Deserted by God?

by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Suffering, failure, sin, illness, loneliness, disappointment.

They all come in a seemingly endless variety of shapes and sizes. At times there seems to be no way to turn, either backwards or forwards; there is no light at either end of the tunnel. For many people such experiences raise the Why has this happened to me? Has God abandoned me? Can nobody help? Is despair all that is left to me?

Large numbers of people today share such experiences and privately ask these very questions. But there is an answer. In fact there is a whole series of answers. Deserted by God? begins with the question 'Can Anyone Help Me?' and draws on the experience of the psalmists in the Old Testament to help us to being to understand the ways of God. It shows how others have walked the same pathway before us. They provide us with wisdom which will lead us to the conviction of the closing chapter that we are 'Never Deserted'.

Genres: Christian Living, Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Counselling, Spirituality

182 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1993

About the author

Sinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.

Reviews

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the author's care in writing out all of the Psalms used in this book. Indeed, he even reprinted individual sections as he covered them. It may have added a few pages, but sending the reader dashing back and forth into a Bible to check references was not appropriate for this work. This is one indication of the pastoral hand that was applied here.

[Amanda Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2020, when I was a happy, peppy person with few cares in the world, my dad sent me this book for Christmas. Now it's 2025, I'm not so happy and peppy anymore. I've had a lot of hard things happen all at once,I have indeed felt deserted, even by God, even as I know and trust He is with me and that this is His will for me. Still, I was in a place to pick up this book after five years and am so glad I did. It was an immensely encouraging read, and it has helped me through a few particularly hard weeks to re-focus on God through the Psalms.

[Margaret Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gentle book meant to encourage Christians who are struggling with hardship, contentment, and their own sin. Drenched with Scripture. Very good.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect spiritual pick-me-up, which can be read by anyone and at any time!

I first read this book from Sinclair B. Ferguson in March 2000, and felt, with everything that has been going on in my life over the past 10 years or so, that I would benefit from a re-read. How right I was!

Ferguson's ability to take Scripture and unlock its meaning and make relevant and timely application is really to the fore in this small, but 'gigantic' book.

The sub-title says it all ... 'hope for all who do not sense the Lord's sustaining presence during life's most troublesome times.' In providing this 'hope' the author looks at 10 Psalms which speak directly to this condition, from various perspectives, and explains the inspired antidote to this most heinous of human conditions, feeling deserted by God!

This is not a 'promise box,' or a 'name it and claim it,' or a 'quick fix' type of book. No! By steady exegesis, exposition, and application Sinclair Ferguson applies the balm of Scripture to real human wounds, and the wisdom of Scripture to the real worries of the human soul. Each chapter, apart from the first, deals with a separate Psalm, (Psalms 13, 23, 42, 51, 55, 73, 102, 119, and 131) and the concluding chapter provides a Christological perspective on Psalm 22.

In reading this most excellent book, my mind has been instructed and re-instructed, my heart 'strangely warmed,' and my spirit fortified for the future. So helpful have I found this book that I have bought several to give to friends who by their own confession are struggling spiritually at present.

An excellent 5-star read.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are seasons in a Christian's life that feels like "a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:2). There's that "dark night of the soul," that "midnight hour" when all is bleak and God seems a bazillion miles away. What is one to do in such seasons? Sinclair Ferguson, a sensible writer and seasoned pastor, guides readers through eleven Psalms helping them to gain their bearings and find hope and resilience. I deeply enjoyed the work, especially the last chapter on Psalm 1312 and contentment. I highly recommend the work.

[Tim Siepman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and helpful. I found this particularly helpful as it looked at various aspects of being "deserted by God" and not only depression.

[Deborah Laajanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely read in times of distress and darkness. Through the psalms, every chapter brings the reader to a deep understanding of the believer’s internal battles and of his spiritual and natural propensity to seek God’s face — the source of all comfort and encompassing peace.

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a season of cultural and political upheaval, Sinclair Ferguson is a spiritual oasis in the desert.

The dark night of the soul – a phrase to describe when you feel God has abandoned you in a hard time –that’s the theme of this book. What do you do when God isn’t answering, when you don’t understand His hard providence?

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?” – Psalm 13:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” – Psalm 23:4
“Why are you downcast, O my soul?” – Psalm 42:5

The same Psalms that ask these questions give us help toward answering them. When we are discouraged we turn to the only One who has the words of eternal life. No matter the hard words He gives, or the crazy situations He takes us into, we have nowhere else to turn, and He gives us eternal life.

Ferguson deals in a very pastorally sensitive way with the difference between what we feel is true, and what is actually true. Between what may be the consequence of our own sins (he deals with Psalm 51 straight on), and baseless feelings of despair or discouragement.

I would highly recommend anyone feeling discouraged and wondering what God is doing with their lives to pick up and read this book.

[Chuck Bonadies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice reflection on a selection of Psalms. A heart-felt devotion for those who feel that God has abandoned them.

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without question the best book written by a Reformed minister on depression that I have ever read.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wanted to check out a little more by Sinclair. Meditations on different psalms. My favorite part was the portion on ambitions

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book recently and knew I had to buy it. I thought I'd read most of Ferguson's short books, but apparently not. This book is written to the Christian who feels abandoned by God. Or, alternately, it is written to the person who has once felt this abandonment and may one day find themselves in this chasm again. I didn't know his approach when I obtained the book, but that is only because I failed to read the subtitle "Understanding the Ways of God through the Experiences of the Psalmists." Ferguson takes the reader through a journey of various Psalms, highlighting ones where the author felt downcast, discouraged, forsaken. The chapters on Psalms 42 & 73 were particularly good (of course I'm biased by the fact those are two of my favourite Psalms, especially Psalm 73!) and I also greatly enjoyed the chapter on Psalm 131 (contentment!) And the last chapter, oh what a conclusion! Psalm 22 and its especial meaning in light of the death and work of Christ to save sinners such as us. My heart was manifestly encouraged as I considered what Jesus has done for me. This book could be considered basic in a way, a very small book with small chapters - but its encouragement to my soul was deeply felt. Ferguson's continual pointing back to our reliance on the Word of God for our growth and maturation was most helpful. He reminded me of things I've forgotten and neglected to heed as I ought. You may not currently be feeling abandoned by God, but we all go through rough times in this life, do we not? So I heartily recommend this book to every Christian to read and remember who God is and what He has done for us and is doing for us each and every day. And think on the hope that is ours as we rest in the love of Christ.

[Cole Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. Ferguson analyzes specific Psalms in detail, covering the emotional state of the writer at the time, the lessons learned, and the application to us readers. My favorite chapters were Discouragement (Psalm 42-43) and Learning Contentment (Psalm 131). Some chapters took a more direct hit at me than others, but I would imagine that if I read the book again in a few years, different sections might jump out depending on my life situation at the time.

The overarching theme is that God has given us sufficient evidence of his love for us to trust his discernment and direction over our lives, regardless of the situation. Scripture is intended to be a reflection of God's attributes, not a spiritual horoscope (154), but through it we can still learn to view our personal circumstances through the lens of God's love, not deprivation. It's quite possibly the hardest lesson to learn: "God's will, but in God's way and at God's time" (171).

I liked the reminder that scripture is intended to be read, digested, and committed to memory BEFORE the hard times hit, in preparation for what lies ahead.

Overall a great read, very timely, and one I hope to revisit.

[Serendipity · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compact and concise read from Sinclair Ferguson that I picked up from my church's bookstore. I feel the book is especially relevant during the present times, and I was really encouraged by the thoroughness of the book, covering everything from discouragement and despair to sin and purity to contentment. Ferguson bookends the book with the theme of feeling deserted by God and reminds us at the end that because of Christ, who did in fact experience total separation from God at the Cross on our behalf, that we are never deserted. <3

One other thing to note that I really enjoyed is this book is actually a little overview of a few choice Psalms, some that Ferguson provides an expositional perspective I hadn't considered. Would recommend for any Christian who is just in general feeling low about life and yourself.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. simple, classic, pure, and direct. The beauty of older text is how focused it stays on the topic, speaks to truth, and doesn't drift from the message with pop culture anecdotes or fluffy language. Ferguson addresses aspects of depression using a chapter from Psalms to demonstrate the raw and honest struggles experienced by David, who poured how his heart to God in every ugly and unpleasant way possible. Such a powerful study.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book by Ferguson. Being the skilled writer and master theologian, he brings his readers on a tour of a few psalms to address issues relating to disappointment, sin, illness. It always strike me how when I read the same psalm as Ferguson, I hardly get the level of insights that he share.

Read this book before and when you struggle with life’s issues, which would surely come. It is worth each dime that you pay for it.

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deserted by God?is a great little devotional book. Sinclair Ferguson offers short chapters that unpack individual Psalms, particularly Psalms that deal with personal struggle and loss. The book is solidly biblical, profoundly encouraging, and continuously urges the reader towards a deeper trust in God's sovereignty in the midst of trials and tragedy. This is a great work for pastors and laity alike, for sufferers and those experiencing seasons of abundance.

[Lizette Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Ferguson uses the Psalms to anchor every chapter with Biblical instruction that encourages a believer, but also causes us to think about how we look at God during our times of trouble. This is another book to put in my arsenal for counseling, or just to encourage my own heart when I am in the midst of a severe trial.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooner or later, we will feel deserted by God. Sinclair Ferguson deals Biblically and practically with this subject. The exposition is clear and the language very readable and encouraging. You will find help and comfort in this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferguson teaches how to deal with feeling abandoned by God by looking at several of the psalms of lament and what they can teach us. Short and easy to read book, but profound and worth a read.

[Joseph Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book; encouraging read.

[Hannah Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging and convicting reflections on the Psalms. I’ll definitely be revisiting this one in the future.

[Márcio Sobrinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente!!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are depressed or downcast in your soul, this is the book to read. On Christ the solid rock in which we can stand any other thing is nothing but sinking sands.

[Airin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide on how to look at or study the different emotions and themes expressed in the Psalms — how to understand them from the authors’ perspectives. Certainly Gospel-centred. Downside is the expositions are not always sequential verse by verse, though all verses in each passage are eventually addressed. But I would still much prefer this than any other devotional on the Psalms, even and especially for those who are emotionally struggling because, unlike many devotions which often try to explain our experience with the writers’ personal experiences or someone they know, this book focuses on the authors of the Psalms, their backgrounds, the things they express, and how they, like us, are humans, too — that’s how we can Biblically look at them, see ourselves in similar position, and watch as they come to conclusions of their situations as God have purposed them to be.

[TommyLovesEli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great message for our times...

[Grace Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid look at various types of negative emotions/experiences through the lens of the Psalms.

[Trudy Pomerantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has taken me a while to finish - mainly because I put it aside and then decided the best thing to do would be to start again. It does not contain anything startling or amazing, but was a good reminder that the best way to handle difficulties in life is through being in the Word. He is also consistently (at least through out this book) NOT prosperity gospel. I have been thinking about the whole issue of prosperity gospel lately, and have reached the conclusion that, in practice, the majority of Calvinists are prosperity gospel though it is against their own theology (or maybe it was finding out recently that someone who I would have thought was very much against prosperity gospel actually is not in practice) . He does not say or believe that we should be happy all the day, or that things will suddenly become rainbows and puppy dogs if only we follow his method, but examines several different psalms where the writer is obviously struggling with what was happening, and the solutions offered were
1. To be in the word - and that you cannot wait until life starts going wrong
2. To remember things working out for good does not mean in this life or through material possessions
3. Resist sin - immediately - and practice grace
4. Practice contentment
5. To acknowledge that you are feeling a certain way - and to realize that there may be good reasons for those feelings.

p59 Sadly, Christians, do not always understand. Sometimes well-meaning Christians assume that if someone is melancholic or in low spirits, the solution is all to simple and obvious. They dispense easy medicine for a disease of the soul that is difficult to cure, simple formulas that they assume will deal with every need.

p117 But, then, God's purposes and goals are different from those pursued by the world. He is more concerned with the character of his children than their wealth; he is committed to their Christ-likeness rather than their indulgence; he desires their progress in obedience rather than material prosperity.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time in less than a year reading this book. The first time it was beneficial, but when a season of suffering unexpectedly entered my life I turned to this book again and was greatly encouraged and my faith was strengthened through the psalms in this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for simple truths to strengthen their faith.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am loving this book so far! It's really speaking to me in my current season. A great verse from the second chapter:

"Let him who walks in darkness and has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. " AMEN!