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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
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
31 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Edward T. Welch
98 books462 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 - 14 of 14 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.
May 19, 2025
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.)
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.
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 - 14 of 14 reviews