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Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness
The gospel is for those who have nothing, for those who are weary and bowed down. Jesus is near to you, and he asks you to bring him nothing but your failures, sins, and emptiness of soul. In thirty-one wise, deeply empathetic devotional readings, biblical counselor Ed Welch helps you to understand the darkness you are experiencing, to take the next small step that is possible for you today, to converse with Jesus honestly amid your pain—and ultimately to hear Christ’s words of compassion.
Endorsements“This is a masterpiece. . . . Many who are suffering from depression will be immensely helped by this devotional.”
—Deepak Reju, Senior Pastor, Ogletown Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware
“[An] aroma of mercy, extension of God’s welcome, and on-ramp to Jesus’s grace permeates [Ed Welch’s] newest book. . . . As one who has struggled with feelings of depression, and has also struggled to love those who suffer seasons of life in the darkness, I was doubly blessed.”
—Scotty Smith, Founding Pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee
“Like a kind friend, [Ed Welch] spends a month with us, teaching us, instructing us, and always leading us to the Word of God.”
—Tim Challies, Blogger, www.challies.com
“This book enables readers . . . to hear God himself speaking into the darkness and to consider and take hold of the hope he provides.”
—Nancy Guthrie, Author; Bible Teacher
“This book is a wise and pastoral guide for those who are experiencing depression. . . . From a holistic point of view [it] connects sufferers with our only hope in life and death.”
—Matthew A. Lapine, Author, The Logic of the Body
Endorsements“This is a masterpiece. . . . Many who are suffering from depression will be immensely helped by this devotional.”
—Deepak Reju, Senior Pastor, Ogletown Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware
“[An] aroma of mercy, extension of God’s welcome, and on-ramp to Jesus’s grace permeates [Ed Welch’s] newest book. . . . As one who has struggled with feelings of depression, and has also struggled to love those who suffer seasons of life in the darkness, I was doubly blessed.”
—Scotty Smith, Founding Pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, Tennessee
“Like a kind friend, [Ed Welch] spends a month with us, teaching us, instructing us, and always leading us to the Word of God.”
—Tim Challies, Blogger, www.challies.com
“This book enables readers . . . to hear God himself speaking into the darkness and to consider and take hold of the hope he provides.”
—Nancy Guthrie, Author; Bible Teacher
“This book is a wise and pastoral guide for those who are experiencing depression. . . . From a holistic point of view [it] connects sufferers with our only hope in life and death.”
—Matthew A. Lapine, Author, The Logic of the Body
96 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2024
About the author
Edward T. Welch
97 books480 followersEdward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for thirty years and is the best-selling author of many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 25, 2024
This little book is jam-packed with nuggets of gold for those who feel poor in spirit. In the future, when clouds of darkness refuse to lift, I will surely re-open it to re-read many of its brief chapters.
January 9, 2025
Although depression isn't part of my own experience, I do know Edward Welch's work and really like his approach to brain science and the gospel. So despite not choosing this book for personal encouragement, have found in it a depth of comfort and biblical truth that can apply in my own daily struggles with fibromyalgia (which is actually briefly mentioned in the book in the context of hidden disabilities), living with ASD, and also the difficult, and discouraging days that we all face at different seasons in our life. Edward T. Welch is a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) and is no stranger to addressing the struggles of the human heart. In this 31-day devotional, Welch takes on one of the most challenging and isolating experiences a person can face - depression. With wisdom and compassion, he reminds us that even in the shadow of despair, there's a light that never dims. Throughout the book, Welch offers reflections that gently guide you through the complexities of depression while anchoring you in God's word. Each devotional feels like a quiet conversation with a trusted friend, someone who understands your pain but also knows the way forward. Many times over found sentences that I needed to write down to remember. For anyone wrestling with depression, this book offers more than encouragement; it offers hope grounded in a relationship with Christ. Welch doesn't sugarcoat the difficulty of the journey, but he also doesn't shy away from pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of comfort and healing. If you're struggling-or you know someone who is-this book could be a lifeline. It doesn't promise quick fixes, but it does promise something better: the steady, faithful presence of Christ.
March 18, 2026
Helpful, biblical 31-day daily devotional. Each day includes 1-2 pages starting with 1 or more verses and ending with questions for reflection and recommended action. Covers a variety of topics related to depression, including failure, sin, legalism, shame, regret, fear and anxiety, anger, purposelessness, and loss.
Notes
Darkness Intrudes
Remember God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, Christ's deliverance of His people on cross.
Medical treatments, including antidepressants, can help.
Words to look for in Bible: misery, affliction, suffering, trials, trouble.
Spiritual Realities
You may not have strength for the next month, day, or even hour, but Jesus gives the strength you need for right now.
Fight Satan's lies about God and you. Though there are negative things in life, that's not the whole story. Jesus has come, and has given you His Spirit (John 1:9; Romans 5:8), and loves you with a love based on His goodness, not yours.
When the world looks all negative, reject that inaccurate perspective and walk by faith by reading and trusting Bible (especially gospels).
Pray for things Father delights to give you (Ephesians 1:18–19; 3:16–19).
Don't imagine the future without the grace God will give you that day (Lamentations 3:22–24). Instead of living in the future, focus on the grace you have for today, or the next hour or a minute.
Jesus's death has released you from hold of death, shame, guilt, fear, hopelessness (Hosea 13:14).
You aren't your own; you belong to God. Fight hopelessness, purposelessness by seeing yourself as servant of King, on mission.
When you want to ask God, "Why?" read a psalm that contains why questions (10, 22, 44, 88) and notice that they become hopeful.
Accomplices
Rather than judging yourself by your successes, failures, sin, reputation, live by faith in Christ, through which you share in His accomplishments and righteousness.
You may prefer to live under the law (Galatians 4:21) rather than under Christ because you want to feel competent and independent. Repent and know you can bring nothing to Christ.
Christ was humiliated and understands our shame. Now that He's exalted, you share in that exaltation; shame has lost its power (1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 34:5).
Jesus didn't leave Peter to drown in regret after he denied Him, but sent him out on mission (John 21:15–19). Jesus makes us a new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When fearful and anxious, study Luke 12:22–31; Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 56:3.
When angry, study Romans 8:31–33; 1 Peter 2:23.
Jesus loves to use insignificant people (1 Corinthians 12:20–30).
Study Psalm 22.
Christ's story ends with resurrection and eternal hope, and He's given you that story, too.
God is with you today and will strength strengthen you. Soon you'll see Him and experience full joy (Romans 15:13).
Hope
Most commonly helpful
• Daily time in Bible, supplemented with good spiritual resources.
• Prayer, being honest with God, crying out to Him
• Time with people who understand and care
• Wise routines.
Study Psalm 13 which starts, "How long?" and by verse 5 gets to trusting God.
Study Hebrews 11 and how others patiently endured.
Look forward to heaven to bring some of its joy into today. Study 1 Peter 1:7; Hebrews 10:37; 1 John 3:2–3.
Believe that God knows you and is compassionate about your pain (Exodus 34:6)
Believe that God never turns you away (John 6:37; Psalm 46:1). Though He may seem silent, He always speaks to you in Bible.
Believe all of God's good words are proven true in Christ. Christ has taken away your sin and reconciled you to God (1 Corinthians 3:23).
Believe God gives what you need for spiritual battles through His Spirit, Word, other people.
Believe endurance is worth it (Luke 21:19; 1 Peter 1:7).
Believe that in heaven, you'll fully know God's protection, healing, love.
Fight depression through neediness, trust, childlike resting in God.
Notes
Darkness Intrudes
Remember God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, Christ's deliverance of His people on cross.
Medical treatments, including antidepressants, can help.
Words to look for in Bible: misery, affliction, suffering, trials, trouble.
Spiritual Realities
You may not have strength for the next month, day, or even hour, but Jesus gives the strength you need for right now.
Fight Satan's lies about God and you. Though there are negative things in life, that's not the whole story. Jesus has come, and has given you His Spirit (John 1:9; Romans 5:8), and loves you with a love based on His goodness, not yours.
When the world looks all negative, reject that inaccurate perspective and walk by faith by reading and trusting Bible (especially gospels).
Pray for things Father delights to give you (Ephesians 1:18–19; 3:16–19).
Don't imagine the future without the grace God will give you that day (Lamentations 3:22–24). Instead of living in the future, focus on the grace you have for today, or the next hour or a minute.
Jesus's death has released you from hold of death, shame, guilt, fear, hopelessness (Hosea 13:14).
You aren't your own; you belong to God. Fight hopelessness, purposelessness by seeing yourself as servant of King, on mission.
When you want to ask God, "Why?" read a psalm that contains why questions (10, 22, 44, 88) and notice that they become hopeful.
Accomplices
Rather than judging yourself by your successes, failures, sin, reputation, live by faith in Christ, through which you share in His accomplishments and righteousness.
You may prefer to live under the law (Galatians 4:21) rather than under Christ because you want to feel competent and independent. Repent and know you can bring nothing to Christ.
Christ was humiliated and understands our shame. Now that He's exalted, you share in that exaltation; shame has lost its power (1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 34:5).
Jesus didn't leave Peter to drown in regret after he denied Him, but sent him out on mission (John 21:15–19). Jesus makes us a new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When fearful and anxious, study Luke 12:22–31; Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 56:3.
When angry, study Romans 8:31–33; 1 Peter 2:23.
Jesus loves to use insignificant people (1 Corinthians 12:20–30).
Study Psalm 22.
Christ's story ends with resurrection and eternal hope, and He's given you that story, too.
God is with you today and will strength strengthen you. Soon you'll see Him and experience full joy (Romans 15:13).
Hope
Most commonly helpful
• Daily time in Bible, supplemented with good spiritual resources.
• Prayer, being honest with God, crying out to Him
• Time with people who understand and care
• Wise routines.
Study Psalm 13 which starts, "How long?" and by verse 5 gets to trusting God.
Study Hebrews 11 and how others patiently endured.
Look forward to heaven to bring some of its joy into today. Study 1 Peter 1:7; Hebrews 10:37; 1 John 3:2–3.
Believe that God knows you and is compassionate about your pain (Exodus 34:6)
Believe that God never turns you away (John 6:37; Psalm 46:1). Though He may seem silent, He always speaks to you in Bible.
Believe all of God's good words are proven true in Christ. Christ has taken away your sin and reconciled you to God (1 Corinthians 3:23).
Believe God gives what you need for spiritual battles through His Spirit, Word, other people.
Believe endurance is worth it (Luke 21:19; 1 Peter 1:7).
Believe that in heaven, you'll fully know God's protection, healing, love.
Fight depression through neediness, trust, childlike resting in God.
October 30, 2025
Depression: Finding Christ in Darkness is a 31-day devotional by Ed Welch, which gently and compassionately comes alongside the suffering person to help them know Jesus. Welch begins by describing how darkness intrudes, then wisely shares helpful, life-giving spiritual truths. From his many years of experience in helping suffering people, he explains areas of life and emotions that often accompany depression, doing so in such a way that the reader is pointed to Christ. In closing, he provides hope in Jesus for the suffering person, both in this life and in eternity.
December 18, 2025
Very helpful, biblical, bite-sized devotional that serves rich truths in small portions for those that may be struggling to absorb a bigger book in the throes of depression. At the beginning, he voices some suicidal thoughts that might be unhelpful if a person wasn’t already suicidal, but his purpose is to help the reader understand that they are not alone in their despair. The rest of the book is incredibly compassionate and hope-filled!
November 24, 2024
If you or someone you know is struggling with the depression, I can’t recommend Welch’s devotion highly enough. He guides you with wisdom, compassion, and Christ.
December 28, 2024
This short devotional is immensely helpful, practical, and hopeful. I’ll be rereading this often.
5 / 5 Stars
5 / 5 Stars
February 1, 2025
If you are a Christian who struggles with depression, this devotional will be a balm to your soul. These 31 short meditations provide a daily dose of truth that adds up to a month of light and hope.
March 3, 2025
Edward T. Welch might be one of my new favorite authors! This book was so good!
August 5, 2025
Welch is always gold. This is the first book in the "31 Day Devotionals for Life" series that I've read. It's biblical and practical. It's encouraging and challenging.
August 12, 2025
An incredible devotion for anyone struggling with depression and struggling to see God in the midst of it. Real, honest, and unflinching in it's portrayal of what depression does to us.
October 10, 2025
Welch is too influenced by the culture and downplays the responsibility of sadness. Wouldn’t recommend. Leans too much in victim mentality.
March 4, 2026
Some great and practical advice within these pages. Below are some personal takeaways I gleaned from the book:
When depression troubles you, it’s as if all good gets up and walks out.
Bring your questions to God.
Research has taught us that your brain has the power to change you, and you have the power to change your brain.
Job wished for death, and Jonah prayed for it. But what stopped them and stood in their way? Only one thing. They knew God alone decides life and death.
Erect boundaries and distance yourself from things that could take your life.
Reject isolation. Being with people is work, but isolation is the way to death.
You might not have strength for tomorrow or the future, but God does give you strength for right now.
When you have no words, God can help you. Read the Psalms and you will find help for your soul.
Nothing good comes easily, but talk to God.
It does not depend on how good you are, it depends on how good He is.
We all have vision impairment, being able to see God‘s promises for everyone except for us. The answer is to walk by faith.
Ask for someone to read the Bible to you until you hear from the Lord.
God refines you during your depression while the devil tries to turn you away from the Lord.
Hardships are tests that expose your heart.
You are not your own. Even in your weakness, Jesus has work for you.
Read a Psalm and pray your version of it back to the Lord
If you feel small and insignificant, you are exactly the person Christ likes to use.
God uses weak people to advance His Kingdom.
The four steps many have used to come and stay out of depression are:
1. Time in the Word (let God speak to you)
2. Time in Prayer (cry out to God)
3. Time with Others (isolation kills; force yourself to not be alone)
4. Wise Routines (church, hiking, walks, sport, etc.)
When depression troubles you, it’s as if all good gets up and walks out.
Bring your questions to God.
Research has taught us that your brain has the power to change you, and you have the power to change your brain.
Job wished for death, and Jonah prayed for it. But what stopped them and stood in their way? Only one thing. They knew God alone decides life and death.
Erect boundaries and distance yourself from things that could take your life.
Reject isolation. Being with people is work, but isolation is the way to death.
You might not have strength for tomorrow or the future, but God does give you strength for right now.
When you have no words, God can help you. Read the Psalms and you will find help for your soul.
Nothing good comes easily, but talk to God.
It does not depend on how good you are, it depends on how good He is.
We all have vision impairment, being able to see God‘s promises for everyone except for us. The answer is to walk by faith.
Ask for someone to read the Bible to you until you hear from the Lord.
God refines you during your depression while the devil tries to turn you away from the Lord.
Hardships are tests that expose your heart.
You are not your own. Even in your weakness, Jesus has work for you.
Read a Psalm and pray your version of it back to the Lord
If you feel small and insignificant, you are exactly the person Christ likes to use.
God uses weak people to advance His Kingdom.
The four steps many have used to come and stay out of depression are:
1. Time in the Word (let God speak to you)
2. Time in Prayer (cry out to God)
3. Time with Others (isolation kills; force yourself to not be alone)
4. Wise Routines (church, hiking, walks, sport, etc.)
November 5, 2024
3.5/5. It’s aight. Had some issues with the way Ed said some things. But overall it was fine. Not sure how helpful it would be to someone with depression. Rounded down to 3/5 because the way he writes bugs me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews