The Problem of Life

How to Find Identity, Purpose, and Joy in a Disenchanted World

De: Mark Clark

Narrado por: Mark Clark

Read by the author.

Compelling answers to your biggest questions about life.

The Western world faces unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Despite advancements in wealth, knowledge, and longevity of life, many feel their lives lack significance, leading to a deep longing for fulfillment and happiness.

In The Problem of Life, author Mark Clark recounts a pivotal moment when he mistakenly informed a woman of her husband's death. This profound mistake taught him invaluable lessons about existence and purpose. He argues that our relentless pursuit of money, family, and friendships—while important—often distract us from what truly matters, leaving us disenchanted.

What if we could address this inner ache? What if we could discover our true place in the world?

In this final book of a trilogy which began with The Problem of God, Clark presents 11 practical principles to help us flourish. He explores foundational topics like our origins, identity, and the meaning of suffering while drawing from biblical theology, psychology, and engaging stories, like:

• His battle with Tourette Syndrome and how it made him a better preacher and person.
• How he accidentally saved a woman from killing herself.
• Why scientists and tennis players agree that the cultural conversation about gender is all backward.
• Why your view on Sea World may predict your level of anxiety.
• What the dramatic events surrounding a false missile alert in Hawaii in 2018 have to do with you.

The Problem of Life illustrates how we may be looking in all the wrong places for joy, contentment, and satisfaction and points us toward God as the remedy for our brokenness.

©2025 Mark Clark (P)2025 Zondervan

Fantastic book

Mark Clark’s The Problem of Life is one of those rare books that makes you think deeply while also giving you practical steps to change your life. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like Who am I? Why am I here? Why does life feel so hard?—this book is for you.

Clark doesn’t just throw out abstract ideas; he shares real, raw stories from his own life—like a moment where he mistakenly told someone their husband had died—to show how we all struggle to find meaning. He also opens up about his Tourette Syndrome and how something he once saw as a weakness actually made him a better communicator and leader. His honesty makes the book feel like a conversation with a friend rather than a lecture.

What makes this book so practical is Clark’s 11 principles for a thriving life. He tackles big issues—identity, suffering, success, and even modern cultural debates—but he always brings it back to what this means for you. Whether he’s talking about the anxiety epidemic, social media’s impact, or why our pursuit of happiness often leaves us empty, he offers biblical wisdom and actionable steps to help you live with more joy and purpose.

If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perspective while giving you real tools to navigate life, The Problem of Life is a must-read. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and—most importantly—deeply helpful.

Great Read! Inspiring!!

Love the ability to relate to the problems of life and hear others including Pastors also get hit hard

Everything was covered

This is my favorite book of the three that he wrote in the problem series. I know this book will help so many who have questions about these major social issues and what God’s Word says about them. He explains them in a way that elevates your understanding of such complex and sensitive issues, while staying true to God’s Word in how to navigate them.

Excellent read

Mark Clark once again finds a way to communicate the “soulish” things that I have only ever felt and not been able to describe. He has a way of making God feel tangible in this world. Reminding us how incredibly far our God has and will go to pursue us. That God wants us to experience joy in this life and for eternity with Him. It’s always been the goal. I highly recommend this read to anyone, but especially to those who strongly feel the void of living in a broken world where we don’t belong.

Marks ability to convey his message

Mark, with every book you write I am given answers to many of my questions. With your brilliance I am also given many more questions. Thank you for all you do. Honored to be able to listen and learn from you at Bayside.

The Problem of Life

I loved this book and Sunday sermons with Mark. He puts things in perspective and shares what's hard to admit about life; it's also hilarious and relatable. It can be too convicting at times, I felt seen every chapter, timely. A fantastic book, I'll read/listen to again for sure!

A Modern Day Mere Christianity

FCS Lewis was riding gear Christianity to a bunch of soldiers during war. In this book is that for today’s intellectual and curious of thought. The stories, quotes and research that went into this book are profound. This will be a recommendation to anybody who is asking questions about faith and or Christianity.

A changed life

To say that Mark does a good job exploring the problem and joys and pitfalls of life is an understatement. This book will do more than just change your life, it’ll point you to the one who will change your eternity. You were meant for more than picking blackberries! 10/10 Mark!

Great read for those struggling to find meaning in a world the idolizes the meaningless

The prose in this book are beautiful, and truly capture the majesty and love that can’t help but overflow from a person that has made following God his primary purpose in life. It starts strong and ends even stronger, and does a great job of speaking to the naturalist marred in depression, but not such a good job speaking to the Christian who has finds themselves in the same spot- but maybe that’s a book for another day!

Such an encouraging view of life and death!

I chose to listen to this book a month after the striking news of Stage 4 metastatic cancer of my husband, my wonderful life partner! This was a hopeful and precious gift of God!