Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood

by Christine M. Chappell

Are you a mother who feels stuck in depression? You’re not the only Christian woman who knows what this darkness is like. When feelings of hopelessness, weariness, sadness, anger, anxiety, shame, and loneliness feel impossible to bear, it can seem like God is nowhere to be found. But there’s more to the story than you can presently perceive.

Biblical counselor Christine Chappell has walked these dark paths herself—and she wants to help you to see God’s heart for you more clearly as you endure sorrow and pain. As Christine recounts her own midnight journey through depression and explores stories of desperate sufferers who experienced God’s mercy in the Scriptures, she shows how God meets us in our despair and helps us toward his light—one step at a time.

Each chapter concludes with immediate help in the form of simple next steps, a Scripture verse for contemplation and comfort, and questions for journaling.

EndorsementsMidnight Mercies is a must-read for moms who are struggling with depression, and I plan to buy extra copies to give away. Christine is my go-to person on issues of mental health, and her wise counsel, biblical examples, and firsthand experience make this book so helpful. As she vulnerably shares her journey of depression, Christine reminds readers that they are not alone in their struggle and that God will unfailingly meet us when we feel forsaken.

–Vaneetha Risner, Author, Desperate for Hope and Walking through Fire

If you feel weighed down by the sorrows of motherhood, you’re not alone. Humbly sharing her own story and honestly confronting the questions we all face, Christine Chappell is both a sympathetic friend and wise counselor. In her thoughtfully written book, Chappell reminds us that while our pain is real, so is our hope, and we can trust the God who walks with us. I highly recommend Midnight Mercies!

–Katie Faris, Author, God Is Still Good

Midnight Mercies invites you to a rare an author who is willing to bring you into her darkest hours but who expresses her pain in the language of healing theology. Chappell doesn't shy away from the hardest problems or the hardest Scriptures, yet manages to find insightful encouragement in Christ again and again. I commend this honest, uplifting work to anyone, especially struggling mothers.

–J. Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF); Coauthor, Untangling Emotions

Midnight Mercies is a compassionate and valuable resource for those who are navigating the depths of depression, darkness, and related shadowy struggles. Christine Chappell's personal understanding and compassion shine through as she offers meaningful guidance for how to respond to these struggles in ways that magnify God’s grace. Through heartfelt stories and biblical insights, this book reminds readers that even in the darkest moments, God's mercy is ever-present, gently leading us toward his light. Midnight Mercies is a beacon of hope and help for anyone who longs for solace amid the shadows of depression.

–Rush Witt, Lead Pastor, Paramount Church, Bexley, Ohio; Author, I Want to Escape

As a follower of Christ who’s struggled with depression, I’m grateful for Christine Chappell’s servant’s heart and for her willingness to share her journey and insights.

Genres: Counselling, Christian Living, Audiobook, Christian Non Fiction

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2023

About the author

Christine is a certified biblical counselor and host of the Hope + Help Podcast for the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship. She is the author of Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood as well as several mini-books, including Postpartum Depression: Hope for a Hard Season and Help! I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. She currently serves as a council member for the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and is a regular speaker at women’s events and conferences. Christine lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children, and is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Easley. Connect with her at christinemchappell.com.

Reviews

[Ashlyn Fukuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, gentle read meant to encourage a weary soul and point them towards hope. I particularly enjoyed the last chapter. Part of me wished the content was a little meatier, but I also think that that was the point?

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are a woman struggling with depression, i highly recommend this book! Chappell is honest and authentic with her own struggles which welcomes you into her story and to see you are not alone. The Biblical characters she brings to help show how God has helped throughout even biblical history offer even more encouragement to the person in the dark night of the soul! I came into this book looking for resources for women I knew, but I walked away more refreshed and aware of my own deep sorrow and layered losses. So thankful for Christine’s heart in bringing encouragement and comfort to the brokenhearted!

[Kristen Rosener · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most encouraging books I've read on the topic of depression. Chappell combines her story of depression with people in Scripture who lived in the shadows of sorrow. Depression is multifaceted, and what I loved about Chappell's approach was the gentle wisdom of her counsel. There are no blanket statements as to why the reader might be depressed. Instead, each chapter highlights a specific aspect of depression (hopelessness, weariness, sadness, anger, anxiety, shame, and loneliness) and then points the reader to the God who mercifully gives us all we need for life and godliness, and who is able to shine light into our darkness.

It is a beautiful, compassionate read that I highly recommend.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gift. Chappell shares of her own experiences with depression, and she writes with empathy and compassion to others who may be struggling. This is not even just a book for mothers with depression but for other sufferers of depression who need help navigating their relationship with God in the midst of deep pain. Along with detailing her personal experience in a psychiatric hospital, Chappell discusses key moments in Scripture where the people of God are afflicted and looks at the ways that God works in their situations. I especially appreciated the discussions of Naomi and the woman with the issue of blood. Each chapter ends with key takeaways to remember and questions for reflection. The book is well-written, with clear and engaging prose. I highly recommend it.

*I received an advanced digital copy of this book. Views here are strictly my own.

[Paul Tautges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It overflows with hope and grace, and is a treasure chest of helpful transparency and biblical wisdom for any woman who is walking through a dark valley.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

In December of 2016, we moved from Texas back to California where I was originally from. After the birth of our first daughter, I experienced a yearlong bout of postpartum depression and felt that being near to family and familiarity would offer some relief. That same year I attended the Spurgeon's Sorrows conference where I met Christine Chappell. I had been following her online for some time and felt a little nervous to introduce myself at the conference considering I get nervous around famous people (or people who are famous to me). Since my husband was with me, and he never has a problem introducing himself to anyone, he encouraged me to say hi to Christine and we had the privilege of sitting next to her during some of the sessions.

A few months later, I had the joy of seeing Christine again at the book signing for her book, Clean Home, Messy Heart. The day of the book signing was my husband's birthday and Christine not only remembered, she brought a card for him! We still have it. On July 29, 2020, my family was in a hotel in California preparing to fly home after a trip to Hume Lake. I checked my email and there was one from Christine asking if I would be in a peer group with other ladies who love the Lord and have also experienced depression in motherhood. The point of the group was to learn from our experiences and give her stories to draw from as she wrote her new book Midnight Mercies. I couldn't believe she would consider me for the opportunity and I began crying because when I went through postpartum depression, it felt never ending. When I read Christine's email, I was on the other side of the depression and was encouraged knowing that I could use the comfort I received in Christ to comfort others.

Midnight Mercies releases today and it was my joy to be on the launch team and read this incredibly necessary book. Conversations in the church on depression in motherhood are often lacking but there have been some recently released resources seeking to address this. In Midnight Mercies, Christine takes readers through her own journey of experiencing depression as a Christian mother. At one point, her depression was so taxing that she was admitted to a psychiatric ward. While to many this may feel like a point of failure, for Christine it was a time when Christ proved Himself near and faithful. Her writing is compassionate because she is a mother who's experienced depression and the healing hope of Jesus who saw her through it.

Depression in motherhood comes in various ways at various times and I appreciate that Midnight Mercies contains anecdotes from mothers in different situations. To me, this was a reminder that although our circumstances may look different, God is faithful to us in all of them. The book contains thoughts for reflection at each chapter's conclusion and questions to consider personally or discuss in a group setting. The content of the book is just shy of 100 pages making it the perfect read for depressed mothers. Often in depression, it is difficult to do even basic tasks so I appreciated that this book's format is sensitive to that.

There are also appendices at the end of the book with additional resources to help readers face depression with the hope of the gospel. It was fun to read the acknowledgments and see my college pastor, Erick Cobb mentioned along with his wife Natasha who is one of my favorite bookstagrammers! If you are a mother who is experiencing depression or know of a mother who is, you'll be tremendously blessed by reading Midnight Mercies.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a hopeful mom, a depressed mom, or know a mom, you will benefit from this book. Christine Chappell shares from her personal experience as well as the lives of Moses, Elijah, Naomi, and other biblical characters, to illustrate the merciful way the Lord approaches and cares for His children in distress.

The eight 10-page chapters (on hopelessness, weariness, sadness, anger, anxiety, shame, loneliness, and hope) read very quickly, but also include lots of Bible references to look up on your own for further study. Each chapter concludes with a one sentence action step and verse, a truth to remember, and a few reflections for personal application.

Although Chappell does not shirk from describing the pain of walking through depression (specifically as a mom), the book is filled with hope and truth (but not in a preachy, condemning way). Chappell gently identifies the common experiences of depression, gently shows how God moved towards a depressed person in the Bible, and gently encourages the reader to look to Christ and move forward in faith despite one’s feelings or circumstances, gently reminding the reader that “Depression we feel, but God we trust.”

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read, packed with truth and good reflection questions. Highly recommend if you know someone experiencing depression- it will give you insight into the experience.
But what a gift her writing is to someone who has experienced depression. She gives words to vague feelings and validates the experience while lovingly nudging the depressed mother not to set up camp in the depths of despair, but to fix her eyes on the good shepherd.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The target audience is mothers, who are struggling with mental issues, but it honestly could be for anybody who is struggling. Chapelle wrote a book that is easy to read, full of compassion, and contains practical ideas for people who are struggling. At the end of each chapter, she gives a short take away, something to remember, and reflections for personal application. This book is especially helpful for people who don’t have counselors around or can’t put their feelings into words. I’m passing this book onto a friend, and would recommend it for everybody. A short, easy, helpful book.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouragement this book has been. An honest reflection of one believers experience with depression. She doesn’t shy away from the hard edges of it while at the same time pointing the reader to where our only true hope can be found. Each chapter walks through different emotions- Hopelessness, Weariness, Sadness, Anger, Anxiety, Shame, Loneliness, and Hope. She ends each chapter with a “next step”, something to remember -meditate on, and reflection questions for personal application. Would be perfect to journal through and go slow. “Charles Spurgeon -‘This disease of soul dejection is common to all the saints-there are none of Gods people who altogether escape it’.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chappell offers sound, biblical truth for mothers struggling with depression. Honestly, though the illustrations are mostly moms, the principles of the book would be helpful and applicable to a much wider audience.

Chappell speaks heavily from her own personal experience with depression, which lends great strength to the book, but is also a potential weakness. Although never explicitly stated, a reader could get the message that the best (or only) way to get through depression is to spend a week in a psych ward and come out with an official mental Illness label. I wish there had been more practical advice for what to do when you can’t drop everything and get away for a week.

I loved how she looked at different biblical characters who struggled with sorrow, despair, and depression. That was incredibly helpful.

[Kate Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent book. For those really struggling, the spiritual concepts are simple and easy to grasp, and the chapters are short and manageable for those struggling with depression and easily overwhelmed. To tone is very compassionate and kind. I also love the reflections and things to remember. I’d recommend pastors to get a few copies to have on hand for mothers in their congregation who are struggling or grieving.

[Christina Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical book for those walking through depression. The subtitle says it’s for mothers, but it was definitely not specific to mothers (in a good way). Each chapter goes through a symptom of depression and takes a story from the Bible to encourage readers. She goes through the hard questions we sometimes ask when we’re suffering which I found especially helpful. The Appendix is rich with ideas for prayer during lament, specific scripture to read, and faith building exercises to help readers focus on God during dark times.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book for mothers dealing with any level of depression. Sweet encouraging truths here.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is God still there in the darkness of depression? In Midnight Mercies, Christine M. Chappell will help you walk with God through depression in motherhood. Through personal testimony alongside biblical support and practical help - this book comforts and encourages.


God Does Not Grow Weary

I was most moved to see that God doesn’t respond to our pains with pep talks or rebukes - but with mercy. What’s more - God does not grow weary. He does not faint or grow tired. This encouraged me to better empathize and show love towards my own family.

Even as a father, I was reminded that I need to have more faith when it comes to my children. Instead of rehearsing what-ifs, I can better lead my wife and family by remembering that God is with us and promises to be present wherever we go. Chappell gives a verse that is perfect for memorization: But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)


The Sun Still Shines

I was most interested to read about shame. Chappell takes us to Mark 5 with the story of the bleeding woman. Fear did not prevent her from acting in hope. We can have the courage to approach Jesus, allowing him to speak with the final authority over our shame. This book is incredibly compelling.

Chappell helps to connect the dots between dark emotions, distress, and God’s Word. She ends with a call to keep going. You can advance towards hope with the help of God’s Word. And it will help you to see that even in the darkness of midnight - the sun is still shining.


I received a media copy of Midnight Mercies and this is my honest review.

[Dogeared Wanderer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a self-help book or book about how God can get you out of depression. Rather, the author shows how God connects to our depression and meets us there with light and grace. It also shows how we shouldn't be wallowing in sinful emotions, but neither should we try to fake it or escape into sinful coping.

The author shares portions of her own journey with depression as a mother where she eventually landed in a psychiatric ward. But it was here that God brought the light and truth of His word to give her hope.

Chapters:
1 - Hopelessness
2 - Weariness
3 - Sadness
4 - Anger
5 - Anxiety
6 - Shame
7 - Loneliness
8 - Hope
Epilogue
Appendix A - When Grief Becomes Dangerous - And What to do About It
Appendix B - Prayers of Lament in Depression
Recommended Reading

⚠️Was "in motherhood" tacked onto the title as a selling point? The book has very little to do with specific struggles with depression in motherhood where husband and children can help or hinder the journey. I wish it had more practical wisdom related to specific struggles in motherhood. The book focuses primarily on the root struggles of depression, which is crucial to real hope and help. It makes the book beneficial to anyone, not just mothers, which is why the "motherhood" aspect seemed misleading.

[Kyleigh Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. There's a lot of encouragement here for moms dealing with depression (something I've had in varying degrees 3x postpartum 3x and every Winter). There are also some "ouch" moments when Chappell calls out responses that are sinful (some of which I think need more nuance than the book has, and some of which are really only helpful once you've "put the fire out").

I did think almost all of her examples had a fairly clear "reason" for a mom to be depressed, ignoring that for many people, there isn't a circumstantial cause.

But, I loved how each chapter focused primarily on one biblical story or character. I also loved the reminder to walk with God through depression, not just race to the end. The appendix on dangerous grief was excellent as well. My favorite chapters were on hopelessness, weariness, and loneliness.

I still think Spurgeon's Sorrows is *the* best book on depression, but for something still short but more in-depth or for something aimed at moms, this is worth the read.

Edited to add: I think what was lacking in this book based on marketing was more emphasis on how depression affects motherhood specifically. For the most part, it was pretty general and applicable to depression in other stages as well.

[Jessica Bunce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful new release is such a valuable resource that seeks to “Connect the dots between God’s Word and your acute emotional distress - to frame what you’re experiencing through a biblical lens and with biblical language.”

Each chapter focuses on a different biblical narrative showing how God shows his mercy in relating to desperate people, covering the topics of:

-Hopelessness
-Weariness
-Sadness
-Anger
-Anxiety
-Shame
-Loneliness
-Hope

I truly appreciate how open and vulnerable Christine is about her own experience of depression, even being hospitalized, in such a humble and hopeful way, always pointing to how the Lord was walking with her every step of the way.

Mama friends, this is such a great book to have on hand. You can read it front to back and then return to certain chapters when you find yourself needing extra biblical encouragement in specific areas.

Our pain is real - but so is our hope!

Read and be blessed.

[Dorcas Kibugi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight mercies,though specifically addressing those experiencing motherhood depression,anyone going through any kind of hard times will find practical encouragement there in.Christine displays a gift of insight and great understanding of human emotional experiences through difficult times by using exact words to capture the experiences making the book so relatable.
A scripture passage at the beginning of every chapter that marries smoothly with the theme was something I kept looking forward to in my reading as she kept basing her encouragement and empathy on God's character of Mercy and love.
This work will be a resource to those ministering to those experiencing ' midnight times' as well,she keeps reminding them that they are not alone,many are going through similar difficulties but most importantly that God is there,offering himself as a refuge for them.It encourages, empathize and help reset one's hope back to Christ whom she says is the object of our hope!

[Anne Dryburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Christians have gone through dark nights of the soul. They have clung onto the Lord and life in times of deep despair and sorrow in this fallen world. If they have believed that Christians should never be like this, their grief and sorrow is compounded. Midnight Mercies, by Christine Chappell, gives voice to the experience of despair. While being written for depressed mothers, the book will be helpful for anybody in such a dark place. Chappell looks at common experiences despairing people have, examines people from Scripture who went through the same, and points to helpful Scriptural truth. Chappell ends describing how experiencing the gracious Lord Jesus brought life and hope and transformed her view of herself and her situation. I highly recommend this book

[Katelyn Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Mercies is flooded with pointing the reader to The Healer Jesus Christ! Intermixed with personal stories, counselee stories, as well as Bible stories, the reader will be encouraged in their depression, in or out of motherhood, as well as any type of suffering, that Jesus Christ is the answer to peace, yes even in the yuck and muck. Christine writes so poignantly and clearly so any reader can understand that Jesus brings relief, maybe not in symptoms but in the comfort of His Presence. Every page points to Him! Thank you Christine for such an honest but encouraging book! May God continue to be glorified in your endeavors!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! This was an excellent book on depression, written for mothers, but would be valuable for anyone suffering with anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. My favorite part was how she showed how merciful God is to those who suffer by using Biblical accounts of God’s dealing with men and women.
And hope. This book abounds with hope.
I’m thanking the Lord for this resource. It is sure to help MANY.

[Jenna Sasala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empathetic, raw, and hopeful. But most of all, centered on biblical truth. I love that Chappell doesn't shy away from the deepness & darkness that depression can bring, but leads the reader with care and empathy towards the hope of Christ in the midst of our pain and struggles.

[emma jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just for moms, this is a fantastic, helpful, mercifully short book on depression that is fully grounded in Scripture.
It was personally very encouraging, as well as a great resource to go through with a struggling friend or reference in a counseling context.

[Helen Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Chappell is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and speakers! She’s transformed my perspective on mental health - I strongly recommend any of her stuff!

“The hope of a sorrow-free future is meant to help us brave a sorrow-full today”

[Ruthann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lifeline of hope- good reminders of Gods faithfulness and practical help for those struggling with the darkness and despair of depression. I found it highly relatable and practical. A fast read and highly recommended for any walking through hard times.

[Sarah Frazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book so much. It was so helpful as I navigate depression as it relates to motherhood. Great scriptural resource!

[Hannah Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good and a much needed resource in the Christian realm

[Nancy]

Haven
5.8.2024

[Joelle Geib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be insightful not only for those who are facing these various struggles but also for those of us who are walking alongside them.