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When Will My Life Not Suck? Authentic Hope for the Disillusioned
Is This as Good as It Gets? Personal crises and disappointments have led many to the pessimistic conclusion that "my life sucks." Underneath the contemporary slang are universal and timeless questions about the human condition. People of every age, in every kind of circumstance have wondered to themselves and Will my life ever be better than this? Is this as good as it gets? This book is an honest and compassionate look at the real struggles we face in a broken world where bad things do happen. Ramon Presson, a marriage and family counselor, describes his own significant personal struggles, including hospitalization for depression. Using the letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, Presson shares that hope and joy are possible even when life disappoints. Full of practical suggestions for how you can live with purpose and meaning right in the middle of your everyday struggles, When Will My Life Not Suck? is a hopeful treatment of human suffering from someone who has personally lived it and counseled others through the wilderness.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
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254 people want to read
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July 12, 2014
A great perspective
If you are currently struggling with depression or have had times of depression, you will find great encouragement, good theology and practical advice as to how to live your life in this book. Presson speaks from personal experience and a biblical viewpoint. He deals with a serious subject matter with great compassion and humor. I highly recommend this book.
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If you are currently struggling with depression or have had times of depression, you will find great encouragement, good theology and practical advice as to how to live your life in this book. Presson speaks from personal experience and a biblical viewpoint. He deals with a serious subject matter with great compassion and humor. I highly recommend this book.
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August 17, 2020
I recommend this book if you are feeling discouraged and like 'life sucks.' I think this book would be helpful especially for the lay believer and even for the deep theological student (although a book contentment like Jeremiah Burroughs' "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" may be more helpful).
That said, I really hope Ramon can get a serious editor for the next edition because this book is just a scattered mess of helpful tidbits with absolutely no organization. The chapters and helpful tidbits are a jumbled mess and there so no order or emphasis to them. There is no order to the subjects as you can tell from silly chapter titles like "There's Rat Poop In My Corn Dog!" In fact, if you take notes on this book, by the end you'll look back bewildered and have to completely reorganize the entire book.
Here's my basic summary reorganized for you:
Complaining that ‘life sucks,’ Christians grumble and turn to self-help and 10 step-books demanding, “God, why did you let this happen to me?”
Our Biblical example is the Apostle Paul. Paul suffered more than all of us but his goals were different than ours -- he sought to know Christ and grow His kingdom, calling people to Jesus. Paul had an eternal perspective and that kept him moving toward the goal and allowed him to take life’s ups and downs as part of that journey.
You’re anxious and fearful because you don’t trust God. Your goal is primarily an external plan - to enjoy the pleasures of life and to get through life with as little suffering as possible. God’s goal is to use life’s ups and downs to grow you internally.
We need to share God’s eternal perspective like Paul did.
We need to reorient our goals to match God’s goals for us like Pauls goals were.
We need to expect suffering and embrace it as assignments or a college class to grow us.
We are kings in this world but we love to complain for sympathy
Stop demanding WHY GOD? and ask WHAT’S NEXT?
Find contentment and avoid anxiety.
Leave the past behind.
Get some help from your friends.
The above notes are what I pulled out of this book. But you will NOT find them in this order. These bits are scattered all throughout the book in absolutely NO ORDER. The book is a complete mess. Still, if you do end up finishing it, these are the things you can glean from this book.
That said, I really hope Ramon can get a serious editor for the next edition because this book is just a scattered mess of helpful tidbits with absolutely no organization. The chapters and helpful tidbits are a jumbled mess and there so no order or emphasis to them. There is no order to the subjects as you can tell from silly chapter titles like "There's Rat Poop In My Corn Dog!" In fact, if you take notes on this book, by the end you'll look back bewildered and have to completely reorganize the entire book.
Here's my basic summary reorganized for you:
Complaining that ‘life sucks,’ Christians grumble and turn to self-help and 10 step-books demanding, “God, why did you let this happen to me?”
Our Biblical example is the Apostle Paul. Paul suffered more than all of us but his goals were different than ours -- he sought to know Christ and grow His kingdom, calling people to Jesus. Paul had an eternal perspective and that kept him moving toward the goal and allowed him to take life’s ups and downs as part of that journey.
You’re anxious and fearful because you don’t trust God. Your goal is primarily an external plan - to enjoy the pleasures of life and to get through life with as little suffering as possible. God’s goal is to use life’s ups and downs to grow you internally.
We need to share God’s eternal perspective like Paul did.
We need to reorient our goals to match God’s goals for us like Pauls goals were.
We need to expect suffering and embrace it as assignments or a college class to grow us.
We are kings in this world but we love to complain for sympathy
Stop demanding WHY GOD? and ask WHAT’S NEXT?
Find contentment and avoid anxiety.
Leave the past behind.
Get some help from your friends.
The above notes are what I pulled out of this book. But you will NOT find them in this order. These bits are scattered all throughout the book in absolutely NO ORDER. The book is a complete mess. Still, if you do end up finishing it, these are the things you can glean from this book.
January 22, 2017
Disclaimer: I had downloaded When Will My Life Not Suck?: Authentic Hope for the Disillusioned" on Kindle for free as a promotion from the publisher. I did not receive any requests to review the book.
Dr. Presson addresses the reality of human suffering at its various levels (trivialities to profound trauma) and offers a scripture based response to those sufferings. A licensed marriage and family therapist with an obvious bend towards the ever effective cognitive behavioral therapy models, Dr. Presson suggests (and rightfully so) that if we change our thoughts and beliefs about suffering and obstacles, we will change our attitudes and responses.
When Will My Life Not Suck?: Authentic Hope for Disillusioned remains faithful to the scriptures throughout the text; as our culture increasingly embraces a heretical health and wealth, prosperity gospel, Presson pens a bright shining light of gospel based truth about endurance and perseverance during difficult times. He offers vulnerable, frank, and insightful counsel to a superficial, materialistic, and anthropocentric culture.
The text is incredibly accessible, informal, and often humorous, but its informality often leads to a repetitiveness that can be quite tiring. There were times I found myself skimming through anecdotes in an effort to find the diamond in the rough. There were certainly diamonds (as my Kindle highlights demonstrate), but it was often laborious to find them. One could accuse Dr. Presson of superficiality in his writing; perhaps he is so casual and seeker friendly that he appears to lack depth. He does not lack depth though -- he lacks brevity.
Overall, Dr. Presson deserves commendation for his faithfulness to the scriptures and his courage to confront a self-centered generation with the truths of the gospel. His question, "When will my life not suck?" is as frank as his answers. He is a man who uses his personal struggles as comfort and counsel to others, which demonstrates how much he understands his role as a servant to the church. His own disillusion allowed him to bring direction to others; When Will My Life Not Suck? is Presson's manifesto as much as it is direction for his readers.
Dr. Presson addresses the reality of human suffering at its various levels (trivialities to profound trauma) and offers a scripture based response to those sufferings. A licensed marriage and family therapist with an obvious bend towards the ever effective cognitive behavioral therapy models, Dr. Presson suggests (and rightfully so) that if we change our thoughts and beliefs about suffering and obstacles, we will change our attitudes and responses.
When Will My Life Not Suck?: Authentic Hope for Disillusioned remains faithful to the scriptures throughout the text; as our culture increasingly embraces a heretical health and wealth, prosperity gospel, Presson pens a bright shining light of gospel based truth about endurance and perseverance during difficult times. He offers vulnerable, frank, and insightful counsel to a superficial, materialistic, and anthropocentric culture.
The text is incredibly accessible, informal, and often humorous, but its informality often leads to a repetitiveness that can be quite tiring. There were times I found myself skimming through anecdotes in an effort to find the diamond in the rough. There were certainly diamonds (as my Kindle highlights demonstrate), but it was often laborious to find them. One could accuse Dr. Presson of superficiality in his writing; perhaps he is so casual and seeker friendly that he appears to lack depth. He does not lack depth though -- he lacks brevity.
Overall, Dr. Presson deserves commendation for his faithfulness to the scriptures and his courage to confront a self-centered generation with the truths of the gospel. His question, "When will my life not suck?" is as frank as his answers. He is a man who uses his personal struggles as comfort and counsel to others, which demonstrates how much he understands his role as a servant to the church. His own disillusion allowed him to bring direction to others; When Will My Life Not Suck? is Presson's manifesto as much as it is direction for his readers.
December 13, 2020
This is one of those books that I ALWAYS have on my eBook reader. It's such a good reminder of where my priorities should be and how to be happy. Plus, the author writes with humor and that makes it a joy! Absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is wondering why they aren't as happy as they could be - religious or not!
March 28, 2021
Thought provoking
I appreciate the authors candor and truthfulness. Some people have difficulty being “human” but I feel that the humanness helps others. While I don’t belong to any organized religion at the moment, I still found so much goodness and help in this book.
I appreciate the authors candor and truthfulness. Some people have difficulty being “human” but I feel that the humanness helps others. While I don’t belong to any organized religion at the moment, I still found so much goodness and help in this book.
September 1, 2018
Great read!
Life doesn’t need to suck! We have fantastic opportunities for a great life every day. What are you waiting for?
Life doesn’t need to suck! We have fantastic opportunities for a great life every day. What are you waiting for?
February 1, 2016
Before I go any further, I have to clear one item up. One might assume that any person reading a book titled When Will My Life Not Suck must, in fact, believe that their life currently inhales with great force.
I assure you, this is not the case.
I am very much like a middle school boy and I was drawn to the book because of its blatant use of a word I tend to avoid. What can I say, the immature tendencies still rise up within me.
This book by Ramon Presson has a subtitle; Authentic Hope for the Disillusioned. Nope, I don't feel like I have a bitter taste in my mouth towards life either. Though we should not judge a book by its' cover, I do often find myself sucked in (pun intended) by a title.
I am glad I did. Ramon is a counselor by trade and he has plenty of experience dealing with people who, to be sure, have told him how much their life just isn't what they had hoped for.
He believes a perspective shift is required. Using the book of Philippians, Ramon takes us on a journey of the life and times of the Apostle Paul. When writing the cheery book to the church in Philippi, Paul found himself relaxing deep in the shangri-la of a Roman prison.
He had no hope of escape. He had no end line that wasn't his death. Yet we get such gems from Paul as:
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. ~1:18
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. ~2:17-18
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ~3:7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~4:4
Yeah, Paul rejoices through the whole letter with no tangents for complaints. So Ramon takes us through how we can do the same thing in our own lives. Here are a couple of my highlights.
On living like Paul;
I 19m totally on board with Paul 19s first two desires: knowing Christ and experiencing his power 14that sounds like great stuff. But what about number three, the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings? Are you kidding me? What kind of present on your Christmas wish list is that?
On dealing with the bad stuff;
I have discovered in my years of counseling that most people can endure almost anything if they are assured of at least one of two things: 1) they are loved or 2) the current situation or condition is temporary and will either improve or completely pass.
On what to do after the bad stuff happens;
It 19s not wrong to ask why, but don 19t stake your happiness or your faithfulness on getting a satisfactory answer. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shifts the question from why to what next. The people 19s implied question is both past tense (why did that happen?) and pointed outward, away from the speaker (why did that happen to them?). Jesus asks a more immediate and personal question: How are you going to live now?
On helping others with their baggage;
My clients often hear this phrase from me: 1CYes, your concern is valid and your pain is true. But it 19s not the only truth. 1D
In the end Ramon reminds us that if we truly feel our lives are not what they could be or should be, then we have to make some difficult decisions about how our lives can be different.
One step for you could be checking out this book.
I assure you, this is not the case.
I am very much like a middle school boy and I was drawn to the book because of its blatant use of a word I tend to avoid. What can I say, the immature tendencies still rise up within me.
This book by Ramon Presson has a subtitle; Authentic Hope for the Disillusioned. Nope, I don't feel like I have a bitter taste in my mouth towards life either. Though we should not judge a book by its' cover, I do often find myself sucked in (pun intended) by a title.
I am glad I did. Ramon is a counselor by trade and he has plenty of experience dealing with people who, to be sure, have told him how much their life just isn't what they had hoped for.
He believes a perspective shift is required. Using the book of Philippians, Ramon takes us on a journey of the life and times of the Apostle Paul. When writing the cheery book to the church in Philippi, Paul found himself relaxing deep in the shangri-la of a Roman prison.
He had no hope of escape. He had no end line that wasn't his death. Yet we get such gems from Paul as:
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. ~1:18
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. ~2:17-18
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ~3:7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~4:4
Yeah, Paul rejoices through the whole letter with no tangents for complaints. So Ramon takes us through how we can do the same thing in our own lives. Here are a couple of my highlights.
On living like Paul;
I 19m totally on board with Paul 19s first two desires: knowing Christ and experiencing his power 14that sounds like great stuff. But what about number three, the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings? Are you kidding me? What kind of present on your Christmas wish list is that?
On dealing with the bad stuff;
I have discovered in my years of counseling that most people can endure almost anything if they are assured of at least one of two things: 1) they are loved or 2) the current situation or condition is temporary and will either improve or completely pass.
On what to do after the bad stuff happens;
It 19s not wrong to ask why, but don 19t stake your happiness or your faithfulness on getting a satisfactory answer. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shifts the question from why to what next. The people 19s implied question is both past tense (why did that happen?) and pointed outward, away from the speaker (why did that happen to them?). Jesus asks a more immediate and personal question: How are you going to live now?
On helping others with their baggage;
My clients often hear this phrase from me: 1CYes, your concern is valid and your pain is true. But it 19s not the only truth. 1D
In the end Ramon reminds us that if we truly feel our lives are not what they could be or should be, then we have to make some difficult decisions about how our lives can be different.
One step for you could be checking out this book.
August 25, 2011
When a review copy of Ramon Presson’s new book, “When will my life not suck?” appears in the mail, I have mixed feelings. I deeply appreciate New Growth Press, and I read nearly everything they publish. Ramon Presson intrigues me as a new author, but his book’s title really bothers me. It seems over the top—even rude—and the words “NOT SUCK” stick annoyingly in my mind. This tension between my admiration for New Growth and my aggravation over the title motivate me to read.
Ramon quickly demonstrates skill as a writer and an insightful observer. He draws from his years of experience as a Christian marriage and family therapist, and he reveals his own struggles with depression, anxiety, and despair. The book is accessible to a wide audience from young adults to seniors and believer or non believer. It is also brief (150 pages) and non technical so someone in the grip of suffering can summon the strength to read it.
This is not a self-help book, offering secret steps from depression to a happier life. Instead, Ramon writes out of his own weakness and models an increasing dependence on the gospel. Tracing Paul’s themes from his letter to the Philippians, Ramon addresses real life problems, asks perceptive questions, and shows readers a large God—the source of hope. For anyone in the midst of depression, anxiety, despair, or loneliness, “When will my life not suck?” is a companion through the journey. It wisely guides the depressed to hope, and it prepares the encouraged for depression.
“When will my life not suck?” is an blunt question. It makes us wince in discomfort because, if we are honest, it strikes too close to home. That’s why I am grateful Ramon Presson tackles the issue with serious reflection and Biblical hope. I recommend this book to anyone caught in depression, a friend of someone who is struggling, and church leaders who counsel the weary. It could easily be used for one-on-one discipleship or small group discussions. And the title is more than provocative—it is a perceptive lifeline to miserable sinners who need God.
Ramon quickly demonstrates skill as a writer and an insightful observer. He draws from his years of experience as a Christian marriage and family therapist, and he reveals his own struggles with depression, anxiety, and despair. The book is accessible to a wide audience from young adults to seniors and believer or non believer. It is also brief (150 pages) and non technical so someone in the grip of suffering can summon the strength to read it.
This is not a self-help book, offering secret steps from depression to a happier life. Instead, Ramon writes out of his own weakness and models an increasing dependence on the gospel. Tracing Paul’s themes from his letter to the Philippians, Ramon addresses real life problems, asks perceptive questions, and shows readers a large God—the source of hope. For anyone in the midst of depression, anxiety, despair, or loneliness, “When will my life not suck?” is a companion through the journey. It wisely guides the depressed to hope, and it prepares the encouraged for depression.
“When will my life not suck?” is an blunt question. It makes us wince in discomfort because, if we are honest, it strikes too close to home. That’s why I am grateful Ramon Presson tackles the issue with serious reflection and Biblical hope. I recommend this book to anyone caught in depression, a friend of someone who is struggling, and church leaders who counsel the weary. It could easily be used for one-on-one discipleship or small group discussions. And the title is more than provocative—it is a perceptive lifeline to miserable sinners who need God.
June 18, 2014
To be honest, I didn't know what to think when I first read the title of this book. Part of me was shocked and wanted to be haughty about the use of such "language." But another part of me giggled and then groaned, for I realized it was a question that I had asked many times. While I may have used different wording, the question and heartache behind the query were exactly the same. If you've ever wondered if there's more to this life than what currently meets the eye, this book is for you. If you've grown accustomed to simply surviving rather than thriving, there's hope for you here. If you've ever judged your worth or your spirituality by comparing yourself to others, take heart that you're not alone. You are not the only one who is discouraged and weary in well-doing. But the good news is that life doesn't have to be this way. There is joy in the journey, and Ramon Presson uncovers some of the "secrets" to discovering (or possibly rediscovering) that joy.
While some have claimed that the book was "too preachy," I didn't feel that it was that way at all. Yes, the author used the Bible as a reference and basis for his solutions to life's struggles, but that's not preachy; it's simply the way Christians are supposed to approach our struggles. We are to turn to God and His Word for the answers we seek. This book is not a substitute for the Bible, nor does it claim to be. It is, however, a guide to what the Bible has to say about finding joy in life and gaining contentment with the things that we have. It is a well-written book that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
While some have claimed that the book was "too preachy," I didn't feel that it was that way at all. Yes, the author used the Bible as a reference and basis for his solutions to life's struggles, but that's not preachy; it's simply the way Christians are supposed to approach our struggles. We are to turn to God and His Word for the answers we seek. This book is not a substitute for the Bible, nor does it claim to be. It is, however, a guide to what the Bible has to say about finding joy in life and gaining contentment with the things that we have. It is a well-written book that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
February 24, 2011
I was able to get an early release of "When will My Life Not Suck?" It's almost worth the reading just for the title alone. I really enjoyed Ramon's take on pain and loss and how we recover from them. The book is well written, and it does not attempt to be over one's head, but instead has a very hit-me-where-I'm-living feel. Taken mostly from the teaching of Paul to the Phillippians, Ramon shows us that we all will have trouble in this world...but Jesus has overcome it. I think it is best summed up by one of his many humorous examples in the book. A black belt instructor basically tells his students that when they come to terms with the fact that they WILL BE cut...for sure...then they can get on with business of really fighting for their lives. I loved that, and I really like this book.
April 16, 2011
Ramon Presson writes from the 20 years of counselling experience. Even though it says so in the biography, his manuscript demonstrates that he knows people, their problems, and disillusionment. This book was not written for the theologian, but for the person in the throes of pain and possibly in your office for counselling. A good counsellor will talk through the gospel and the riches that are available in Christ Jesus through the cross and this book will complement by presenting gospel-hope to those in despair. If you keep this perspective when reading the book, you will see its value. Presson's style is very enjoyable and the book is very easy to read because of his ability to turn an analogy. This again, will be a good reason to use the book in your practice as it will be easy for a person who is in disillusionment to read and conquer.
July 26, 2016
This is a great, helpful and practical book. The title of the book "When will my life not suck?" might turn you off at first. But, give another look. This title gives you a flavor of the honesty and willingness of the author to answer real questions without covering it up with superficial "christian" vocabulary. This book provides Biblically based hope, inviting us to trust in the sovereignty of God, as well as challenging us to avoid a fatalistic outlook on life. This is a very well balanced and helpful guide to suffering.
November 3, 2014
I thought the title sounded interesting... and since it was free, I thought I'd give it a try. I wasn't expecting a bible lesson.
While it wasn't a horrible book, it basically stated that if you think your life sucks, read the bible to hear about people who had it worse than you think you have it.
That's great - misery loves company. Take solice in the fact that everyone's life sucks. Yeah, not what I was expecting.
While it wasn't a horrible book, it basically stated that if you think your life sucks, read the bible to hear about people who had it worse than you think you have it.
That's great - misery loves company. Take solice in the fact that everyone's life sucks. Yeah, not what I was expecting.
April 17, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised by Ramon Presson's book. I thought the first half of the book was much better than the latter half. The book felt like it was running out of steam towards the end. But still a solid book with practical and wonderful insights.
June 5, 2014
i read this book because of the tittle, it intrigued me and honestly i sometimes felt that way, glad i read this this changed my outlook towards life, trials, and disappointments. don't let the title turn you off. Don't let the title turn you off.
January 4, 2017
The title was interesting. The book itself is not bad in the way you may think because of the title. The author gives some good insight on challenges in life from a Biblical perspective as well as from life experience. It was encouraging.
January 12, 2016
Ramon Presson is spot on in this book! He also does a great job of bringing the book of Philippians to life.
May 24, 2012
Loved this book, although i hated the title! Great resource for someone who is struggling with self-pity or even depression. Drives us to the gospel!
October 26, 2013
Don't let the title turn you off. This book will help change your outlook towards life and the trials it can bring. Great read.
June 4, 2014
No checklist for how-to, but made some good points.
September 12, 2016
Helpful, practical advice
May 26, 2014
One of those kinds of books you need to read once in awhile to get your perspective back. Would make a really good Bible study for a small group.
June 8, 2014
This book was well written, challenged my perspective on life and was easy to read and ingest. Was pleasantly suprised.
June 9, 2014
Good Life
If your life is perfect then you don't need this book. But, if you're like most people in this world, then you need to read this book!!
If your life is perfect then you don't need this book. But, if you're like most people in this world, then you need to read this book!!
June 25, 2014
Good read...
I read each night before bed. Therefore, took awhile to read. Learned while reading. Life doesn't have to suck anymore.
I read each night before bed. Therefore, took awhile to read. Learned while reading. Life doesn't have to suck anymore.
November 8, 2014
An encouragement to take a look into our life and read book of Philippians as a reminder to keep finding positive outlook and thanking God for taking us through the storms of our daily lives.
March 15, 2015
Good
Quick read and short book not preachy on how to make your life better with personal experiences in authors own life make it real
Quick read and short book not preachy on how to make your life better with personal experiences in authors own life make it real
January 10, 2016
More autobiography than self-help. Mediocre.
January 2, 2016
A few gems in here, but overall not incredibly deep. Skim worthy, or just finding the most highlighted Kindle passages is enough.
April 24, 2017
One of the best books I've read! Definitely in my top 10.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews