew very little of through the helpful pen of John Piper. As usual, Piper’s insights are thoughtful and immensely practical. I particularly benefited from his reflections on four points Bunyan made about suffering: “God has appointed who shall suffer… when they shall suffer… where this, that or the other good man shall suffer… and what kind of sufferings this or that saint shall undergo.” (68-70) Through all our sufferings, be they external, physical, or mental William Cowper reminds us, “Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.” (80)