Cuando no se disipan las tinieblas

by John Piper (Adapter)

John Piper ansía ofrecer consuelo y orientación a las personas que sufren de depresión y oscuridad espiritual. Incluso los creyentes más fieles pueden pasar por períodos de depresión y oscuridad espiritual cuando la dicha parece estar fuera de su alcance. El autor usa ejemplos de la vida real y sensibles narraciones para mostrar al lector cómo confiar en que Dios lo sacará del hoyo de la desesperación hacia la luz.. [John Piper aims to give comfort and guidance for those experiencing depression and spiritual darkness. Even the most faithful can encounter periods of depression and spiritual darkness when joy seems to stay out of reach. Piper uses real-life examples and sensitive narrative to show readers how to have faith that God will pull them out of the pit of despair and into the light once again.]

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Counselling, Faith

96 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2006

About the author

John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.

John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Rick Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally love John Piper, and this book did have some good stuff in it. The first and last chapter are good. However, I don't think there is any way I would ever recommend this book to someone suffering from depression. I know that it's not Piper's intention, and a non-depressed person reading it would probably understand where he's coming from just fine, but the way he approaches the subject leads me to believe that a depressed person reading this book would feel condemned and beaten down. Not helpful in that regard.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike the cancer book, this one does apply specifically to me. I don't know if I agree with everything Piper says here, but he writes with such gentleness and such careful attention to biblical truth and the wisdom of the saints of the past that I found a great deal of comfort here. I listened to most of it last night, and when I woke up in the wee hours, was able to open my prayer app and pray through my list with greater peace and trust than I've been able to muster for months. His demeanor modeled and communicated God's care in a way that brought relief from a long sense of God's being exasperated with me that has made prayer and assurance of forgiveness nigh unto impossible. I don't know if the relief will last, but even this one day has been a blessed balm.

The reader was not my favorite.

[Shawn McCool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic, and beautifully written. There is joy in sorrow!

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensável para crentes que sofrem com depressão ou pessoas que estão ao redor.

[Jamie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few thoughts on this book. I like how this is a very short book. Depressed people are not highly motivated people so that was a good idea to keep it brief. I am grateful he spoke of repentance of sin as a potential way of restoring joy. I also think it is important to know that depression could be a satanic attack, but to remember that God only allows Satan to do what he permits. We can cry out to Him. I am VERY grateful that Piper does not dismiss the idea that depression is always caused by unrepentance and Satan; That it can be physical and that there are times when antidepressants are the right choice. At the Fall, sin and sickness entered humanity. Just as other parts of our body can get sick, so can our minds. Whether it is hereditary or an overwhelming amount of stress may have triggered it. It is such a misunderstood and controversial topic in churches but it is important to realize that the body mind and spirit all affect one another, whether for good or for bad. I do wish he had spoke a bit about prayer for healing, verses on healing etc. It may not be God’s will to miraculously heal, but I think our current reformed churches forget that He can! Too afraid of sounding charismatic I guess.

I also am grateful that he points out that while sin may not have caused the depression, depression often brings about the sin of idleness and joylessness and while we may not be able to regain our joy right away, for one reason or another, we should try not to remain idle. Get out of bed, make a sandwich, sweep the floor, meet a friend, share the gospel, serve someone, bless someone, saturate yourself in scripture, truth and godly counsel. Obviously he is not saying there is no time for rest, but don’t allow depression to completely freeze you from doing life. Even if your faith and joy are diminished, they are still there. God chose you and will not forsake you and is walking through the darkness with you.

He later speaks of the friendship of William Cowper and John newton. Newton was faithful to his Christian brother and friend, despite his dark, ongoing depression and even suicidal attempts. It is important to have support from godly friends in dark times. Cowper wrote some amazing hymns and if he hadn’t walked that road, those probably wouldn’t exist. Sadly the depression was with him until his death. Depression may or may not leave us in this life. But it doesn’t mean we are of no value to the advancement of the Kingdom while we are here. Even though it is easy, when depressed, to only see our failures and wonder if we are cut out for life, Piper suggests we can continue the great commission and it may even be what brings about our joy. I do think Piper says some hard truths but in a very gentle way. I appreciate that. I think there are other points that could have been made in regards to suicide, but I imagine he didn’t want to address it with an audience who may take his words of encouragement as license. I think much more could have been said on the topic but it wasn’t supposed to be an in depth study but a little book of encouragement to those suffering from depression and he did just that.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revisited this again tonight as someone close to me has entered the same valley I was in when I first read it. It was used by God to save my life and sustain my faith and it remains a jewel of grace for the struggling Christian.

[Erin McCool · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much emphasis on the grace and forgiveness of Jesus when we’re in darkness, grateful for that 🥹 read in like an hour and it totally ministered to my heart

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that he admits that not all depression is a spiritual problem. Some is physical and requires medication, however that is not where we should immediately turn. I'm glad the book mentioned degrees of faith. Sometimes our faith gets so small that we don't feel saved. I struggled with that for years. I have learned that it is not our faith that saves us; it is the object of our faith. If we depended on having enough faith to feel saved it would be salvation based on works. I like how he reminded me of David and his ups and downs. Everyone struggles with periods of spiritual darkness at some point in their lives to various degrees. The book talks about how sometimes we are so overcome that we don't want to get out of bed and do our jobs. He says we need to get up and do what we need to do while preaching the gospel to ourselves confessing our lack of joy. "Thanksgiving with the mouth stirs up thankfulness in the heart."

[Autumn Cockrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small but powerful book to read if you suffer from depression or love someone who does. Highly recommend.

[Kate Salvatore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so grateful I found this book while I'm actually experiencing some 'sub symptoms depression' which in this book or a Christian called 'spiritual darkness', and I'm so agree with that. When someone in a sorrow we tends to focus on our very own and forgot what God can do and turn it for us. In this book also mentioned good testimonies but somehow a few examples still live in depression but God sent someone to lead them along the journey. If you found yourself have doubt in yr spiritual journey or feel uneasy to relieve in real life, this light yet profound book might help especially for a Christian.

[Autumn Slaght · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, when I ordered this book, I did not expect it to be this short. Depression and spiritual darkness is such a heavy, popular and wide-spread topic that I expected a three-hundred page book about it. While John Piper did say that this was a little, oh, I guess you can say epilogue of one of his other books, I was still surprised. But I was not in the least bit disappointed. For in these few 80 pages, I felt it touch my heart.
The gentleness and the kindness is between every line and in every word of this book for those who are dealing with melancholy, depression, spiritual darkness, who are fighting for joy. It is an encouraging approach to a delicate issue. Honestly, it's probably the most inspiring word I've read on the topic. So many books that I've read regarding depression, the fight for joy, etc. All say the same thing, but really offer no hope or help for those of us who are still in the fog. Sure, it's great to know that we're not alone, but what can we do to climb out of this? In this small little book, John Piper goes over what could be causing spiritual darkness and how to get to the bottom of it, how important an attitude of gratefulness is. One of the things that really meant a lot to me is that he never once said that it was wrong for a Christian to be experiencing depression. He understands that it's something we can go through and does not condemn us for it.
This book is not a step-by-step program to overcome depression. No certain amount of number of steps to freedom from the darkness. But, just like it says in the title, we are doing what we can while we wait for God, and for joy and it really helped me keep my eyes on Him. Thank you, John Piper, and I will be reading this book again.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating little book, and I agree with the remedy he gives for people who are distressed. We need to get our eyes off ourselves and onto others. Taking an interest in others, Christians and the unsaved will bring joy to a depressed heart. We were born in sin, so it is natural to be self-centered. When we get saved, God wants us to think of others and to take an interest in others. This is the way that we can defeat depression. Believe me, there are many other self-centered people that need us to take an interest in them. And when we do, you will be surprised that helping others enables us to keep from being depressed and to develop joy in our own hearts. Plus if the person is unsaved and gets saved, that is a time of rejoicing.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduction to a Biblical view of depression in the life of a Christian. Instead of telling the suffering to "stop it!" this book briefly explores possible reasons for depression, and ends with a chapter on encouraging and loving those who are suffering, giving the example of John Newton and William Cowper: It is a great tribute to him that he did not aban­don his friendship with Cowper, though this would, no doubt, have been emotionally easy to do. Instead, there was an earnest exchange of letters for twenty years. Cowper poured out his soul to Newton as he did to no one else." Short, interesting read!

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Piper. I enjoyed this, but I do not think I would recommend it to anyone in heavy "darkness." Someone struggling with debilitating sadness may find Piper's instructions unrealistic.

He suggests to repent of "gloomy faith" and to repent of the sin of pride or self-pity at the root of it. He also states that joy is our responsibility, so maybe one should act more responsibly?

Great book for thought, and maybe some truth here, but if you're looking for an empathetic shoulder to cry on, Piper is not offering his.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Piper, I have two other books from him, Faith in Future Grace and When I don't desire God. This book could've been the last chapter of the former. Great for trusting in God through our low moments.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite the little book on chronic depression! I wasn't sure about it at first. In much of the book, the author dissects what theologians, doctors and ministers of the past have said about chronic depression, and offers his own insights alongside theirs.

It is definitely not, "written for itchy ears". If you read this from a mental health perspective, you will likely hate the book and throw it across the room mid-way through. Its very black and white, stripped bare of all fluff, and is the bare bones of the Word of God. I believe if one is truly spiritually self-aware and a true reader of the Word of God, you'll be able to receive the truths found in the book as wisdom in dealing with chronic depression, instead of taking offense. To give an example, the author lays out the truth that depression can be self-absorbed. While that may sound offensive and not at all compassionate, any depressed person knows we often get stuck in our own heads, replaying hurtful scenes and scenarios in our lives. It can indeed cause us to turn inward, and while yes, due to pain, trauma or circumstances, the truth is still the truth and admitting it can help us break the cycle. In my own personal life, I have not found compassion to set me free, but truths from the Word of God to set me free, so I appreciated the directness of the book.

I also really appreciated there were portions throughout the book reminding the church that the church is called to support, minister to and walk along side those with chronic depression. There were several suggestions given throughout the book on practical things people in the church or in relationship with a depressed person can actually do, to support those suffering from depression. As someone who has struggled with major depression since early childhood, I was surprised that the suggestions offered are actually things that would indeed make me feel very supported if someone were to offer them.

So while some of the truths were hard to acknowledge, the book is really spot on. I plan to read it a few times a year as a reminder of the little glimmer of healing it seemed to shine as I read it today.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I gleaned a lot of encouragement from this book, I did find myself wishing it went a bit deeper. I guess I shouldn’t have expected that, given its size. But it was written by John Piper, thus the expectations. I still think it’s a great (& unintimidating) book for those who struggle with depression. There’s a great chapter at the end for those who are love and are trying to help people they love through depression, so I also recommend this book for people who fall into that category.

[Mark E. Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie, this book left me very discouraged. I didn't rate it one start because there were parts that were very good but as a whole it was pretty awful. It starts off with saying something to the effect that antidepressants work as well as sugar pills and it's probably not wise to be on them. Then later on it got into you're depressed because you're not confessing sin. Then it goes, not to heap guilt upon those who suffer from depression but you also might be struggling because you're not doing enough evangelism. What's the end goal of all of this? Not to rest in the Lord despite depression but rather figure out why you're sad and fight for joy. Thumbs down. Would not recommend. There's a reason you never hear anyone recommend John Piper's mental health resources.

[Liberty {LittyLibby} · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really dislike John Piper. Why do I try to read his books? We don't hold the same theology.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Things I appreciated about this book- the recognition that it’s a complicated topic with no easy answers, the recognition that hope is found in God and a theology that doesn’t belittle feelings of darkness but encourage some real wrestling, comforting the believer who is asking questions rather than condemning the asking. Things I didn’t like - this was a rough theological look at depression for me, where things were intended to comfort, they waxed with words that seemed more like condemnation. The medication segment seemed to attempt lifting some shame, while simultaneously heaping a bit on by the end of the chapter. And also a sense of over spiritualizing while claiming to recognize the place of both body and soul in the condition. I would certainly never recommend it to a person struggling and likely not a person trying to find words to help someone struggling. Because it’s a section taken from a larger book, I wonder if it was just a poor choice of selection to offer as a small text on such a topic.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief and excellent book geared towards helping Christians suffering from long term depression.
Here John Piper is gracious throughout and direct as well. I highly recommend it to anyone going through depression or to anyone with a friend going through it and wondering how to help them.
Sharing this book with them would be a very good idea. The eBook version is freely downloadable from "www.desiringgod.org"

[Jeske · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars really. I of course could not expect much depth from a 73-page book on a difficult subject such as this but i was still quite disappointed by its focus on sin and on duty. There was little comfort and softness in its overall tone.
However, i did like some if the poems he shared and his inspiring idea to live for a greater cause (healing this world) as one of the things that might alleviate one's own sorrow and despair.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but impactful resource for the Christian fighting for joy. Thank you, God, for John Piper and Your Word!

[Ashley McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, concise and encouraging.

While not diminishing medical aspects of depression, Piper gives real and tangible encouragements both for the one in darkness and those who seek to love those in darkness.

[Joel Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book (79 pages) is short and light enough to read in one sitting when you have a little spare time. You'll probably be done with it in the time it takes to watch a movie (and be much better off). Piper provides excellent biblical counsel for people who struggle with depression, doubts, or excessive introversion. Along the way, he provides reorienting thoughts for any believer and direction for counseling others through depression. Whether you have struggled with depression in the past, face it now, or don't think you ever will, this book is well worth your time.

Random notes:
37 - In Phil. 3:12, our security in Christ rests not on our faith in him but His faithfulness first. So also 2 Tim. 2:19; Rom. 8:16; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Cor. 1:9; Phil. 1:6
40 - drive struggling Christians to look at Christ rather than focusing on their struggles.
42 - no one knows with absolute mathematical certainty that their wife won't kill them during the night, but they can still live with it anyway. We shouldn't demand that kind of certainty with God when we don't in any part of life. Faith is more certain and dependable than despair.
49-51 - one valid response to struggle is to get busy, but with several qualifications: 1) God commands joy, 2) repent of not having joy, 3) ask God to restore the joy, and 4) thank him for giving even the strength to do work.
59 - positively footnotes David Powlinson Power Encounters
61-62 - sometimes our depression goes back to only thinking about ourselves. Widen your focus to others.
74 - God has His reasons for letting believers go through difficult times. Jesus felt forsaken - was forsaken - on the cross. God has reasons for allowing us to feel that sometimes too.
77 - in William Cowpers case, God used depression to deepen him and produce powerful texts like "God Moves in a Mysterious Way." "There is a legacy of sever mercy in writings such as these. The words are costly. And so they prove precious."

[Christy Bower · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Piper’s booklet, When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God—and Joy (2006), is adapted from the final chapter of Piper’s book, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2004).

Anyone familiar with John Piper knows his core message is to take joy in God. So he views depression through this filter. That is, depression is the absence of joy. He writes, “Failing to rejoice in God when we are commanded to rejoice is sin” (p. 50). Further, he believes the head rules the heart and if you act by sheer willpower, the emotion will follow. The truth is, our emotions move us to act. Willpower is exhausting and not the way of grace.

Piper’s writing is peppered with quotes from saints long ago, such as John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, and Richard Baxter. It makes the writing difficult for someone mired in depression who has difficulty concentrating and just needs quick, practical help. It’s more of a theological paper than an infusion of hope for the depressed.

Chapter five, “The Darkness That Feeds on Self-Absorption,” offered some of the most practical content. He cites Isaiah 58:10-11 and Acts 20:35 as a remedy for depression. By nature, depression causes us to turn inward, but if we can pour out our lives to help others, we will become a well-watered garden full of light. Then, as Piper writes, “As health and joy return, we may be capable of more than we ever dreamed” (p. 64). Finally, a sliver of hope!

The final chapter focused on “Loving Those Who Cannot See the Light.” Sadly, the advice in this chapter amounted to: “If depressed saints cannot read the Bible or a good book, we should read it to them” (p. 70).

[Bridget Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent starting point for studying what the Bible and theologians have to say about mental illness, depression, and melancholy. This takes a very well-rounded view including facets of depression from spiritual to physical. Piper provides many useful resources, Bible passages, and further reading suggestion which can help open to the door to this topic. I'm rating this 4.5 stars because I think Piper glosses over just how debilitating depression can be in his effort to get to the useful, practical advice. While I realize this short book has limitations, I think it is vitally important to ensure people with depression, and their friends, that there will be days, weeks, or months when getting out of bed is insurmountable. God gives grace for that too. Piper skims this in his effort to exhort people to obey God even if their heart is not in it - also an important message. His emphasis on confession may also be a little too heavy for someone currently struggling with a physical mental illness - something to keep in mind as you counsel others.
Overall, a helpful book with much wisdom.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but for whenever reason, just didn't move me. I think Piper's writing style might not be my cup of tea 🫣 (HERESY, I know)

A few good quotes and ideas I will walk away pondering - and a wonderful list of further reading, mainly from the Puritans, which I plan to look into.

Super short, and a decent little overview of ways to combat depression, whether the source is physical, circumstantial, or spiritual.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I suffer with minor depression occasionally, and had a year-long bout of moderate depression in my past... I can't say that I found this book terribly helpful or encouraging, it was just ok.

[Bosibori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in 2009. Definitely calls for a re-read!