Bright Days, Dark Nights: With Charles Spurgeon in Triumph over Emotional Pain

by Elizabeth R. Skoglund

Draws on Charles Spurgeon’s experience with depression to illuminate the profound relationship between body, mind, and spirit. Spurgeon’s insight promotes emotional wholeness while recognizing God as the author of hope.

Genres: Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book. Elizabeth Skoglund has done a fine job of weaving together the writings of Charles Spurgeon on topics dealing with emotional pain and suffering. Each of the chapters are broken up into short segments. The book is best read "devotionally"; a little at a time. It has been a great help to me as a supplement to regular prayer and Scripture reading. Chapters are titled "Confidence", "Depression", "Anxiety", "Loneliness", "Change", and "Transition" (dying). Spurgeon, having suffered from these emotional problems himself, was ahead of his time in recognizing their more common sources and in dispelling some of the easy answers that are still common in evangelical Christian circles today. The first chapter, "Body, Mind and Spirit" offers a good foundation. It recognizes that we are whole persons, not separable into neat compartments. Emotional problems often stem from physical as well as spiritual causes. This book offers strength and courage from a great man who has been through plenty of dark times himself

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Spurgeon but have been daunted by the sheer volume of his work. I am especially intrigued by Spurgeon’s personal history of depression and physical sufferings. This book was a wonderful way to learn more. Skoglund did the hard work of searching and organizing. I got the joy of it all.

[David Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have an interest in Charles Spurgeon (and I recommend you do) then this will be a good devotional read for you. Skoglund does a good job of weaving numberous references from Spurgeon around several different important themes.

[Darren Gabbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spurgeon teaches us to be more than conquerors

Skoglund's chapters touch various aspects of mental health and human experience. Supported by Surgeon's balanced and insightful writings, this is a must read for anyone seeking emotional and spiritual health.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is oxygen for the soul. It gives light in dark times. The book builds to a crescendo and the final chapter alone is worthy of publication of itself.

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out pretty well, but it became very redundant. It explores Charles Spurgeon's attitude toward depression and other emotional pain issues. The author seemed to have one formula for every different malady. Basically, she would describe Spurgeon's viewpoint through his sermons and other writings, but it seemed that she relied too heavily on quotes. I'm not sure how much of the book was actually her own insight. I get it. Spurgeon was a great man who had heavy emotional pain, but through it, he was able to come out with a balanced view of suffering. However, as I read through his stance on anxiety, depression, loss, etc., I got a bit bored because it was pretty much one chapter being repeated over and over again. Sorry, I couldn't finish it.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been the best book on the subject of depression/anxiety/loneliness I have ever read! It is sound truth given by a great man of God who has been with his Lord over a hundred years now. Well, I'll be writing about it on my blog because there is just so much to say! :)

[Elexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book on emotions