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A Depressão de Spurgeon
A depressão afeta muitas pessoas, tanto pessoalmente quanto através da vida daqueles que amamos. Neste livro, vemos como o Príncipe dos Pregadores do século XIX, C. H. Spurgeon, lutou com a depressão. O fato de um pastor cristão tão proeminente ter vivenciado a depressão, e dela ter falado tão abertamente, convida-nos à empatia com um companheiro sofredor. Porque esse pastor e pregador saiu à luta com fé e dúvida, sofrimento e esperança, nós ganhamos um companheiro na jornada. O que ele encontrou de Jesus na escuridão pode nos servir de luz para as nossas próprias trevas.
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
362 people are currently reading
2840 people want to read
About the author
Zack Eswine
16 books156 followerszack is an author, pastor and mentor seeking words for living humanly in Jesus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
February 8, 2019
"The sun may not rise for a few hours yet. But here amid the waiting hours, the sorrowing have a Savior."
March 9, 2019
It is always encouraging to know that someone who came before you suffered and overcame their suffering in Christ. Charles Spurgeon is one of my favorite expositors. His Faith's Checkbook, Morning and Evening, and Treasury of the Psalms are staples in my life making this book a bit of a different look at the man. He was not a man who went from joy to joy, but rather he struggled against the pains of outrageous fortune and always 'the bottom was firm.' That gives me courage because sometimes the waves are high,
July 31, 2018
Excellent short book on depression aimed at both those who suffer and those who care for sufferers. Read this in one day, and will read it again. Chapter 8 is worth reading the whole thing. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2021
I have a friend who was born in 1834. That would make him 183 years old. He went home to be with Jesus in 1892 - at the peak of his ministry and in the prime of his life. I have often asked why God takes the heroes of the faith so soon - Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan, and John Calvin all died in their 50's. David Brainerd and Jim Elliot died before they reached the age of 30. While the question is interesting to ponder, the question is not ours to ask. Enter the Creator --
"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" (Job 38:2, ESV).
"You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great" (Job 38:21, ESV).
"And the LORD said to Job: 'Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it'" (Job 40:2, ESV).
I have been learning from my friend, C.H. Spurgeon for nearly 25 years now. He has taught me many lessons. He introduced me to Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, a book he read over 100 times in his short life. Spurgeon has taught me the importance of expositional preaching. On many occasions, he has reminded me about the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching, not to mention living the Christian life. He has inspired courage and conviction and prompted me to be unwavering, even in the darkest of days.
But one of the greatest lessons I've learned from my British friend is how to deal with melancholy. Zack Eswine helps highlight some of those lessons in his book, Spurgeon's Sorrows. The subtitle accurately reflects the basic theme of the book, Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression.
Spurgeon's Sorrows is arranged in three parts. Part One walks readers through the basics of depression. What is it? How can one recognize it? What is spiritual depression? Part Two presents a path for helping people who suffer from depression. And Part Three is a practical section that offers practical assistance for dealing with depression.
Chapter nine is worth the price of the book as the author directs readers to the promises of God and shows how Spurgeon utilized this habit of claiming the promises of Jesus in his daily walk with God.
Spurgeon's Sorrows is a short book filled with biblical counsel for people who battle depression and provides help for anyone who is reaching out to folks who are wading through the Slough of Despondence. In the final analysis, readers are encouraged to cling to their Savior who promises to walk with them through every valley.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:1–2, ESV)
4 stars
"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?" (Job 38:2, ESV).
"You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great" (Job 38:21, ESV).
"And the LORD said to Job: 'Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it'" (Job 40:2, ESV).
I have been learning from my friend, C.H. Spurgeon for nearly 25 years now. He has taught me many lessons. He introduced me to Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, a book he read over 100 times in his short life. Spurgeon has taught me the importance of expositional preaching. On many occasions, he has reminded me about the importance of the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching, not to mention living the Christian life. He has inspired courage and conviction and prompted me to be unwavering, even in the darkest of days.
But one of the greatest lessons I've learned from my British friend is how to deal with melancholy. Zack Eswine helps highlight some of those lessons in his book, Spurgeon's Sorrows. The subtitle accurately reflects the basic theme of the book, Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression.
Spurgeon's Sorrows is arranged in three parts. Part One walks readers through the basics of depression. What is it? How can one recognize it? What is spiritual depression? Part Two presents a path for helping people who suffer from depression. And Part Three is a practical section that offers practical assistance for dealing with depression.
Chapter nine is worth the price of the book as the author directs readers to the promises of God and shows how Spurgeon utilized this habit of claiming the promises of Jesus in his daily walk with God.
Spurgeon's Sorrows is a short book filled with biblical counsel for people who battle depression and provides help for anyone who is reaching out to folks who are wading through the Slough of Despondence. In the final analysis, readers are encouraged to cling to their Savior who promises to walk with them through every valley.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:1–2, ESV)
4 stars
January 23, 2026
I've read a lot of books on depression over the years; this was one of my favorites.
February 14, 2020
This is a must read for Christians who suffer with depression or know someone who is struck with it. In a world where mental health issues are so prevalent I would argue that anyone in ministry should get acquainted with the topic whether they struggle with it or not. Zack Eswine’s Spurgeon’s Sorrows truly is-as the subtitle indicates-realistic hope for this who suffer from depression. He does a beautiful job of walking through depression by looking at it through the Prince of Preachers, the man who shaped Baptist preaching in England, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. This work is an introduction to the topic, but give practical steps for counseling and walking alongside those with depression, but the book’s main audience is those with depression. He articulate the importance of understanding what depression is, how it can make an individual feel, the importance of recognizing that it’s not sinful to have depression, and how to fight for joy when biologically speaking joy and the Lord seem so far off. This book does not get into the biological aspects of depression, but it does not deny the reality of it. Also, he encourages those struggling with depression to seek medical and spiritual help. I think this is a great intro to this topic and it gave me a deeper insight into the issues of mental health through the eyes of Spurgeon and gave me a deeper hope that we have in Jesus who experienced all issues that we do as humans.
March 18, 2018
I can't say enough good things about this book. Depression is such a difficult topic to speak helpfully about, and Zach Eswine has nailed it. This brief book is an effective partnership between Charles Spurgeon, with his raw experience of depression and his forthright, honest and biblical preaching, and Zach Eswine, with his own experience of depression and his uniquely gentle writing style. Highly recommended to read or give away.
January 8, 2025
If you love someone who suffers from depression, I think you should read this book. You may not want to, but I think you should. And you can borrow my copy if you promise to give it back.
There is a painful reality of being sorely misunderstood when walking through a deep, dark, cloud-covered valley of depression. I am absolutely confident that you cannot understand this type of suffering unless you’ve experienced it. It was a great comfort to me, then, that this Prince of Preachers understood exactly the anguish of one who is depressed. And he was vocal about his struggle from the pulpit. Even today, I think Spurgeon’s views on depression would be radical among the reformed. No one is right on everything, but I think he was mostly right on his understanding of mental illness, as a sufferer himself. But all of our theology will be corrected and perfected one day.
I loved (LOVED) the last chapter - The Benefits of Sorrow. I can be tempted to throw a rager of a pity party during times of great mental anguish. This chapter rebukes that with evidences of God’s mysterious kindness in allowing suffering of this kind. Spurgeon’s words sum it up -
“I am sure that I have run more swiftly with a lame leg than I ever did with a sound one. I am certain that I have seen more in the dark than I ever saw in the light — more stars, most certainly, — more things in heaven if fewer things on earth. The anvil, the fire, and the hammer, are the making of us; we do not get fashioned much by anything else. The heavy hammer falling on us helps to shape us; therefore let affliction and trouble and trial come.”
I think Zack Eswine did well on this book.
There is a painful reality of being sorely misunderstood when walking through a deep, dark, cloud-covered valley of depression. I am absolutely confident that you cannot understand this type of suffering unless you’ve experienced it. It was a great comfort to me, then, that this Prince of Preachers understood exactly the anguish of one who is depressed. And he was vocal about his struggle from the pulpit. Even today, I think Spurgeon’s views on depression would be radical among the reformed. No one is right on everything, but I think he was mostly right on his understanding of mental illness, as a sufferer himself. But all of our theology will be corrected and perfected one day.
I loved (LOVED) the last chapter - The Benefits of Sorrow. I can be tempted to throw a rager of a pity party during times of great mental anguish. This chapter rebukes that with evidences of God’s mysterious kindness in allowing suffering of this kind. Spurgeon’s words sum it up -
“I am sure that I have run more swiftly with a lame leg than I ever did with a sound one. I am certain that I have seen more in the dark than I ever saw in the light — more stars, most certainly, — more things in heaven if fewer things on earth. The anvil, the fire, and the hammer, are the making of us; we do not get fashioned much by anything else. The heavy hammer falling on us helps to shape us; therefore let affliction and trouble and trial come.”
I think Zack Eswine did well on this book.
January 18, 2024
Whilst WDSMOF (Meynell) is more of a memoir, this book offers practical advice and seems to get to the heart of depression quicker. It is more specific and hard-hitting. Some chapters are to be read in the midst of suffering and others parked for the future.
February 3, 2019
The best book I have read on the topic of depression and mental illness in the life of a Christian. Beautifully written with grace, empathy, and encouragement for the sufferer. Includes practical helps for both the sufferer and the caregiver. It is hard to choose a favorite chapter, but 7: The Help that Harms was enlightening to me as I have experienced many of these “helps” from well meaning people who, frankly, do not understand the depth of depression’s dungeon nor the Biblical call to “weep with those who weep.” I also cherished Chapter 6: A Language for Our Sorrows which explores the gift of metaphor as a way to express feelings and thoughts that seem to defy description.
Spurgeon’s quotes are a balm to the sufferer, words from a great theologian who was well acquainted with God’s promises in Scripture and who still often walked in the darkness. Eswine weaves them into helpful, short chapters and is a good writer himself, if occasionally a bit wordy.
I have already recommended and shared this book with friends and will continue to do so. I will add a collection of favorite quotes to this review when I get a chance! Highly recommend.
Spurgeon’s quotes are a balm to the sufferer, words from a great theologian who was well acquainted with God’s promises in Scripture and who still often walked in the darkness. Eswine weaves them into helpful, short chapters and is a good writer himself, if occasionally a bit wordy.
I have already recommended and shared this book with friends and will continue to do so. I will add a collection of favorite quotes to this review when I get a chance! Highly recommend.
January 22, 2023
A really insightful dive into famous preacher Charles Sprurgeons life and his battle with depression. It does a good job to interweave his life and what the Bible says about depression. It points to many figures in the Bible who suffered from it, even Christ and shows that no human is immune to it and we will all suffer from it at some point, though at varying degrees. Author balances it with a narrative of Spurgeons life and his preaching, and Biblical truth that addresses depression. He does it head on addressing depression and all that comes with it, acknowledging many believers who will get it but then does so in light of the gospel and the truth that God is God and we are not. He also puts practical tips within as things that may help us in the process. Only difficulty is the language was hard to read and understand, not sure if he was trying to be poetic match it with Spurgeons old English, or writing it like an analytical English essay, but it was a little wordy at times - making it slightly hard to understand and decipher at some points. Regardless, a good read for anyone!
September 1, 2022
This book was well written and a really helpful read. As someone with loved ones who struggle with the darkness of depression I felt enlightened and convicted as he explains helpful and unhelpful ways of responding to those with depression. My hope is that this book would help me be a more compassionate friend and listener.
The chapter on Spiritual Depression spoke more specifically to me since I’ve struggled with this type of depression more in the last couple years. It was encouraging to see some of my feelings put to words. I felt validated and less alone in that struggle!
I also love Spurgeon and his way with words. This book is filled with precious Spurgeon gems!
The chapter on Spiritual Depression spoke more specifically to me since I’ve struggled with this type of depression more in the last couple years. It was encouraging to see some of my feelings put to words. I felt validated and less alone in that struggle!
I also love Spurgeon and his way with words. This book is filled with precious Spurgeon gems!
August 3, 2020
Helpful, gentle, compassionate, hopeful.
Aimed particularly at those who, like Spurgeon did, struggle with depression or melancholy. But Eswine also maintains an awareness that others are reading the book with other kinds of sorrow, or are attempting to come alongside the suffering. Eswine's own sorrows are not as evident as Spurgeon's in the book, but they clearly undergird his applications.
The book uses Spurgeon's own teaching on the topic of sorrow as a gateway into biblical teaching about it. In that we, we are given the view of a mature man of God teaching out of his own experience of applying biblical truth to his own heart. There are points where this framework falters (eg the chapter on 'natural helps' discusses the use of medication for depression. I'm not sure how helpful the comments from Spurgeon were, though Eswine's general points were helpful. Mentioning Spurgeon's own points required Eswine to explain and articulte Spurgeon's view and treatment of alcohol, which just felt a few too many steps away from the general topic/the counsel of Scripture). But by and large, the framework was very helpful, and helps set the stage clearly that depression is not necessarily a sign of spiritual immaturity.
Recommend to those who wrestle with melancholy.
Aimed particularly at those who, like Spurgeon did, struggle with depression or melancholy. But Eswine also maintains an awareness that others are reading the book with other kinds of sorrow, or are attempting to come alongside the suffering. Eswine's own sorrows are not as evident as Spurgeon's in the book, but they clearly undergird his applications.
The book uses Spurgeon's own teaching on the topic of sorrow as a gateway into biblical teaching about it. In that we, we are given the view of a mature man of God teaching out of his own experience of applying biblical truth to his own heart. There are points where this framework falters (eg the chapter on 'natural helps' discusses the use of medication for depression. I'm not sure how helpful the comments from Spurgeon were, though Eswine's general points were helpful. Mentioning Spurgeon's own points required Eswine to explain and articulte Spurgeon's view and treatment of alcohol, which just felt a few too many steps away from the general topic/the counsel of Scripture). But by and large, the framework was very helpful, and helps set the stage clearly that depression is not necessarily a sign of spiritual immaturity.
Recommend to those who wrestle with melancholy.
July 12, 2020
This was a great book to read. My tendency is more to think that depression is something that is apart from the Christian faith, but this book and the excerpts from Spurgeon's sermons have allowed me to understand and sympathize more with those with depression. I don't agree with 100% of the things in the book (I agree with maybe 95%) but otherwise this book is really good and a pretty short read for those who want a better understanding or a different perspective on depression and the Christian faith.
November 19, 2024
Wow. I’m floored by Eswine’s beautiful writing style, thought-provoking insights, and aptly-chosen Spurgeon quotes. I heartily recommend this to the sorrowful as well as to their friends.
The book concludes with these words:
“The sun may not rise for a few hours yet. But here amid the waiting hours, the sorrowing have a Savior.”
The book concludes with these words:
“The sun may not rise for a few hours yet. But here amid the waiting hours, the sorrowing have a Savior.”
April 18, 2015
We’ve all been sad, but have it’s another thing to be in sorrow. One well known preacher known to have suffered from extreme sorrow is Charles Spurgeon.
Zack Eswine has written a book that not only shows us Spugeon’s experience and struggle with it. Eswine has also written a book to help others understand and visualise what it is like to be undergoing through such sorrows.
First Eswine helps the readers understand what depress is, he writes out in detail, as one who suffers from such depression, and also quotes liberally from Spurgeon, to help us have a grasp of what it is like to be in sorrow. He helps readers who are unfamiliar or unacquainted with depression to see what it is, and how is it difference from merely being sad.
Next, Eswine dispenses advices to those who wishes to help those who are suffering from depression. He practically deals with the questions that often surface in the minds of those who suffer. Eswine deals with these questions by bringing to mind the grace that is offered to all found in the gospel.
Lastly, Eswine gives some light to those who suffers. Eswine understands that it will be a long, tiring and uphill battle to battle against sorrow. But Eswine still help these people to see the purpose and benefits these sorrows bring to their christian life.
I have found this book to really help me understand, in part, what it is like to be under sorrow. These people are certain not just sad, simply advice to tell them to smile more, or be more happy will not do. Only the gospel offers them real hope. And that is what this book is really about. It would be most helpful to those who are currently suffering from depression. You realise that you’re not alone in this, and that God has not given up on you nor has He turned His back on you. Similarly, if you wish to have a glimpse of what depress is like, or hope to know what kind of advice or encourage you can give to one that is suffering. This is the certain one book you have to read.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
First Eswine helps the readers understand what depress is, he writes out in detail, as one who suffers from such depression, and also quotes liberally from Spurgeon, to help us have a grasp of what it is like to be in sorrow. He helps readers who are unfamiliar or unacquainted with depression to see what it is, and how is it difference from merely being sad.
Next, Eswine dispenses advices to those who wishes to help those who are suffering from depression. He practically deals with the questions that often surface in the minds of those who suffer. Eswine deals with these questions by bringing to mind the grace that is offered to all found in the gospel.
Lastly, Eswine gives some light to those who suffers. Eswine understands that it will be a long, tiring and uphill battle to battle against sorrow. But Eswine still help these people to see the purpose and benefits these sorrows bring to their christian life.
I have found this book to really help me understand, in part, what it is like to be under sorrow. These people are certain not just sad, simply advice to tell them to smile more, or be more happy will not do. Only the gospel offers them real hope. And that is what this book is really about. It would be most helpful to those who are currently suffering from depression. You realise that you’re not alone in this, and that God has not given up on you nor has He turned His back on you. Similarly, if you wish to have a glimpse of what depress is like, or hope to know what kind of advice or encourage you can give to one that is suffering. This is the certain one book you have to read.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 23, 2018
This is not an exhaustive review of depression, but it does not pretend to be so. When I started this book, I was slightly disappointed. Several friends of mine had suggested this book with such admiration, yet within the first few chapters, I was afraid that Eswine would provide only empty epithets followed by platitudes that provided no comfort or hope. But I'm glad I continued to read.
Eswine first provides a very basic understanding of depression that is surely foundational for those who are unfamiliar with the suffering. The second part of this book, "Learning How to Help Those Who Suffer From Depression," Eswine guides the reader in ways to comfort the depressed and highlights common practices that usually cause more harm than hope.
In many books, I find myself reading a few chapters near the middle where the author offers his main point, the best argument, or the climax of his discussion. Afterwards, I read just to finish the book, gliding through repetitions of information already provided. Spurgeon's Sorrows cannot be described in this manner, Zack Eswine does not fall into repetition. In fact, the last two chapters of this book will be chapters I often return to for refreshment and hope, a reminder that light can be seen in the darkest of depths.
TL;DR
This is a phenomenal book for anyone who is or has suffered from depression and for those who want to be ready to help those suffering.
Eswine first provides a very basic understanding of depression that is surely foundational for those who are unfamiliar with the suffering. The second part of this book, "Learning How to Help Those Who Suffer From Depression," Eswine guides the reader in ways to comfort the depressed and highlights common practices that usually cause more harm than hope.
In many books, I find myself reading a few chapters near the middle where the author offers his main point, the best argument, or the climax of his discussion. Afterwards, I read just to finish the book, gliding through repetitions of information already provided. Spurgeon's Sorrows cannot be described in this manner, Zack Eswine does not fall into repetition. In fact, the last two chapters of this book will be chapters I often return to for refreshment and hope, a reminder that light can be seen in the darkest of depths.
TL;DR
This is a phenomenal book for anyone who is or has suffered from depression and for those who want to be ready to help those suffering.
February 6, 2017
Outstanding read. My wife asked me to read this book in order to have a better understanding of the topic of depression. I am so glad that she did. This book is geared toward the one caught in sorrow as well as the one who wants to be a care-giver for those suffering. Very practical advice from the Bible and tons (and I mean tons) of Spurgeon quotes. For some reason, we Christians (including myself) can jump too easily to spouting off Bible verses and self-help tips to the hurting, when that can instead drive them into deeper despair. This book calls those actions out for the façade that they are and instead provides a Biblical (and "Spurgeonical"...heh) stance on how to minister to the depressed. I learned a lot, and will keep this little book handy for years to come!
August 5, 2019
This book is part spiritual biography and part guide for Christians to walk through depression. The author uses the life and struggles of Charles Spurgeon to show Christ's presence in the depth of woes that the believer inevitably encounters. The entire work is worth reading, but the last two chapters are excellent.
August 19, 2023
This was a challenging book. I legitimately thought for the first few chapters that it was confusing and poorly written. I was convicted a few chapters further that the book was not the problem, I was. I do not understand depression, and I lack much necessary empathy for those who fight depressive periods. This book made me uncomfortable in good ways, and forced me to own up to my own failing in this area. I hope to be a slightly better care giver to those who are depressed in my life from reading this book.
The only question this book left unanswered, is how does one relate to the sin of depressed individuals. How do we deal with the sin that hurting people often spew in response to their plight. Is it always appropriate to pass over these sins? Is there a time for gentle rebuke? If so how does one navigate this without harming further the hurt person? These are questions I hope to find wise answers to.
The only question this book left unanswered, is how does one relate to the sin of depressed individuals. How do we deal with the sin that hurting people often spew in response to their plight. Is it always appropriate to pass over these sins? Is there a time for gentle rebuke? If so how does one navigate this without harming further the hurt person? These are questions I hope to find wise answers to.
August 25, 2025
"I am certain that I have seen more in the dark than ever I saw in the light - more stars, most certainly - more things in heaven if fewer things on earth. The anvil, the fire, and the hammer, are the making of us; we do not get fashioned much by anything else. That heavy hammer falling on us helps to shape us; therefore let affliction and trouble and trial come." - CH Spurgeon
I highly recommend this book to any believer who struggles with anxiety or depression, or who loves someone that does. It's a book I will come back to again and again and the truth of the Gospel within it will ring just as true.
I highly recommend this book to any believer who struggles with anxiety or depression, or who loves someone that does. It's a book I will come back to again and again and the truth of the Gospel within it will ring just as true.
May 7, 2022
I love Spurgeon, I thought this was going to be direct content from him about his own struggles with depression. The bulk of the book, however, is commentary by a modern author. It's still good and a solid book, it just wasn't what I expected.
August 12, 2025
This book was balm to my soul, as Spurgeon’s words often are!
Eswine erases the shame and stigmatism that often surrounds depression, and encourages the downcast to fight the good fight (though it may look different for them than for others), through promises, prayers, medication, sunshine, laughter etc. I loved it. An encouragement to the depressed and a call to those who walk along side them to get off their soapbox and learn how to better encourage their afflicted friends
So good<3
Eswine erases the shame and stigmatism that often surrounds depression, and encourages the downcast to fight the good fight (though it may look different for them than for others), through promises, prayers, medication, sunshine, laughter etc. I loved it. An encouragement to the depressed and a call to those who walk along side them to get off their soapbox and learn how to better encourage their afflicted friends
So good<3
June 22, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up
I got a lot of value out of this short book. It was instructive on how we should think about depression as believers and also offered very practical guidance and wisdom for managing it. I loved his suggestion of keeping quiet hours and going on calm retreats and being intentional about building those into the seasonal rhythms of our lives.
The chapter on suicide was insightful and helped me think through some preconceived notions I had about it. The tone throughout the book was incredibly compassionate. I loved how the author weaved quotes from Spurgeon's sermons and anecdotes from his life throughout the book- it made the book feel like pastoral care from Spurgeon himself.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who either struggles with depression or is simply going through a very difficult season and needs to be reminded that they are not alone in the struggle and that there is hope even in the darkest moments of life.
Some of my favorite lines in the book...
There comes a time in most of our lives in which we no longer have the strength to lift ourselves out or to pretend ourselves strong.
The mind can descend far lower than the body, for in it there are bottomless pits. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.
In itself, sadness or grief is God's gift to us. It's how we get through. It is an act of faith and wisdom to be sad about sad things.
In this fallen world, sadness is an act of sanity, our tears the testimony of the sane.
This side of heaven, grace secures us but doesn't cure us.
Our feelings of Him do not save us. He does.
...we [have the tendency to] magnify every weakness, limit, sin, and imperfection within us.
Remember, it has required more faith for some to do less than you.
Such persons take it upon themselves to shush the joy out of people in the name of God. This kind of religion makes a mockery of the pain suffered in true depression and sorrows.
The pastor, religious counselor, or friend must learn to account for the medical, psychological and behavioral realities of depression...We might summarize these categories as circumstance, chemistry, and spirit.
We get through them or on with them, but not over them.
...we must learn the skills of grace necessary for surviving there and adjusting our lives to what it means to thrive within its [depression's] conditions.
If sufferers from depression encounter us seeing them as a category, they disbelieve that we see them at all.
Metaphor allows for nuance and difference...metaphor allows for diverse expression.
We judge others according to our circumstances rather than theirs.
We try to control what should be rather than surrender to what is. We must not judge harshly, as if things were as we would theoretically arrange them but we must deal with things as they are...
...the hope that we offer must match the depths of the wound and the misery of the pain.
He gives us...care proportionate to our pains.
No matter how deep you fall, grace goes deeper still. Grace goes deeper no matter what the cause.
Tomorrow cannot bring us anything but what God shall bear us through.
...promises such as these enable us to hear what God's voice sounds like amid the torrent of competing voices that thrash the boarded up windows of our minds.
...the effectiveness of God's promise does not depend upon our ability to feel or see it.
We are more than our trials, feelings, or choices of a moment might suggest about us.
What is prayer but the promise pleaded?
What we want and what God has promised are not always the same.
Our God will either make the burden lighter or the back stronger; He will diminish the need or increase the supply.
If we offer only prayer and sermon to aid the mental suffering of our neighbors, we underestimate the body-soul need and the many gifts in nature that God has mercifully provided.
We are the strangest mix of contradictions that ever was known. We will never be able to understand ourselves.
The truest Christians can do foolish things.
We must take great care before judging someone who tries to overcome miseries that we ourselves have never encountered.
Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. The follower of Jesus is not lost because of this heinous act. This gives us who remain hope for those we've loved. Just as other sins are paid for by Christ, so this one is too. But just as other sins damage ourselves and others, this one is no exception.
...even hope demolished can become hope rebuilt...
Sorrow teaches us to resist trite views of what maturity in Jesus looks like:faith is not frownless. Maturity is not painless.
I have been seriously ill, and sadly depressed, and I fear I have rebelled, and therefore I look anew to Him and I tell you that He is fairer in my eyes tonight than He was at first.
...our sorrows belong to Jesus. He is their master no matter what fiendish thought or unexplainable cause gave them birth.
I got a lot of value out of this short book. It was instructive on how we should think about depression as believers and also offered very practical guidance and wisdom for managing it. I loved his suggestion of keeping quiet hours and going on calm retreats and being intentional about building those into the seasonal rhythms of our lives.
The chapter on suicide was insightful and helped me think through some preconceived notions I had about it. The tone throughout the book was incredibly compassionate. I loved how the author weaved quotes from Spurgeon's sermons and anecdotes from his life throughout the book- it made the book feel like pastoral care from Spurgeon himself.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who either struggles with depression or is simply going through a very difficult season and needs to be reminded that they are not alone in the struggle and that there is hope even in the darkest moments of life.
Some of my favorite lines in the book...
There comes a time in most of our lives in which we no longer have the strength to lift ourselves out or to pretend ourselves strong.
The mind can descend far lower than the body, for in it there are bottomless pits. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.
In itself, sadness or grief is God's gift to us. It's how we get through. It is an act of faith and wisdom to be sad about sad things.
In this fallen world, sadness is an act of sanity, our tears the testimony of the sane.
This side of heaven, grace secures us but doesn't cure us.
Our feelings of Him do not save us. He does.
...we [have the tendency to] magnify every weakness, limit, sin, and imperfection within us.
Remember, it has required more faith for some to do less than you.
Such persons take it upon themselves to shush the joy out of people in the name of God. This kind of religion makes a mockery of the pain suffered in true depression and sorrows.
The pastor, religious counselor, or friend must learn to account for the medical, psychological and behavioral realities of depression...We might summarize these categories as circumstance, chemistry, and spirit.
We get through them or on with them, but not over them.
...we must learn the skills of grace necessary for surviving there and adjusting our lives to what it means to thrive within its [depression's] conditions.
If sufferers from depression encounter us seeing them as a category, they disbelieve that we see them at all.
Metaphor allows for nuance and difference...metaphor allows for diverse expression.
We judge others according to our circumstances rather than theirs.
We try to control what should be rather than surrender to what is. We must not judge harshly, as if things were as we would theoretically arrange them but we must deal with things as they are...
...the hope that we offer must match the depths of the wound and the misery of the pain.
He gives us...care proportionate to our pains.
No matter how deep you fall, grace goes deeper still. Grace goes deeper no matter what the cause.
Tomorrow cannot bring us anything but what God shall bear us through.
...promises such as these enable us to hear what God's voice sounds like amid the torrent of competing voices that thrash the boarded up windows of our minds.
...the effectiveness of God's promise does not depend upon our ability to feel or see it.
We are more than our trials, feelings, or choices of a moment might suggest about us.
What is prayer but the promise pleaded?
What we want and what God has promised are not always the same.
Our God will either make the burden lighter or the back stronger; He will diminish the need or increase the supply.
If we offer only prayer and sermon to aid the mental suffering of our neighbors, we underestimate the body-soul need and the many gifts in nature that God has mercifully provided.
We are the strangest mix of contradictions that ever was known. We will never be able to understand ourselves.
The truest Christians can do foolish things.
We must take great care before judging someone who tries to overcome miseries that we ourselves have never encountered.
Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. The follower of Jesus is not lost because of this heinous act. This gives us who remain hope for those we've loved. Just as other sins are paid for by Christ, so this one is too. But just as other sins damage ourselves and others, this one is no exception.
...even hope demolished can become hope rebuilt...
Sorrow teaches us to resist trite views of what maturity in Jesus looks like:faith is not frownless. Maturity is not painless.
I have been seriously ill, and sadly depressed, and I fear I have rebelled, and therefore I look anew to Him and I tell you that He is fairer in my eyes tonight than He was at first.
...our sorrows belong to Jesus. He is their master no matter what fiendish thought or unexplainable cause gave them birth.
December 31, 2022
Quick read. Doesn't shy away but is very sensitively written with really practical help towards the end. Would highly recommend.
February 19, 2025
Grateful for people like this who talk honestly about depression in the faith realm!
January 25, 2026
“Grief is depression in proportion to circumstance” while “depression is grief out of proportion to circumstance.”
March 8, 2022
Sweet short resource for those struggling with depression
August 24, 2021
This was excellent! I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who suffers from depression or has a loved one who suffers. Learning about Spurgeon’s faith despite his ongoing depression was very heartening. I also appreciated the authors thoroughness and sensitivity as he dealt with various aspects of depression and mental illness. This book was a refreshing blessing! I will definitely be rereading it!
August 23, 2018
Cherry-picking Spurgeon at his very best!
The term “cherry-picking” is often used pejoratively—I don’t use it that way here. Zach Eswine has mined Spurgeon’s sermons with the sort of care for detail a private investigator might employ in evaluating a target’s email. Spurgeon was both a sufferer of depression as well as a comforter of the depressed: he knows well of what he speaks. As Eswine demonstrates, the nineteenth-century “prince of preachers” provided a treasure-trove of wisdom regarding depression.
Like Spurgeon’s own experience of depression, Eswine’s book is for two audiences: counselors and the depressed, as is made clear from its organization. Part One has to do with understanding the dark pit of depression. Sufferers will find that they are reading an author who understands their despair. Eswine’s use of metaphor and his commentary on the Scripture’s use of metaphor turns his writing into a thing of sensitive beauty, although counselors might itch for him to get from description to prescription (an impatience the author warns us about).
Part Two, “Learning How to Help Those Who Suffer from Depression,” contains almost as many cautions for those seeking to help the depressed as it does positive directions for soul care. Chapter 7, “Helps that Harm” illustrates things not to do when caring for the depressed.
Eswine provides good advice for weary souls who find themselves in the black night of despair in Part Three: “Learning Helps to Daily Cope with Depression.” In his chapter “Natural Helps” the author makes a case for the judicious use of medicine, as well as other remedies such as laughter and times of rest. His chapter on suicide is gentle but firm.
This is an eminently usable volume: it is accessible to the average reader, it is full of excellent advice, heavily footnoted for those who wish to do extra study, and it’s brief (only 143 pages). It’s the sort of thing you can give a counselee or read yourself as a counselor. Eswine has done the world of Biblical Counseling a favor with this book; I recommend it highly. Five stars.
The term “cherry-picking” is often used pejoratively—I don’t use it that way here. Zach Eswine has mined Spurgeon’s sermons with the sort of care for detail a private investigator might employ in evaluating a target’s email. Spurgeon was both a sufferer of depression as well as a comforter of the depressed: he knows well of what he speaks. As Eswine demonstrates, the nineteenth-century “prince of preachers” provided a treasure-trove of wisdom regarding depression.
Like Spurgeon’s own experience of depression, Eswine’s book is for two audiences: counselors and the depressed, as is made clear from its organization. Part One has to do with understanding the dark pit of depression. Sufferers will find that they are reading an author who understands their despair. Eswine’s use of metaphor and his commentary on the Scripture’s use of metaphor turns his writing into a thing of sensitive beauty, although counselors might itch for him to get from description to prescription (an impatience the author warns us about).
Part Two, “Learning How to Help Those Who Suffer from Depression,” contains almost as many cautions for those seeking to help the depressed as it does positive directions for soul care. Chapter 7, “Helps that Harm” illustrates things not to do when caring for the depressed.
Eswine provides good advice for weary souls who find themselves in the black night of despair in Part Three: “Learning Helps to Daily Cope with Depression.” In his chapter “Natural Helps” the author makes a case for the judicious use of medicine, as well as other remedies such as laughter and times of rest. His chapter on suicide is gentle but firm.
This is an eminently usable volume: it is accessible to the average reader, it is full of excellent advice, heavily footnoted for those who wish to do extra study, and it’s brief (only 143 pages). It’s the sort of thing you can give a counselee or read yourself as a counselor. Eswine has done the world of Biblical Counseling a favor with this book; I recommend it highly. Five stars.
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