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Out of the Cave: Stepping into the Light when Depression Darkens What You See
Do you feel guilt and shame about negative thoughts and emotions and your inability to overcome them? Bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges helps those struggling with depression find liberating solutions by drawing from the life of the prophet Elijah.
You might be asking, Should a Christian even be having these struggles?
Depression is the number one health issue in the world today, yet those who suffer are still sometimes stigmatized--especially followers of Jesus. Many assume God's peace, power, and protection should prevent us from ever feeling anxious, depressed, and afraid. But the Bible teaches otherwise, particularly in its depiction of the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
In Out of the Cave, Chris Hodges uses Elijah's life to show us that everyone is susceptible to depression. Even when we're walking closely with God, we can still stumble and get lost in the wilderness of tangled emotions. But we don't have to stay there, because we serve a God who meets us in the darkness. Out of the Cave helps us
remove the stigma of depression and realize we're not alone;understand the ways our temperament and view of God affect the way we handle depression; andlearn a comprehensive approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul—from Elijah's journey.With his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and vulnerability in sharing his personal struggles, Hodges explores the causes of depression we can't change, the contributors we can conquer, and offers transformative hope and spiritual power to help us win the battle.
You might be asking, Should a Christian even be having these struggles?
Depression is the number one health issue in the world today, yet those who suffer are still sometimes stigmatized--especially followers of Jesus. Many assume God's peace, power, and protection should prevent us from ever feeling anxious, depressed, and afraid. But the Bible teaches otherwise, particularly in its depiction of the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
In Out of the Cave, Chris Hodges uses Elijah's life to show us that everyone is susceptible to depression. Even when we're walking closely with God, we can still stumble and get lost in the wilderness of tangled emotions. But we don't have to stay there, because we serve a God who meets us in the darkness. Out of the Cave helps us
remove the stigma of depression and realize we're not alone;understand the ways our temperament and view of God affect the way we handle depression; andlearn a comprehensive approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul—from Elijah's journey.With his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and vulnerability in sharing his personal struggles, Hodges explores the causes of depression we can't change, the contributors we can conquer, and offers transformative hope and spiritual power to help us win the battle.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
292 people are currently reading
3882 people want to read
About the author
Chris Hodges
70 books234 followersChris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, known for its life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.
Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.
Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, and What’s Next?.
Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.
Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, and What’s Next?.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 11, 2022
Out of the Cave is an extraordinary book that has had a profound effect on me. Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, a non-denominational, multi-site mega-church headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. As of 2018, it was the largest congregation in Alabama and the second largest church in the United States, with an average of 43,030 attendees every week. Over the years, he has counseled scores of people who suffer from anxiety and depression. But that’s not what made Out of the Cave such a powerful book. It’s because he has had significant seasons of emotional pain. He has walked the walk.
Depression is the number one health issue in the world today, yet those who suffer are still sometimes stigmatized—especially followers of Jesus. Many assume God’s peace, power, and protection should prevent us from ever feeling anxious, depressed, and afraid. But the Bible teaches otherwise, particularly in its depiction of the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
In Out of the Cave, Chris Hodges uses Elijah’s life to illustrate that everyone is susceptible to depression. Even when we’re walking closely with God, we can still stumble and get lost in the wilderness of tangled emotions. But we don’t have to stay there, because we serve a God who meets us in the darkness. Hodges provides a comprehensive approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul—with his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and vulnerability in sharing his personal struggles, Hodges explores the causes of depression we can’t change, the contributors we can conquer, and offers transformative hope and spiritual power to help us win the battle.
Hodges is an excellent writer, smooth and professional. He used an effective mix of personal anecdotes, biblical examples, charts, and questionnaires to convey his important message. One thing I most appreciated about this book is that he didn’t use a one size fits all approach, recognizing that some people suffer from a chemical imbalance and need medication to manage their depression, while others can use other management techniques for more situational depression. I related to so much of what he wrote because he has walked in my shoes. Bravo. 5 stars.
Depression is the number one health issue in the world today, yet those who suffer are still sometimes stigmatized—especially followers of Jesus. Many assume God’s peace, power, and protection should prevent us from ever feeling anxious, depressed, and afraid. But the Bible teaches otherwise, particularly in its depiction of the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
In Out of the Cave, Chris Hodges uses Elijah’s life to illustrate that everyone is susceptible to depression. Even when we’re walking closely with God, we can still stumble and get lost in the wilderness of tangled emotions. But we don’t have to stay there, because we serve a God who meets us in the darkness. Hodges provides a comprehensive approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul—with his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and vulnerability in sharing his personal struggles, Hodges explores the causes of depression we can’t change, the contributors we can conquer, and offers transformative hope and spiritual power to help us win the battle.
Hodges is an excellent writer, smooth and professional. He used an effective mix of personal anecdotes, biblical examples, charts, and questionnaires to convey his important message. One thing I most appreciated about this book is that he didn’t use a one size fits all approach, recognizing that some people suffer from a chemical imbalance and need medication to manage their depression, while others can use other management techniques for more situational depression. I related to so much of what he wrote because he has walked in my shoes. Bravo. 5 stars.
June 3, 2021
Chris Hodges is a pastor who has struggled with anxiety and depression, so he has personal experience with the health condition. He knows the stigma surrounding mental health issues – especially when the person suffering is a Christian. He writes to believers in Christ in this book, but also shared how one could have a relationship with Jesus. He provided a strong testimony based on his own battles and carved out a path for others to follow using biblical illustrations, as well as the stories of other pioneers of great suffering. What makes his approach different is his focus on what we have in our control -- our thoughts and behaviors -- and how to free ourselves of patterns and habits that have kept us in a mental bondage. Relying on God's promises in the Bible, Hodges shows how to come out of the cave of depression with new purpose and hope for the future.
The book opened with the reason Hodges decided to write this book: a well-known pastor had taken his life. He knows that pressure. Pastors care for their community and church family. They walk with people through trauma and pain. Burnout and self-sabotage, he said, can open the door to depression. He could no longer stay silent with this recent suicide. He had to do something to help those struggling with depression. His research into the scriptures led him to the prophet Elijah’s journey. He traces the path Elijah took from the highs of seeing God perform an amazing power display to the lows of feeling isolated in his ministry and running for his life. God met Elijah on every point of his journey away from danger and forward into healing. Hodges said God first met Elijah’s physical needs, and then worked on the spiritual aspects of his journey.
While we may not have control over some of the causes for depression – our circumstances, genetic predisposition, or chemical imbalance – Hodges said we do have control over how we think, react, and move. He provided raw emotional data about his own struggles. Alongside the anchoring story of Elijah, he used a story from Daniel 5 where God wrote a message of warning in His own hand on a wall before the eyes of King Belshazzar and others. The king failed to heed that warning, and the prophecy was fulfilled. Hodges used this story to show how to watch for depression’s warning signs. Hodges used a story in Exodus 17 where Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms so the Israelites' could defeat the Amalekites in battle to demonstrate how much we need others. Depression can cause people to self-isolate, he said, and he used this story to show we were never meant to do life alone.
Probably the best role model for this behavior was Jesus when He took His closest friends with him to pray in the garden of Gethsemane. He could have isolated Himself during the agonizing hours before His betrayal and eventual death, but Hodges said Jesus had been alone during that 40-day desert time. Satan tried to tempt Him. Satan would try once more, so Jesus not only prayed, but leaned on God’s people when facing this physical and spiritual battle.
I liked that Hodges gave "homework" within the pages, and I thought he should definitely have a separate workbook for the things he shared for how he keeps up soul care to keep depression at bay. He wanted to flip the scripts we replay in our minds that set us up for defeat when facing great hardships and spiritual attacks. He wanted us to take an inventory of our daily life (our viewing habits, time management, sleep - or lack of it), and provided examples from his own notes.
But leaving the cave of depression does take time. While his focus was on the spiritual aspects of healing, Hodges repeated throughout the text that he supported the treatment plans provided by physicians. Doctors can work on the physical, he said, but when comes to the spirit, we need spiritual solutions, which he provided in the third part of the book.
When the Spirit is in charge, he said, then body and soul no longer battle for dominance and there’s balance and healing.
I am reading Priscilla Shirer’s “Armor of God” as part of a women’s support group study right now. Hodges echoed some of the same ideas about the enemy and his playbook, our daily need for putting on the full armor of God. He said we have God's attention and are seated in the heavenly places even now. Jesus came that we might have life and have it in abundance he said. The Holy Spirit will help us change our habits and confront negative thoughts with truth. Like Elijah, God will show us what we need to do when we pray and ask Him for help, read His word, and become doers and not just hearers.
I loved this book as a fellow veteran of the depression and anxiety wars. I've confronted both several times and often after coming off great heights of feeling and emotions. I read my story with every description Hodges gave about depression at the beginning of the book -- what goes through your mind, how you feel powerless to do anything at times and completely hopeless. My road back was the same: read God's word, pray God's word, take care of my body through diet and exercise, seek treatment through therapy, and join a church support group. I found so many takeaways and answers that I know others walking the path now will find useful, so I can't wait for this book to come out. It is very timely and I'm definitely sharing this with the people in my life who are grieving losses from this pandemic.
The book opened with the reason Hodges decided to write this book: a well-known pastor had taken his life. He knows that pressure. Pastors care for their community and church family. They walk with people through trauma and pain. Burnout and self-sabotage, he said, can open the door to depression. He could no longer stay silent with this recent suicide. He had to do something to help those struggling with depression. His research into the scriptures led him to the prophet Elijah’s journey. He traces the path Elijah took from the highs of seeing God perform an amazing power display to the lows of feeling isolated in his ministry and running for his life. God met Elijah on every point of his journey away from danger and forward into healing. Hodges said God first met Elijah’s physical needs, and then worked on the spiritual aspects of his journey.
While we may not have control over some of the causes for depression – our circumstances, genetic predisposition, or chemical imbalance – Hodges said we do have control over how we think, react, and move. He provided raw emotional data about his own struggles. Alongside the anchoring story of Elijah, he used a story from Daniel 5 where God wrote a message of warning in His own hand on a wall before the eyes of King Belshazzar and others. The king failed to heed that warning, and the prophecy was fulfilled. Hodges used this story to show how to watch for depression’s warning signs. Hodges used a story in Exodus 17 where Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms so the Israelites' could defeat the Amalekites in battle to demonstrate how much we need others. Depression can cause people to self-isolate, he said, and he used this story to show we were never meant to do life alone.
Probably the best role model for this behavior was Jesus when He took His closest friends with him to pray in the garden of Gethsemane. He could have isolated Himself during the agonizing hours before His betrayal and eventual death, but Hodges said Jesus had been alone during that 40-day desert time. Satan tried to tempt Him. Satan would try once more, so Jesus not only prayed, but leaned on God’s people when facing this physical and spiritual battle.
I liked that Hodges gave "homework" within the pages, and I thought he should definitely have a separate workbook for the things he shared for how he keeps up soul care to keep depression at bay. He wanted to flip the scripts we replay in our minds that set us up for defeat when facing great hardships and spiritual attacks. He wanted us to take an inventory of our daily life (our viewing habits, time management, sleep - or lack of it), and provided examples from his own notes.
But leaving the cave of depression does take time. While his focus was on the spiritual aspects of healing, Hodges repeated throughout the text that he supported the treatment plans provided by physicians. Doctors can work on the physical, he said, but when comes to the spirit, we need spiritual solutions, which he provided in the third part of the book.
When the Spirit is in charge, he said, then body and soul no longer battle for dominance and there’s balance and healing.
I am reading Priscilla Shirer’s “Armor of God” as part of a women’s support group study right now. Hodges echoed some of the same ideas about the enemy and his playbook, our daily need for putting on the full armor of God. He said we have God's attention and are seated in the heavenly places even now. Jesus came that we might have life and have it in abundance he said. The Holy Spirit will help us change our habits and confront negative thoughts with truth. Like Elijah, God will show us what we need to do when we pray and ask Him for help, read His word, and become doers and not just hearers.
I loved this book as a fellow veteran of the depression and anxiety wars. I've confronted both several times and often after coming off great heights of feeling and emotions. I read my story with every description Hodges gave about depression at the beginning of the book -- what goes through your mind, how you feel powerless to do anything at times and completely hopeless. My road back was the same: read God's word, pray God's word, take care of my body through diet and exercise, seek treatment through therapy, and join a church support group. I found so many takeaways and answers that I know others walking the path now will find useful, so I can't wait for this book to come out. It is very timely and I'm definitely sharing this with the people in my life who are grieving losses from this pandemic.
May 13, 2021
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I can’t think of a more needed book for our culture. Whether or not you’ve ever struggled with depression, this book speaks so clearly to the challenges we’ve all experienced over the past year and a half. The book blends excellent research with biblical perspective and tangible, practical application.
I’ve learned a great deal from Chris Hodges and this is certainly his best book yet.
I’ve learned a great deal from Chris Hodges and this is certainly his best book yet.
June 4, 2021
As a believer that has struggled with mental illness my entire life (ADHD, Depression and Anxiety) I finally feel seen by the church. Years of people giving me scriptures or saying to pray harder ....all well meaning advice by well meaning people. But ultimately, all those things only increased the amount of shame I felt. What am I doing wrong? Why can’t I shake this?
Out of the Cave acknowledges the real chemical issue of unseen illness. I cried when, from the pulpit and in the book, he acknowledged we have no problems treating diseases except those from the neck up. Because it’s true. My own Christian healthcare plan won’t cover or acknowledge these things....and we wonder why people are struggling.
The author provides very practical steps and advice for helping you Out of the Cave. Things that to some may seem so obvious, but to those stuck in the depression cycle are harder. I bought this book in audio and then had to buy it in print to keep it as a reference. I plan to give it to those in my life that walk with me, so they can better understand, and those who find themselves suddenly in the cave, to realize they aren’t alone and to get needed advice.
THANK YOU Ps Chris Hodges! For writing a book so many people need.
(Also, after years of studying this topic this is the first time I had heard this particular story related to depression. That alone got my attention from the start).
Out of the Cave acknowledges the real chemical issue of unseen illness. I cried when, from the pulpit and in the book, he acknowledged we have no problems treating diseases except those from the neck up. Because it’s true. My own Christian healthcare plan won’t cover or acknowledge these things....and we wonder why people are struggling.
The author provides very practical steps and advice for helping you Out of the Cave. Things that to some may seem so obvious, but to those stuck in the depression cycle are harder. I bought this book in audio and then had to buy it in print to keep it as a reference. I plan to give it to those in my life that walk with me, so they can better understand, and those who find themselves suddenly in the cave, to realize they aren’t alone and to get needed advice.
THANK YOU Ps Chris Hodges! For writing a book so many people need.
(Also, after years of studying this topic this is the first time I had heard this particular story related to depression. That alone got my attention from the start).
August 23, 2021
My biggest problem with Out of the Cave is not that it's exceptionally terrible--it's pretty much fine with a few caveats (detailed below)--but that it is not exceptional, period. Hodges draws on his own experiences with depression and on the story of Elijah to lay out a compassionate plan for battling depression, adding all the appropriate disclaimers about there being no one-size-fits-all cure. If this is the first Christian book you've read about depression, it could be very useful to you. But there's virtually no new content here. Hodges' personal anecdotes don't add much to the text, and most of his advice and conclusions are somewhat generic (don't push yourself to exhaustion! Stay connected to other people!). It's all been said before, but better.
I probably would have left it at three stars if that were the only issue, but it's also troubling how often Hodges seems to make unwarranted extrapolations from the biblical text to support whatever self-help point he's making. For example, that the notoriously bloodthirsty Jezebel didn't actually want to kill Elijah, but just to paralyze him with fear. Or that a key takeaway from Jesus' admonition that he is the vine and we are the branches is “the biblical principle of teamwork,” and that we should stay connected to each other. Mishandling Scripture to make it say what you want it to say is never okay, even if you're saying something good.
(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
I probably would have left it at three stars if that were the only issue, but it's also troubling how often Hodges seems to make unwarranted extrapolations from the biblical text to support whatever self-help point he's making. For example, that the notoriously bloodthirsty Jezebel didn't actually want to kill Elijah, but just to paralyze him with fear. Or that a key takeaway from Jesus' admonition that he is the vine and we are the branches is “the biblical principle of teamwork,” and that we should stay connected to each other. Mishandling Scripture to make it say what you want it to say is never okay, even if you're saying something good.
(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
September 19, 2024
A very helpful and practical book for those who struggle with depression or are helping those who struggle.
April 29, 2025
There are plenty of good things here, but I wish Hodges had dived deeper into scripture and talked less about himself. I didn't agree with all of his conclusions, but I appreciate that he maintained a gentle and encouraging tone while calling the reader to take action rather than just sitting helplessly in their cave, although this is much easier said than done.
I didn't find this book to be earth shattering or anything, but it was an encouragement and I would recommend it to someone who is battling depression, and perhaps even more to those walking alongside a depressed and weary soul.
I didn't find this book to be earth shattering or anything, but it was an encouragement and I would recommend it to someone who is battling depression, and perhaps even more to those walking alongside a depressed and weary soul.
September 2, 2022
This is a great book for tips on how to be there with your friends with depression and offers a little insight on what it’s like to deal with depression. As someone who has depression it can look different for a lot of people. If you’re a spiritual person this book definitely offers some great ways to help keep your faith and focus during some of difficult times. There were also parts of the book I found frustrating at times. Just age old saying like just shift your perspective or choice to see the good which is always easier said than done. I did enjoy the book and took lots of notes and will be implementing so many aspects of it. Like how to be there for your loved ones who do have depression and how to talk to them and pray for them. If you know someone who suffers from depression or you yourself do it’s an easy read with some good stuff!
July 3, 2021
Full review will be on my blog & mom_loves_reading Instagram page, but this is a very inspiring, motivating, uplifting, compassionate, deeply personal & honest book about depression that will help many people overcome some of the feelings they are dealing with while hopefully helping them to find the right road to recovery for their personal experience.
I totally get what Hodges subtitle means, too, about "stepping in the light when depression darkens what you see", since I call my low days & times of depression "going to the darkside & hoping to find the right door out, the one with the light dimly shining from underneath."
I recommend this book for anyone struggling with depression or anxiety, whether you are spiritual or not.
I totally get what Hodges subtitle means, too, about "stepping in the light when depression darkens what you see", since I call my low days & times of depression "going to the darkside & hoping to find the right door out, the one with the light dimly shining from underneath."
I recommend this book for anyone struggling with depression or anxiety, whether you are spiritual or not.
July 27, 2024
Perhaps one of the best books I have ever read on mental health and faith. Although written about depression, the lessons of this book are applicable for any Christ follower experiencing any mental health issue. Chris Hodges’s writing is encouraging without being dismissive, digestible without being over simple, and grounded in biology and psychology without dismissing the fact that when Christ is the center of your life it changes the way you frame your emotions. Read in one day and will probably read again soon.
February 5, 2022
I am so glad I won a copy of Out of the Cave in a Goodreads Giveaway. This book addresses the body, soul,and spirit with a holistic approach. Science and biblical principles are combined and great tools and strategies are provided. I will definitely be using this book as a reference for years to come.
July 13, 2024
Only giving one star for the 20% of actual substance this book had. It started off strong and it seemed like the book would actually keep on track with the theme but it was just filled with irrelevant personal anecdotes and mega church jargon.
May 12, 2022
Powerful, insightful, very helpful to help understand depression and anxiety and how to overcome it.
July 1, 2021
This book honestly changed my life. This is a MUST read for anyone who battles with their mental and spiritual health! This will be a book that I come back to often because it was grounded in so much spiritual truth. I did not want it to end!!
April 9, 2021
Chris Hodges, pastor of the well-known Church of the Highlands, has authored "Out of the Cave" for anyone dealing with anxiety and depression. Based on the life of the prophet Elijah and his bout with depression, the author encourages his readers with his transparency and wise counsel. Using biblical principles and practical advice, Hodges walks his readers through their darkest moments. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is fighting depression or anxiety.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2025
"God never wastes our pain, and followers of Jesus should never shy away from showing people this truth in the context of our lives. When we begin to show our own frailty, we also reveal God's power to bring hope, to restore health, and to redeem suffering."
Looking at particularity challenging time in Elijah's life, Chris Hodges reminds us that even in the midst of our darkest times God is with us. Always. We are never alone. Ever.
The main thing I really liked about this book is that is balances giving information with practical tools. It doesn't just say 'do this', but it looks to break it down into actionable steps.
I heard Bob Goff say once 'stop agreeing with what the bible says, and go out and do what it says.'
That might be one of the most challenging things I've ever heard, and though I can't truthfully say this is one of the most challenging things I've ever read, it is extremely practical.
Chris Hodges writes from his own experience of depression and worry and helps us navigate this 'cave'. Very much like the cave Elijah found himself in after escaping Jezabel.
This is positive, but not in a toxic way (because yes, that can be an actual thing), honest and practical.
Maybe you are in a dark place, or you have depression, maybe you're just feeling the weight of burden and worry. If you can relate to any (or all) of those, then I'd recommend this book to you.
Ultimately what this book does is point you back to Jesus. Which as a Christian is what every leader, pastor, friend seeks to do to help you, but at times (and I'm honestly at fault of doing this myself in the past) it can come across as finger waggy, or condemning or judgey. To me, I feel this stays clear of that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Looking at particularity challenging time in Elijah's life, Chris Hodges reminds us that even in the midst of our darkest times God is with us. Always. We are never alone. Ever.
The main thing I really liked about this book is that is balances giving information with practical tools. It doesn't just say 'do this', but it looks to break it down into actionable steps.
I heard Bob Goff say once 'stop agreeing with what the bible says, and go out and do what it says.'
That might be one of the most challenging things I've ever heard, and though I can't truthfully say this is one of the most challenging things I've ever read, it is extremely practical.
Chris Hodges writes from his own experience of depression and worry and helps us navigate this 'cave'. Very much like the cave Elijah found himself in after escaping Jezabel.
This is positive, but not in a toxic way (because yes, that can be an actual thing), honest and practical.
Maybe you are in a dark place, or you have depression, maybe you're just feeling the weight of burden and worry. If you can relate to any (or all) of those, then I'd recommend this book to you.
Ultimately what this book does is point you back to Jesus. Which as a Christian is what every leader, pastor, friend seeks to do to help you, but at times (and I'm honestly at fault of doing this myself in the past) it can come across as finger waggy, or condemning or judgey. To me, I feel this stays clear of that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
November 25, 2021
This is nowhere near Chris Hodge’s best books. That doesn’t mean it isn’t good! In fact I dare say it’s a must own for your bookshelf. It’s certainly one I would give to friends struggling with depression. In saying that, I made the mistake of reading this book at the same time as another book and both books were difficult to get into. At one point I decided to finish the other book first and then come back to this one. The other book was significantly longer and never got better!
This book was a little difficult to read until the third act. It lacked the punch of most of Chris’s books until the third act. It had glimpses of Chris’s revelatory insights but not in all their fleshed out glory. Then in the third act he drops bomb after bomb and honestly makes the whole book worth reading. The third act was a work of art and brilliant! The problem is that it took 1/2-2/3 of the book to get there. The good news is that’s only 120-150 pages because the book is a light 216 pages long.
If you enjoy Chris Hodge, which I do, then you will enjoy this addition to the book shelf. I just didn’t think it was my favorite installment of Chris Hodge books I own.
This book was a little difficult to read until the third act. It lacked the punch of most of Chris’s books until the third act. It had glimpses of Chris’s revelatory insights but not in all their fleshed out glory. Then in the third act he drops bomb after bomb and honestly makes the whole book worth reading. The third act was a work of art and brilliant! The problem is that it took 1/2-2/3 of the book to get there. The good news is that’s only 120-150 pages because the book is a light 216 pages long.
If you enjoy Chris Hodge, which I do, then you will enjoy this addition to the book shelf. I just didn’t think it was my favorite installment of Chris Hodge books I own.
May 30, 2022
While the book has some really valuable takeaways, it also wasn’t super engaging/enthralling for me, so it’s getting a middle-of-the-pack 3 stars. However, I would still recommend it!! Especially for anyone who feels something might be slightly (in the book’s words) “off-kilter” in their life, even if it’s not depression specifically. Although I have not struggled personally with depression, I could still relate to many of the related struggles discussed in the book, such as insecurity, negative self-talk, confusion about purpose, etc. I believe this is a beneficial read for everyone, regardless of whether they struggle with depression. If you take nothing else away from the book, you’ll at least have a better understanding of what depression looks and feels like, which can help you relate to others in your life.
August 17, 2022
Can followers of Jesus experience depression? Absolutely.
Are people willing to discuss mental health? Many are not.
Do you think differently about a person once they have told you they are or have experienced problems with mental health>
Chris Hodges has a wonderful way of embracing his audience and sharing truths. In this study Chris focuses on Elijah and the depression he fell into right after experiencing a euphoric moment. Chris was not the first to say it, but reiterates that IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK.
Using the Study Guide and DVD video sessions, I have hosted this 5-session study twice. Each group was welcomed the open discussion about mental health.
Sessions Include:
- Even Prophets Get Depressed
- How Did I Get in the Cave?
- Rebuilding Our Emotional House
- Dream Again
- We Need Each Other
Are people willing to discuss mental health? Many are not.
Do you think differently about a person once they have told you they are or have experienced problems with mental health>
Chris Hodges has a wonderful way of embracing his audience and sharing truths. In this study Chris focuses on Elijah and the depression he fell into right after experiencing a euphoric moment. Chris was not the first to say it, but reiterates that IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK.
Using the Study Guide and DVD video sessions, I have hosted this 5-session study twice. Each group was welcomed the open discussion about mental health.
Sessions Include:
- Even Prophets Get Depressed
- How Did I Get in the Cave?
- Rebuilding Our Emotional House
- Dream Again
- We Need Each Other
March 23, 2023
Others may consider this a biased review, as Pastor Chris Hodges is my personal pastor; however, this is a book I believe to be truly revolutionary. I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson/Nelson Books for a chance to read the ARC for an honest review.
Through the story of Elijah, Pastor Chris Hodges shows us how we can acknowledge, heal, and move out of the darkness of depression. One thing I love is that he does not negate therapy or medical needs for medication and therapy. He shares personal stories of his battles with depression and useful research, Bible verses, and prayers throughout the book.
Not only have I listened to the audiobook while reading the ARC, I plan to purchase physical copies for my collection to annotate and have in my darkest times. This book is such a needed tool, especially in the Christian community.
Through the story of Elijah, Pastor Chris Hodges shows us how we can acknowledge, heal, and move out of the darkness of depression. One thing I love is that he does not negate therapy or medical needs for medication and therapy. He shares personal stories of his battles with depression and useful research, Bible verses, and prayers throughout the book.
Not only have I listened to the audiobook while reading the ARC, I plan to purchase physical copies for my collection to annotate and have in my darkest times. This book is such a needed tool, especially in the Christian community.
July 27, 2021
Timely, helpful, and insightful! Pastor Chris Hodges takes a deep dive into what it means to deal with depression and anxiety as a Christian, something that relates to more of us than you would think. More than just a self-help book, this book delves into how Biblical greats such as Elijah learned to handle his negative emotions and the lessons we can learn as well. But it's more than just that. We look at how to deal with comparison, envy, imbalanced time management, exhaustion, the list goes on. I promise you, you will find something in here that relates to what you are dealing with. Marked with grace and truth, this book points to the One Who helps you leave your misery behind. Highly recommended!
I received this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2021
This book is so beautifully written and insightful. Chris is a wonderful author and is very vulnerable as he shares his own experiences with depression. He references Elijah's struggles with depression and how God helped him through his struggles, throughout the book, while also including a lot of factors in our modern world that greatly contribute to anxiety and depression. Along with a number of scriptures, he includes various important steps that the reader can take to "come out of the cave" of depression. He is very motivating and positive and teaches in such a kind and nonjudgemental way. I really loved this book!
January 25, 2022
Chris Hodges, the author uses Elijah’s life as an example on how to deal with depression. The author explores the causes of depression we can’t change and the people who contribute to it. He does offer hope and spiritual power to help us fight depression. He offers a comprehensive approach to “wellness” for the mind, body and soul. I found it to be inspiring, motivating and uplifting. It’s the book for anyone looking for help with depression.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 14, 2023
I was reluctant to say that I was reading this book, for 'fear' that I would be 'labeled' as having the shroud of depression cloaked over me. However, author/pastor Chris Hodges, brings to the surface the very aspects of denying the thoughts that point to our self-destructive hidden conversations.
What I truly appreciate, is that I was given the breath of freshness that is found in the truth that God's people are not alone in their struggles with mental health. The Biblical characters that we herald have also walked their journeys of despair and Chris clearly points the way out of our own 'cave' by sharing how he came to terms with his own real-life situation(s).
What I truly appreciate, is that I was given the breath of freshness that is found in the truth that God's people are not alone in their struggles with mental health. The Biblical characters that we herald have also walked their journeys of despair and Chris clearly points the way out of our own 'cave' by sharing how he came to terms with his own real-life situation(s).
May 31, 2021
4.5/5⭐️
This was written by the founder and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, a Christian non-denominational church with campuses across Alabama.
I gathered much insight from his comparisons and handling of depression in biblical instances (mainly Elijah and Paul) with modern times. I found myself highlighting lots of prudent passages and gaining some very useful information to put into practice in my own life.
Easy to read and well done.
Much thanks to #ThomasNelson and #NetGalley for providing me the early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
This was written by the founder and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, a Christian non-denominational church with campuses across Alabama.
I gathered much insight from his comparisons and handling of depression in biblical instances (mainly Elijah and Paul) with modern times. I found myself highlighting lots of prudent passages and gaining some very useful information to put into practice in my own life.
Easy to read and well done.
Much thanks to #ThomasNelson and #NetGalley for providing me the early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
January 19, 2024
This is actually a second read through for me; a challenging year has left it's mark and I thought it might give me a boost and a few pointers.
Chris Hodges uses the character and story of Elijah (Old Testament - this is a Christian book) to illustrate the many facets of depression and gives solid and sensitive advice for getting oneself 'out of the cave', always acknowledging that it isn't an easy or a quick fix.
Reading this is a gentle way to study the background for one's low state and look into ways of lifting one's spirits.
Chris Hodges uses the character and story of Elijah (Old Testament - this is a Christian book) to illustrate the many facets of depression and gives solid and sensitive advice for getting oneself 'out of the cave', always acknowledging that it isn't an easy or a quick fix.
Reading this is a gentle way to study the background for one's low state and look into ways of lifting one's spirits.
September 3, 2024
This book is a powerful tool for those who are struggling with depression and their true identity in Christ. I highly recommend this for anyone who is battling depression or who is trying to understand and help someone who is battling depression. Chris is very articulate in his explanation and belief in the power of understanding our true identity in Christ and what mirror you need to look into to find it. The perfect law of liberty. Gods Word!
I have this book in paperback as well as audiobook. I have read and listened to it multiple times.
I have this book in paperback as well as audiobook. I have read and listened to it multiple times.
September 8, 2021
Split Decision
There are many good things in here. There are also many toxic things (e.g. the assertion that the author and his friends don't cry much because they are manly - ugh!). It's definitely a case of trying to separate wheat from chaff, and I ultimately found more of the latter than I could stomach.
That said, it certainly may still be worth reading for the wheat. The good things, TBH, were often very good. YMMV, as always.
There are many good things in here. There are also many toxic things (e.g. the assertion that the author and his friends don't cry much because they are manly - ugh!). It's definitely a case of trying to separate wheat from chaff, and I ultimately found more of the latter than I could stomach.
That said, it certainly may still be worth reading for the wheat. The good things, TBH, were often very good. YMMV, as always.
November 9, 2022
Chris Hodges breaks open a very taboo subject in the church - mental health and depression. The world needs Christians to be open and transparent regarding these issues and to bring spiritual solutions to the table as well. Chris does both with his book - Out of the Cave: Stepping Into the Light When Depression Darkens What You See. It is a great resource to anyone struggling with depression and/or knows someone who struggles with mental health issues.
February 2, 2023
Great teaching from Pastor Chris Hodges, as always! This is a very Biblically sound book and applies solutions from the WORD of God. I found, in reading this, that I am actually burned out and not depressed. I almost stopped reading it, thinking that I should move on, since I'm not depressed, but when you use the WORD to teach, the reader can always find something and I'm glad I did. It did clarify other areas of my life.
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