Category: Counseling

When The Darkness Will Not Lift

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When The Darkness Will Not Lift

I haven’t posted on this yet, but last week I received John Piper’s latest book from the folks at Desiring God, entitled “When The Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait For God — And Joy.”

Even though it comes in a mere 79 pages, it is full of great insight and advice about how we can fight the battle daily for joy and how to encourage and minister to those around us who are battling depression. The book comes from a chapter in Piper’s “When I Don’t Desire God,” which is another excellent treatment of this subject.

I received the book in the mail and sat down and read it in an afternoon. I am not a fast reader by any means but this book is very easy to read and is something I would return to often for words of wisdom and would highly recommend it for passing along to those who are hurting. Piper acknowledges that this book’s intent is not to be an exhaustive treatment of this subject — he lists several good books for those who wish to read more to explore — yet he gives good counsel in just a short number of pages.

This is an area where many of us have struggled. It is good to be able to have a book like this from one of our top Christian authors as a resource.

Taking hold of hope

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John Piper writes at Desiring God about John Newton and how he ministered to those who struggled with depression. Newton, some of you may recall, is best known for writing “Amazing Grace.” It is through his own experience and the grace he found through Jesus Christ that he was a great encouragement to many. I would encourage you to spend a few minutes reading about this man’s great testimony to God’s love.

I have experienced dark seasons and know what it feels like. But, because of God’s goodness, I have found relief in scriptures like II Corinthians 7:6 and reading about the lives of saints like John Newton, David Brainerd and countless other who struggled with depression. But it not good enough to be comforted in myself and be done with it. For that reason, I have decided to share some of the good things I have found in order to help others, like myself, who are fighting this battle.

Here’s to your health and God’s goodness.