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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
54 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.
67 books145 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 75 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.
March 6, 2026
good one to return to again and again
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.
February 9, 2026
you already know anything Ray writes, I'm loving
July 26, 2025
A book full of hope for the weary and discouraged. Particularly impactful chapters on betrayal and death.
March 20, 2026
A warm and Christ-centred book reflecting on Isaiah 57:15:
“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
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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!)
March 2, 2026
This book just felt like one great big hug.
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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews