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Good News at Rock Bottom: Finding God When the Pain Goes Deep and Hope Seems Lost
Meeting the Man of Sorrows Where We Need Him Most
We all long for a life worth living. So when we receive news of a frightening diagnosis, suffer heartbreaking loss in our family life, or get trapped in a cycle of our own sin, we might wonder about God. Where is he when we need him most? With wisdom from Isaiah 57:15, Good News at Rock Bottom helps listeners discover that Jesus is hard to find in the comfortable lives we prefer. Instead, he meets us at rock bottom—where he is waiting for us with open arms.
With grace and empathy, author Ray Ortlund opens a door for listeners to go deeper with God and get closer to faithful friends when life is hard to bear. You will discover that, at rock bottom, Jesus is more satisfying than any comfortable life without him.
Author Ray Ortlund meets listeners with honesty and helps them fall into the arms of Christ amid the painful seasons of life Appeals to Will resonate with anyone who has experienced betrayal, failure, loneliness, or wondered if God even cares Ideal for Individual or Small-Group Questions at the end of each chapter spur discussion with friends and reflection in one's own heart
We all long for a life worth living. So when we receive news of a frightening diagnosis, suffer heartbreaking loss in our family life, or get trapped in a cycle of our own sin, we might wonder about God. Where is he when we need him most? With wisdom from Isaiah 57:15, Good News at Rock Bottom helps listeners discover that Jesus is hard to find in the comfortable lives we prefer. Instead, he meets us at rock bottom—where he is waiting for us with open arms.
With grace and empathy, author Ray Ortlund opens a door for listeners to go deeper with God and get closer to faithful friends when life is hard to bear. You will discover that, at rock bottom, Jesus is more satisfying than any comfortable life without him.
Author Ray Ortlund meets listeners with honesty and helps them fall into the arms of Christ amid the painful seasons of life Appeals to Will resonate with anyone who has experienced betrayal, failure, loneliness, or wondered if God even cares Ideal for Individual or Small-Group Questions at the end of each chapter spur discussion with friends and reflection in one's own heart
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2025
53 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.
67 books143 followersPastor Ray Ortlund received a B.A. from Wheaton College, Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, M.A. from The University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Pastor Ortlund served as Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, from 1989-1998. He was ordained by Lake Avenue Congregational Church, Pasadena, California, in 1975
In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.
Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.
Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."
In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.
Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.
Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 8, 2026
Parts of it felt like an altar call, and others were very much written for struggling believers (like me!). It was overall very good.
April 11, 2025
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite."
Isn’t it awesome how the Lord works? I first saw this book during its pre-order phase and thought to myself, I can’t wait to read that. And for the past week, it’s sat on my dining table, eagerly awaiting my reach. A couple days ago, I found myself quite literally at rock bottom—aptly timed, I know. Today during my lunch break, I opened my ears to gospel comfort delivered by Ray Ortlund himself (I imagined his voice the entire time I read).
Ray walks through Isaiah 57:15 (and 14), the verse I opened with. He’s doing what the Puritans would do: wringing the verse dry. In each chapter—“Way Up High, Way Down Low,” “Betrayed,” “Trapped,” “Lonely” and “Dying”—he breathes truth into lifeless places and shines light in the darkness. (Though, from personal experience, getting shrouded in theology is the last thing I think I need when I'm at rock bottom.)
Probably the most comforting line (for me) in the entire book was on the eighth page: “The truth is, you cannot bear the burden of that wished-for life you’d gladly trade up to. Yes, it may look good. But it wasn’t shaped to fit you. You’d end up hating it.” Okay, here’s where he got me: “And by God’s grace, you can bear the burden of the actual life you’re living. He is lifting you into your true dignity and destiny. And on your way there, you’ll be encouraged by your fellow sufferers as they walk with you.”
This line held all the theology this person at rock bottom needed to hear. By. His. Grace.
Ray finishes his book with a personal commitment. The first few lines read:
May He, by the power of His Spirit, grant me the strength to do this.
Thank you, Ray, for your words.
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite."
Isn’t it awesome how the Lord works? I first saw this book during its pre-order phase and thought to myself, I can’t wait to read that. And for the past week, it’s sat on my dining table, eagerly awaiting my reach. A couple days ago, I found myself quite literally at rock bottom—aptly timed, I know. Today during my lunch break, I opened my ears to gospel comfort delivered by Ray Ortlund himself (I imagined his voice the entire time I read).
Ray walks through Isaiah 57:15 (and 14), the verse I opened with. He’s doing what the Puritans would do: wringing the verse dry. In each chapter—“Way Up High, Way Down Low,” “Betrayed,” “Trapped,” “Lonely” and “Dying”—he breathes truth into lifeless places and shines light in the darkness. (Though, from personal experience, getting shrouded in theology is the last thing I think I need when I'm at rock bottom.)
Probably the most comforting line (for me) in the entire book was on the eighth page: “The truth is, you cannot bear the burden of that wished-for life you’d gladly trade up to. Yes, it may look good. But it wasn’t shaped to fit you. You’d end up hating it.” Okay, here’s where he got me: “And by God’s grace, you can bear the burden of the actual life you’re living. He is lifting you into your true dignity and destiny. And on your way there, you’ll be encouraged by your fellow sufferers as they walk with you.”
This line held all the theology this person at rock bottom needed to hear. By. His. Grace.
Ray finishes his book with a personal commitment. The first few lines read:
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
I hold up all my weakness to your strength,
My failure to your faithfulness,
My sinfulness to your perfection,
My loneliness to your compassion,
My little pains to your great agony on the Cross.
May He, by the power of His Spirit, grant me the strength to do this.
Thank you, Ray, for your words.
April 9, 2025
A brother once told me, “You are either coming out of a time of hardship, currently in one, or about to step into one.” This book will be fabulous for any of those stages, of course, and when I’m deep in the valley, I will be joyful knowing my God will be there with His hands spread out, embracing me with a hug, even though I’m covered in the filth I mistakenly thought was cleansing. How foolish am I?
Mr. Ortlund does a fantastic job breaking down Isaiah 57:15 and then absolutely slam-dunks on Satan’s head. I think I underlined something on every page, like a third grader using a highlighter for the first time. I just found this book incredibly helpful and will return to it again one day.
Mr. Ortlund does a fantastic job breaking down Isaiah 57:15 and then absolutely slam-dunks on Satan’s head. I think I underlined something on every page, like a third grader using a highlighter for the first time. I just found this book incredibly helpful and will return to it again one day.
May 14, 2025
This book will help you live and die well.
April 10, 2025
I need a sixth star, probably a 7th if you listen to Ray read the audiobook to you (as I did).
seriously loved this one: like a warm blanket on a dark and cold night, this book was such a timely encouragement.
seriously loved this one: like a warm blanket on a dark and cold night, this book was such a timely encouragement.
September 4, 2025
I wholeheartedly recommend this little book! If you're feeling discouraged, hopeless, or at your wit’s end, you'll find strength in Ray Ortlund’s pastoral wisdom and gospel-rich, gracious insight.
July 20, 2025
read this as a companion to this summer camp’s theme of the Joseph story. specifically at wildwood the theme was about seeing God’s purposes through the “pits and peaks”.
the one idea that stood out to me the most, reflecting on Moses’ death in Deut 32:49-50: “Your death will be your crowning act of obedience to God.” even if the manner of death is completely outside our control, we can still bring glory to God through our death, as we obtain new life, “adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” if Jesus has already conquered our biggest enemy, redeemed our greatest pit, what can he NOT do?!
the one idea that stood out to me the most, reflecting on Moses’ death in Deut 32:49-50: “Your death will be your crowning act of obedience to God.” even if the manner of death is completely outside our control, we can still bring glory to God through our death, as we obtain new life, “adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” if Jesus has already conquered our biggest enemy, redeemed our greatest pit, what can he NOT do?!
March 24, 2025
Classic Ortlund—warm, gospel-soaked, and deeply pastoral. Taking Isaiah 57:15 as his foundation, he unpacks its riches over several chapters, much like the Puritans did, pulling every possible angle for devotional encouragement. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you, offering hope in the darkest places.
Yes, sometimes Ortlund’s style leans cheesy, but it works. His sincerity, clarity, and relentless focus on grace make up for any sentimental moments. The core message? There is no rock bottom too deep for Jesus. And that really is good news, isn’t it?
Yes, sometimes Ortlund’s style leans cheesy, but it works. His sincerity, clarity, and relentless focus on grace make up for any sentimental moments. The core message? There is no rock bottom too deep for Jesus. And that really is good news, isn’t it?
March 14, 2025
Absolutely hope filled for all who suffer.
April 15, 2025
Superb. Needed dose of gospel hope.
August 14, 2025
A book solely focused on Isaiah 57:15.
'For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'
Full of comforting truths and unafraid of convictions and exhortations, a lovely little book to read when you're in the depths or you've recently been lifted out of them (like me!)
'For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'
Full of comforting truths and unafraid of convictions and exhortations, a lovely little book to read when you're in the depths or you've recently been lifted out of them (like me!)
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September 7, 2025An encouraging and powerful book. What joy it is to have a God who is not just with us at rock bottom but is there waiting for us with open and loving arms. May we spend our lives dwelling with him 🫶
October 30, 2025
Classic Ray. After Eugene Peterson’s death, his son said he fooled everyone because he only really had one message. I thinks that’s true for Ray too. His message is always, “Jesus loves you more than you can possibly imagine, he’s nearer to you than you think, and the gospel is better and deeper than you realize.”
This book based around Isaiah 57:15 is that message for those who have been betrayed, those who feel trapped by sin, those who are lonely, and for all of us in our dying. I am so grateful for his faithful ministry. In a season where I continue to need to be reminded of the truth of who Jesus is, this book was a great reminder and balm to my soul.
This book based around Isaiah 57:15 is that message for those who have been betrayed, those who feel trapped by sin, those who are lonely, and for all of us in our dying. I am so grateful for his faithful ministry. In a season where I continue to need to be reminded of the truth of who Jesus is, this book was a great reminder and balm to my soul.
August 8, 2025
Read it, it will equip you to minister to others but more so it will minister to your soul.
July 26, 2025
A book full of hope for the weary and discouraged. Particularly impactful chapters on betrayal and death.
Read
July 2, 2025"Yes, rock bottom is not where we ever wanted to go. But it can be hard to find Jesus anywhere else. For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. (Ps. 138:6)"
Ray Ortlund is like a sweet loving grandpa. I wish I could give him a hug for writing this book.
Ray Ortlund is like a sweet loving grandpa. I wish I could give him a hug for writing this book.
October 29, 2025
“The truth is, you cannot bear the burden of that wished-for life you’d gladly trade up to. Yes, it looks good, but it wasn’t shaped to fit you. You’d end up hating it. And by God’s grace, you can bear the burden of the actual life you’re living. He is lifting you into your true dignity and destiny. And on your way, you’ll be encouraged by your fellow sufferers as they walk with you.”
This whole book is such an encouraging and comforting reminder of the truth in hard seasons.
March 2, 2025
Definitely recommend!
In Good News at Rock Bottom, Ray Ortlund acts as parental comforter, intimate friend, compassionate pastor (or if you prefer a sports metaphor, the coach in the locker room with a rousing halftime speech) as he gives an encouraging and practical exposition of one verse -- Isaiah 57:15. It seems that Pastor Ortlund is teaching us all what it means to truly meditate on a verse of Scripture, to consider it from every angle. To allow our meditations to lead us to worship God and to live righteous, God-glorifying lives.
The tone is conversational, empathetic, gentle, and restorative. For anyone who is struggling with guilt, unforgiveness, painful memories, or acute suffering – reach for this book. Not only is this book comforting in tone, but it communicates fortifying and necessary truth.
(Also, Ray Ortlund is a treasure trove of fantastic quotes and striking illustrations! I was highlighting almost every page!)
In Good News at Rock Bottom, Ray Ortlund acts as parental comforter, intimate friend, compassionate pastor (or if you prefer a sports metaphor, the coach in the locker room with a rousing halftime speech) as he gives an encouraging and practical exposition of one verse -- Isaiah 57:15. It seems that Pastor Ortlund is teaching us all what it means to truly meditate on a verse of Scripture, to consider it from every angle. To allow our meditations to lead us to worship God and to live righteous, God-glorifying lives.
The tone is conversational, empathetic, gentle, and restorative. For anyone who is struggling with guilt, unforgiveness, painful memories, or acute suffering – reach for this book. Not only is this book comforting in tone, but it communicates fortifying and necessary truth.
(Also, Ray Ortlund is a treasure trove of fantastic quotes and striking illustrations! I was highlighting almost every page!)
April 12, 2025
A short and sweet pastoral encouragement for people dealing with death, betrayal, being lonely, or discouraged about their sin. Listened on audio book and Pastor Ray is so comforting and wise!! You can definitely tell he lives out what he teaches. Gleanings from Isaiah 57:15 and reads sort of like a series of talks which I’m pretty sure it was?? Good listen 💘
June 13, 2025
Another reviewer said it first, but this book really does help you live and die well.
Haven’t read much of Ray Ortlund before this, but he sure is a shepherd.
I really enjoyed the idea that God dwells up high and down low (Isaiah 57:15), and since we cannot join Him “up high,” we experience Him most deeply down low.
Haven’t read much of Ray Ortlund before this, but he sure is a shepherd.
I really enjoyed the idea that God dwells up high and down low (Isaiah 57:15), and since we cannot join Him “up high,” we experience Him most deeply down low.
November 20, 2025
Good News at Rock Bottom is about how God is not only there for you when you are at your lowest point..but that is when He does His best work. I loved this book as it talks about God's love for us and His mercy and His deep desire to have a relationship with us always no matter the circumstances. I want to buy this book for all my friends.
November 6, 2025
if God has two addresses (according to Isaiah 57:15) and we can only get to one of them in this life (the low address) then rock bottom becomes the place where you can live more closely with God than ever before. and that proximity is worth all of the pain and humiliation that brought you there.
April 3, 2025
Magnificent.
October 23, 2025
Really helpful in drawing out the comfort that comes from the immanence of God. That though God dwells in the high and holy place, he also dwells with those who are of a contrite and lowly spirit.
January 12, 2026
Gospel balm for wounded souls
October 5, 2025
This short book was encouraging and helpful.
God dwells in the high and holy place, but also in the opposite place- the rock bottom to revive the spirit of the lowly. If you find yourself in a low place right now, this book might be a good one for you!
God dwells in the high and holy place, but also in the opposite place- the rock bottom to revive the spirit of the lowly. If you find yourself in a low place right now, this book might be a good one for you!
October 2, 2025
My man really tied in everything. Loved the emphasis on looking to the resources God has given us even as we lean on Him in the periods of weakness or suffering
February 27, 2025
First sentence (from the preface): My plan here is to ask of you as little as I can and to give you as much as I can. You have a busy life to live. But right now, while we are together, literally on the same page, let's make the most of it. Here is what I promise you: I will try to explain the gospel of Jesus honestly and helpfully for your needs. I will not lie to you. And I will try to believe the gospel honestly and helpfully for my own needs. Here is what I ask of you: Give Jesus a chance. Allow for the possibility that the good news about him is relevant to what you really, really care about--maybe more relevant that you have ever dared to believe.
Good News at Rock Bottom began its life as a series of talks given at Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023. The book is about being at ROCK BOTTOM. It is about how there is good news--no, great news, fantastic news--at rock bottom. The book illuminates in particular Isaiah 57:15 though I am not limiting the book's use of Scripture just to one tiny--though important--verse.
There are just five chapters:
Way Up High, Way Down Low
Betrayed
Trapped
Lonely
Dying
The book is about sorrows, trials, tribulations--anything and everything which could lead you--the reader--to being at rock bottom and in need of refreshment [and spiritual healing] that can only come from the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was a fantastic read--always timely and relevant. I do think it falls close to being a must read. If you yourself are not at rock bottom--at the moment--you probably have been or might soon be. OR perhaps someone you love dearly is there now and you could be an encourager.
Quotes:
What helps us most, when we need help urgently, is to discover who Jesus is for people like us. His wisdom is better than our escapism. What we want deep down is Jesus himself, with us, even us.
By God's grace, you can bear the burden of the actual life you're living. He is lifting you into your true dignity and destiny. And on your way there, you'll be encouraged by your fellow sufferers as they walk with you...If we savor Isaiah 57:15 for the rest of our lives, it will keep us going.
God has settled on an arrangement that does two beautiful things at once: it does justice to who God is, and it brings mercy to where we are. The one high and lifted up has mercies for us way down low. And he wants us to be sure of it.
Let's always leave room for God to exceed our highest thoughts of him.
Whatever others might think of you, the risen Christ doesn't despise you.
There is only one thing more costly than giving our hearts away. And that is not giving our hearts away at all.
You are never more like Jesus, never more powerful, than when you forgive the real evil that ruined your life. That merciful you is the most alive you, the most beautiful you, the most consequential you that could exist in this generation.
Our very efforts to make ourselves more presentable only add another layer of sin on top of the sin we committed in the first place. Everything about us is mixed with sin. If evil were color-coded, like yellow police tape at a crime scene, then everything about us at all levels would glow yellow--including our attempts at proving to God that this time we're serious, this time we really mean it. Our grovelling is why verse 14 is here. God lovingly invites us to come now, as we are, and just collapse in his arms, even with all our mess.
The only real barrier between us and the embrace of our Father is our hesitancy is to come.
"Church" isn't one more item on our weekend to-do list. It is an island of humanness in a sea of loneliness. It is God's provision for us. It is a major way he cares for us in our suffering.
Our loneliness is a sorrow God never meant us to bear.
Death is the bottom of rock bottom. Death is the underside of the bottom of rock bottom. And that is why the high and holy one will be so present with you at the moment of your death.
If our majestic Lord is present with us at our death, and he will be, then he is surely with us in all our sufferings leading up to death.
God has dynamic energy. We have exhausted lethargy. The two go really well together, as long as we don't mind staying low before God.
Stake your eternity not on your obedience or your attainments or your virtues, but stake all your hope on the atoning work of Jesus alone. He lived for you the virtuous life you've failed to live, and he died for you the atoning death you aren't even able to die.
Good News at Rock Bottom began its life as a series of talks given at Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023. The book is about being at ROCK BOTTOM. It is about how there is good news--no, great news, fantastic news--at rock bottom. The book illuminates in particular Isaiah 57:15 though I am not limiting the book's use of Scripture just to one tiny--though important--verse.
There are just five chapters:
Way Up High, Way Down Low
Betrayed
Trapped
Lonely
Dying
The book is about sorrows, trials, tribulations--anything and everything which could lead you--the reader--to being at rock bottom and in need of refreshment [and spiritual healing] that can only come from the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was a fantastic read--always timely and relevant. I do think it falls close to being a must read. If you yourself are not at rock bottom--at the moment--you probably have been or might soon be. OR perhaps someone you love dearly is there now and you could be an encourager.
Quotes:
What helps us most, when we need help urgently, is to discover who Jesus is for people like us. His wisdom is better than our escapism. What we want deep down is Jesus himself, with us, even us.
By God's grace, you can bear the burden of the actual life you're living. He is lifting you into your true dignity and destiny. And on your way there, you'll be encouraged by your fellow sufferers as they walk with you...If we savor Isaiah 57:15 for the rest of our lives, it will keep us going.
God has settled on an arrangement that does two beautiful things at once: it does justice to who God is, and it brings mercy to where we are. The one high and lifted up has mercies for us way down low. And he wants us to be sure of it.
Let's always leave room for God to exceed our highest thoughts of him.
Whatever others might think of you, the risen Christ doesn't despise you.
There is only one thing more costly than giving our hearts away. And that is not giving our hearts away at all.
You are never more like Jesus, never more powerful, than when you forgive the real evil that ruined your life. That merciful you is the most alive you, the most beautiful you, the most consequential you that could exist in this generation.
Our very efforts to make ourselves more presentable only add another layer of sin on top of the sin we committed in the first place. Everything about us is mixed with sin. If evil were color-coded, like yellow police tape at a crime scene, then everything about us at all levels would glow yellow--including our attempts at proving to God that this time we're serious, this time we really mean it. Our grovelling is why verse 14 is here. God lovingly invites us to come now, as we are, and just collapse in his arms, even with all our mess.
The only real barrier between us and the embrace of our Father is our hesitancy is to come.
"Church" isn't one more item on our weekend to-do list. It is an island of humanness in a sea of loneliness. It is God's provision for us. It is a major way he cares for us in our suffering.
Our loneliness is a sorrow God never meant us to bear.
Death is the bottom of rock bottom. Death is the underside of the bottom of rock bottom. And that is why the high and holy one will be so present with you at the moment of your death.
If our majestic Lord is present with us at our death, and he will be, then he is surely with us in all our sufferings leading up to death.
God has dynamic energy. We have exhausted lethargy. The two go really well together, as long as we don't mind staying low before God.
Stake your eternity not on your obedience or your attainments or your virtues, but stake all your hope on the atoning work of Jesus alone. He lived for you the virtuous life you've failed to live, and he died for you the atoning death you aren't even able to die.
October 8, 2025
Wow not finished but I’m loving this. Had to share a few heart gripping quotes here bc too long to for the ‘log by page’ option.
————
Let's always leave room for God to exceed our highest thoughts of him. Thinking about God is the noblest thing we ever do. But we will never wrap our brains around him completely. He will always keep surprising us.
Those are the first two lines of Isaiah 57:15. So far, we know that God stands over all creation, eternally unchanging, and better than our best thoughts of him.
Now, in lines three and four, the King himself speaks:
I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.
————
“Some churches cater to the mushy middle. Their "Jesus" is the chaplain to their status quo. He never judges, always approves, and squeezes uncomplainingly into the margin of their busy routines.
He knows his place. In fact, he feels lucky to have their attention for one whole hour on a Sunday morning. But Isaiah sees a problem there. The one who is high and lifted up, pwho inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy the mushy middle is not his dwelling place!"
Of course, God can get through to anyone anywhere.
Some people in that world do love him. But life has not yet forced them to discover how real he is. They might even look at someone who is "of a contrite and lowly spirit" and feel sorry for them.
It’s easy to go to church in the mushy middle, but it's hard to be awestruck by God there. The whole point of that world is to prop up a man-made heaven on earth Here's the tragedy of that dreamy ideal:
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. (Ps. 138:6)”
————-
We enjoy standing out under the stars on a clear night and looking up and marveling at the vast expanse of the universe. We feel tiny, but also calm. What if we gaze even higher and see God far above the universe itself? W start feeling even more tiny, and more calm. Whateve we're facing, seeing God more clearly helps us breathe a sigh of relief.
Now, line two:
... who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy.
You and I experience reality in tiny increments, one moment after another, as time unfolds. But God, in his majestic eternality, is equally present to all points of time at once. For us, time means we have to wait—and we hate waiting. Amazon Prime built their success on our impatience! But God is never forced to wait. He isn't stuck inside time. He invented it and stands above it. Time serves him.
So there goes old Mr. Time out there, pottering around, doing God's will, slow as molasses—and God is okay with that. The upside is, God is always present in the moment with us. He is always right here right now. And as each new second breaks upon us, sometimes with a nasty surprise, God offers us eternal hope.
————
Let's always leave room for God to exceed our highest thoughts of him. Thinking about God is the noblest thing we ever do. But we will never wrap our brains around him completely. He will always keep surprising us.
Those are the first two lines of Isaiah 57:15. So far, we know that God stands over all creation, eternally unchanging, and better than our best thoughts of him.
Now, in lines three and four, the King himself speaks:
I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.
————
“Some churches cater to the mushy middle. Their "Jesus" is the chaplain to their status quo. He never judges, always approves, and squeezes uncomplainingly into the margin of their busy routines.
He knows his place. In fact, he feels lucky to have their attention for one whole hour on a Sunday morning. But Isaiah sees a problem there. The one who is high and lifted up, pwho inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy the mushy middle is not his dwelling place!"
Of course, God can get through to anyone anywhere.
Some people in that world do love him. But life has not yet forced them to discover how real he is. They might even look at someone who is "of a contrite and lowly spirit" and feel sorry for them.
It’s easy to go to church in the mushy middle, but it's hard to be awestruck by God there. The whole point of that world is to prop up a man-made heaven on earth Here's the tragedy of that dreamy ideal:
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. (Ps. 138:6)”
————-
We enjoy standing out under the stars on a clear night and looking up and marveling at the vast expanse of the universe. We feel tiny, but also calm. What if we gaze even higher and see God far above the universe itself? W start feeling even more tiny, and more calm. Whateve we're facing, seeing God more clearly helps us breathe a sigh of relief.
Now, line two:
... who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy.
You and I experience reality in tiny increments, one moment after another, as time unfolds. But God, in his majestic eternality, is equally present to all points of time at once. For us, time means we have to wait—and we hate waiting. Amazon Prime built their success on our impatience! But God is never forced to wait. He isn't stuck inside time. He invented it and stands above it. Time serves him.
So there goes old Mr. Time out there, pottering around, doing God's will, slow as molasses—and God is okay with that. The upside is, God is always present in the moment with us. He is always right here right now. And as each new second breaks upon us, sometimes with a nasty surprise, God offers us eternal hope.
January 19, 2025
This is a short and sweet resource for Christians who are hurting. Specifically, this book addresses Christians who feel betrayed, lonely, trapped in sin, or fearful of death. Ortlund offers encouragement with the love and truth of Christ.
I feel that this book does not have as much to say to Christians whose “rock bottom” comes from other circumstances or a feeling of God’s distance. While Ortlund still has some general encouragement for them, I found some phrases off-putting. For example (and please remember, I received an advanced review copy, so the wording may be different in the published version): “Thank you, Lord, for trouble” and “[in painful circumstances], Jesus surprises us with everything we really wanted all along.” For someone whose child has died, someone facing chronic health issues, or someone whose unanswered prayers leave them feeling forsaken by God, those words feel like cold comfort to me. But I’m not as spiritually mature as Ortlund’s dad, who could suffer agonizing pain and say “‘it’s a gift.’”
Overall, however, I was moved by Ortlund’s gentleness and thoughtfulness in this book as he speaks honestly to Christians in pain. The focus on Isaiah 57:15, which is analyzed insightfully and supported with other scripture, is unique and encouraging. There are helpful questions to ponder at the end of each chapter. Finally, the book concludes with a beautiful and powerful depiction of Heaven.
I recommend this resource to Christians, especially to those who feel betrayed, lonely, trapped in sin, or fearful of death, and who need some loving encouragement in Christ.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions.
I feel that this book does not have as much to say to Christians whose “rock bottom” comes from other circumstances or a feeling of God’s distance. While Ortlund still has some general encouragement for them, I found some phrases off-putting. For example (and please remember, I received an advanced review copy, so the wording may be different in the published version): “Thank you, Lord, for trouble” and “[in painful circumstances], Jesus surprises us with everything we really wanted all along.” For someone whose child has died, someone facing chronic health issues, or someone whose unanswered prayers leave them feeling forsaken by God, those words feel like cold comfort to me. But I’m not as spiritually mature as Ortlund’s dad, who could suffer agonizing pain and say “‘it’s a gift.’”
Overall, however, I was moved by Ortlund’s gentleness and thoughtfulness in this book as he speaks honestly to Christians in pain. The focus on Isaiah 57:15, which is analyzed insightfully and supported with other scripture, is unique and encouraging. There are helpful questions to ponder at the end of each chapter. Finally, the book concludes with a beautiful and powerful depiction of Heaven.
I recommend this resource to Christians, especially to those who feel betrayed, lonely, trapped in sin, or fearful of death, and who need some loving encouragement in Christ.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions.
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