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Encouragement for the Depressed
For those who are struggling in their daily walk with God, or living in the dark of night waiting for the light of day, there is hope. Encouragement for the Depressed, by esteemed 19th-century pastor Charles Spurgeon, is a gracious reminder that little faith is still saving faith. Spurgeon himself was not unfamiliar with depression, having dealt with it for most of his life. With personal experience and pastoral care, Spurgeon encourages both the new believer struggling to grasp the tenets of the faith and the experienced Christian struggling to enjoy the truths they once cherished to hold fast, for God is faithful.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2020
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811 people want to read
About the author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
5,989 books1,618 followersCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 6, 2022
“…how unavailing is the help of man if the Lord withdraw the light from his soul.”
“Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below.”
“Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints.”
“Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below.”
“Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints.”
November 15, 2025
Short and sweet. Not a treatise on depression, but a quick encouragement from a godly man who knows what it is to suffer mentally and yet cling to Christ. Also a good reminder that even pastors, strong as they ought to be, are but men, and prone to all the realities of the Fall. Nevertheless, it is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth (Lamentations 3:27), that he might be able to comfort those under the same yoke of affliction with the comfort of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Some quotes I found helpful:
“Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below.”
“Even under the economy of redemption, it is most clear that we are to endure infirmities otherwise there were no need of the promised Spirit to help us in them.”
“Some minds appear to have a gloomy tinge essential to their very individuality; of them it may be said, "Melancholy marked them for her own"; fine minds withal, and ruled by noblest principles, but yet most prone to forget the silver lining and to remember only the cloud.”
“Pain has, probably, in some cases developed genius, hunting out the soul that otherwise might have slept like a lion in its den. Had it not been for the broken wing, some might have lost themselves in the clouds, some even of those choice doves who now bear the olive branch in their mouths and show the way to the ark.”
Some quotes I found helpful:
“Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below.”
“Even under the economy of redemption, it is most clear that we are to endure infirmities otherwise there were no need of the promised Spirit to help us in them.”
“Some minds appear to have a gloomy tinge essential to their very individuality; of them it may be said, "Melancholy marked them for her own"; fine minds withal, and ruled by noblest principles, but yet most prone to forget the silver lining and to remember only the cloud.”
“Pain has, probably, in some cases developed genius, hunting out the soul that otherwise might have slept like a lion in its den. Had it not been for the broken wing, some might have lost themselves in the clouds, some even of those choice doves who now bear the olive branch in their mouths and show the way to the ark.”
November 30, 2021
Beautiful words! I needed this and will come back to it.
July 9, 2024
Not a cry for help. Just a good, concise book that knows exactly what it is. It just makes sense. I wish I could talk Ecclesiastes with Spurgeon.
December 31, 2022
This book felt like a call to arms and a balm to the soul. Spurgeon writes with poetic rhythm and articulates his points with sharp clarity. I have rarely been so enraptured by one’s tone of writing. “Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are. When your own emptiness is painfully forced upon your consciousness, chide yourself that you ever dreamed of being full, except in the Lord.” There can be fruit in the darkness if the Lord wills it—and often He does. I am awakened even further to my natural state of weakness, and I feel encouraged to not despise the mercy God has shown and continues to show me by it. “We should be as the chaff that the wind driveth away were it not that the gracious discipline of mercy breaks the ships of our vainglory with a strong East wind and casts us shipwrecked, naked and forlorn, upon the Rock of Ages.” Whether it is with arms raised on the mountain tops, or prostrate from a pile of ashes, my soul is no less precious to the Good Shepherd who tends me. Even the “nightmare of the soul” may be a mercy. I will be reading much more of Spurgeon’s work.
July 12, 2024
Though the first part of the book is a sermon addressed to new Christians and the second part another to pastors, there is much to be gained for all by reading it. Short yet so very beautiful, poetic, sweet and encouraging.
Spurgeon asks, “why it is that the children of light sometimes walk in the thick darkness?”in a way that urges the reader to look beyond their struggles and see the glory of God, his sovereign hand, and his unfathomable love of his children.
While admitting the unexplainable reality of “causeless depression,” Spurgeon urges his listeners to not become stuck focusing on their feelings, but rather give glory to God for “the furnaces the hammer and the file, (for) heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below, and earth shall be better tilled because of our training in the school of adversity.”
Spurgeon asks, “why it is that the children of light sometimes walk in the thick darkness?”in a way that urges the reader to look beyond their struggles and see the glory of God, his sovereign hand, and his unfathomable love of his children.
While admitting the unexplainable reality of “causeless depression,” Spurgeon urges his listeners to not become stuck focusing on their feelings, but rather give glory to God for “the furnaces the hammer and the file, (for) heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below, and earth shall be better tilled because of our training in the school of adversity.”
October 20, 2024
Such a wonderful read. Here's my favorite passage, which to my joy confirmed what I thought God has been teaching me lately:
"The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul trouble. Count it no strange thing, but a part of ordinary ministerial experience. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy's foot be on your neck, expect to rise and overthrow him. Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints. Live by the day--aye, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone and lean not on the reeds of human help. Be not surprised when friends fail you: it's a failing world...Serve God with all your might while the candle is burning, and then when it goes out for a season, you will have the less to regret. Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are...Between this and heaven there may be rougher weather yet, but it is all provided for by our covenant Head...be it ours, when we cannot see the face of our God, to trust under the shadow of his wings."
"The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul trouble. Count it no strange thing, but a part of ordinary ministerial experience. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy's foot be on your neck, expect to rise and overthrow him. Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints. Live by the day--aye, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone and lean not on the reeds of human help. Be not surprised when friends fail you: it's a failing world...Serve God with all your might while the candle is burning, and then when it goes out for a season, you will have the less to regret. Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are...Between this and heaven there may be rougher weather yet, but it is all provided for by our covenant Head...be it ours, when we cannot see the face of our God, to trust under the shadow of his wings."
May 19, 2023
Disclaimer to my GoodReads friends- I am not "depressed"! However I would highly recommend this short book to all Christians. We all experience highs and lows in our emotions, and this book was a great encouragement
April 23, 2024
An insightful little read! So many notable quotes…but I’ll share just one:
“Glory be to God for the furnace, the hammer, and the file. Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below, and earth shall be better tilled because of our training in the school of adversity (pg 98).”
This “Crossway Short Classics” series has quickly become one of my favorites!
“Glory be to God for the furnace, the hammer, and the file. Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below, and earth shall be better tilled because of our training in the school of adversity (pg 98).”
This “Crossway Short Classics” series has quickly become one of my favorites!
July 15, 2025
Spurgeon's meditation on Zechariah 4:10, "For who hath despised the day of small things?" is an encouragement to the downtrodden. He specifically focus' on those of weak faith and those weary workers of faith.
I did not have access to this publication, but was able to read it online here:
https://archive.spurgeon.org/sermons/...
I did not have access to this publication, but was able to read it online here:
https://archive.spurgeon.org/sermons/...
February 12, 2022
I’m very impressed with this little book. It seems like Crossway nailed it with this series. The cover designs are beautiful too.
This book, divided into two sections, has two famous works from Charles Spurgeon. The first encourages new believers and/or discouraged believers. The second is meant for pastors battling weariness, suffering, and depression. Both are full of biblical wisdom.
The first section of the book focuses on Zechariah 4:10. “For who hath despised the day of small things?” Spurgeon reminds believers that the “small things” are of utmost value and gifts from the Lord. We so often waste these gifts. This is a great reminder for young, eager believers struggling with comparison or their own downfalls. The second section serves well to provide pastors with comfort in times of darkness or even inform laypeople of the seriousness of the pastoral call.
I highly recommend this little book. The bible-saturated wisdom of Charles Spurgeon is timeless.
Quotes:
“Be it remembered that little faith is saving faith, and that the day of small things is a day of safe things.”
This book, divided into two sections, has two famous works from Charles Spurgeon. The first encourages new believers and/or discouraged believers. The second is meant for pastors battling weariness, suffering, and depression. Both are full of biblical wisdom.
The first section of the book focuses on Zechariah 4:10. “For who hath despised the day of small things?” Spurgeon reminds believers that the “small things” are of utmost value and gifts from the Lord. We so often waste these gifts. This is a great reminder for young, eager believers struggling with comparison or their own downfalls. The second section serves well to provide pastors with comfort in times of darkness or even inform laypeople of the seriousness of the pastoral call.
I highly recommend this little book. The bible-saturated wisdom of Charles Spurgeon is timeless.
Quotes:
“Be it remembered that little faith is saving faith, and that the day of small things is a day of safe things.”
January 28, 2023
“The wilderness is the way to Canaan. The low valley leads to the towering mountain….The darkest hour of the night precedes the day dawn.”
I really enjoyed this little book on depression, especially coming from Spurgeon, who suffered with bouts of depression throughout his whole life, yet was used so powerfully for God. The book included a sermon from Spurgeon about depression, where he dealt with it in such a compassionate yet biblical way, pointing to Christ, and how He can be glorified in our weakness, and how the "day of small things" shouldn't be despised by us. The second half of the book was specifically geared towards ministers, which obviously doesn’t relate to me, but I still found some good nuggets in there to hold on to. Overall, a short read but quite helpful.
“Be thankful for moonlight, and you shall get sunlight: be thankful for sunlight, and you shall get that light of heaven that is as the light of seven days.”
I really enjoyed this little book on depression, especially coming from Spurgeon, who suffered with bouts of depression throughout his whole life, yet was used so powerfully for God. The book included a sermon from Spurgeon about depression, where he dealt with it in such a compassionate yet biblical way, pointing to Christ, and how He can be glorified in our weakness, and how the "day of small things" shouldn't be despised by us. The second half of the book was specifically geared towards ministers, which obviously doesn’t relate to me, but I still found some good nuggets in there to hold on to. Overall, a short read but quite helpful.
“Be thankful for moonlight, and you shall get sunlight: be thankful for sunlight, and you shall get that light of heaven that is as the light of seven days.”
January 10, 2023
Actually two sermons - the first about newer Christians struggling with comparison, the second about the unique struggles of pastors. The second one spoke volumes to me as Spurgeon puts into words things I’ve experienced, but never been able to verbalize. It was so encouraging and one I would highly recommend to all pastors.
March 29, 2024
This book starts off by encouraging both weak and feeble individuals who are already believers . Then, the book continues to encourage those who are in the deep sorrow by stating that 1) The Lord is in control 2) we ought to please in all circumstances 3) The Lord provides a way to be pleased in all circumstances even in our suffering 4) The Lord is not surprised by our suffering for the suffering is being made to glorify Him.
July 15, 2022
Immensely encouraging. This book is simultaneously directed towards both baby Christians and seasoned saints/ministers. Spurgeon gives many helpful insights to those struggling with depression or melancholiness. I will be returning to this book often!
October 13, 2022
This is a collection of two sermons, broadly covering the theme of depression. The first sermon reads as encouragement, but more in combating insecurity amongst new believers. Nonetheless, it is a good read. Spurgeon is a skilful preacher and he squeezes every drop he can from Zechariah 4:10.
The second more explicitly focuses on depression and has some beautiful passages. My experience of Spurgeon has been a mixed bag, but I feel this may be the most poetic I have seen him. Perhaps this is because of how close the subject is to his own experience. The short preface at the start of this edition gives some startling context for his earthly struggles. The man had good reason to be low in spirit.
A good read overall. Occasionally veers on the side of being so specific as to not be broadly applicable, but it is a short read with plenty of gold to be found.
The second more explicitly focuses on depression and has some beautiful passages. My experience of Spurgeon has been a mixed bag, but I feel this may be the most poetic I have seen him. Perhaps this is because of how close the subject is to his own experience. The short preface at the start of this edition gives some startling context for his earthly struggles. The man had good reason to be low in spirit.
A good read overall. Occasionally veers on the side of being so specific as to not be broadly applicable, but it is a short read with plenty of gold to be found.
April 25, 2021
This was not what I thought it would be when I picked it up to read. Though the first sermon is geared toward brand new believers and the second toward preachers, it was still encouraging.
August 21, 2023
Fantastic read, practical and applicable.
“Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist heralding the nearer coming of my Lord's richer benison.” -Charles Spurgeon
“Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist heralding the nearer coming of my Lord's richer benison.” -Charles Spurgeon
October 4, 2024
This is a super short (100 page) read, and I’m glad I finally read it! I will say, it seemed like it’s geared more towards people in ministry, but I appreciated its emphasis on the importance of rest and trusting the Lord over your feelings.🌸
July 11, 2022
A short but truth filled book full of encouragement for various tough seasons of life.
June 8, 2025
Encouraging read for life during the “small things” by the Prince of Preachers. Great book.
November 4, 2020
This new Crossway version of Spurgeon’s two short works, “Encouragement for the Depressed” and “The Minister’s Fainting Fits”, was a welcome read. It’s been many decades since I’ve read these works, and with only minor “updates”, this new edition is easier to read and thus hopefully will reach a whole new audience.
When I experienced some of my darkest days, the words of Spurgeon were a great source of comfort. Now as I enter into the latter years of ministry, I especially recommend the second work in this book to my fellow pastors and church leaders. Spurgeon speaks from his own experience as he describes the depths of depression that ironically come with success! He advocates strongly, and reaches my stubborn heart, when he advocates for self care for those in ministry.
Really grateful for this re-read and to have these works to be easily available again!
When I experienced some of my darkest days, the words of Spurgeon were a great source of comfort. Now as I enter into the latter years of ministry, I especially recommend the second work in this book to my fellow pastors and church leaders. Spurgeon speaks from his own experience as he describes the depths of depression that ironically come with success! He advocates strongly, and reaches my stubborn heart, when he advocates for self care for those in ministry.
Really grateful for this re-read and to have these works to be easily available again!
June 26, 2021
It is always beneficial to read Spurgeon.
November 5, 2021
Such beautiful encouragement for those who struggle to find hope and strength during difficult season when serving the Lord. Highly recommended!
December 19, 2025
Beautiful words and encouragement from the one and only Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Oh to be used by the Lord to encourage His Saints, even after death—to the praise of His glory.
I'd like to retain a quote from this book (which is also in Lectures to My Students as "The Minister's Fainting Fits") in its entirety. Which, I have no problem doing since both works can be found online:
I also love how Spurgeon calls his listeners "friends." It's simple and almost inconsequential, but it makes me smile. May God comfort and strengthen his people and our Shepherds to march on in the dark while clinging to the hand of our Great Guide, not "living by feeling," as did Mr. Live-by-feeling in Bunyan's classic (and as Spurgeon says: "He that lives by feeling will be happy today, and unhappy tomorrow; and if our salvation depended upon our feelings, we should be lost one day and saved another, for they are as fickle as the weather, and go up and down like a barometer"), but by faith in God alone. And, "if that faith be weak, [may we] bless God that weak faith is faith, and that weak faith is true faith."
I'd like to retain a quote from this book (which is also in Lectures to My Students as "The Minister's Fainting Fits") in its entirety. Which, I have no problem doing since both works can be found online:
The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul-trouble. Count it no strange thing, but a part of ordinary ministerial experience. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy's foot be on your neck, expect to rise amid overthrow him. Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints.
Live by the day—ay, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone, and lean not on the reeds of human help. Be not surprised when friends fail you: it is a failing world. Never count upon immutability in man: inconstancy you may reckon upon without fear of disappointment.
The disciples of Jesus forsook him; be not amazed if your adherents wander away to other teachers: as they were not your all when with you, all is not gone from you with their departure. Serve God with all your might while the candle is burning, and then when it goes out for a season, you will have the less to regret. Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are. When your own emptiness is painfully forced upon your consciousness, chide yourself that you ever dreamed of being full, except in the Lord. Set small store by present rewards; be grateful for earnests by the way, but look for the recompensing joy hereafter.
Continue, with double earnestness to serve your Lord when no visible result is before you. Any simpleton can follow the narrow path in the light: faith's rare wisdom enables us to march on in the dark with infallible accuracy, since she places her hand in that of her Great Guide. Between this and heaven there may be rougher weather yet, but it is all provided for by our covenant Head. In nothing let us be turned aside from the path which the divine call has urged us to pursue. Come fair or come foul, the pulpit is our watch-tower, and the ministry our warfare; be it ours, when we cannot see the face of our God, to trust under the shadow of his wings.
I also love how Spurgeon calls his listeners "friends." It's simple and almost inconsequential, but it makes me smile. May God comfort and strengthen his people and our Shepherds to march on in the dark while clinging to the hand of our Great Guide, not "living by feeling," as did Mr. Live-by-feeling in Bunyan's classic (and as Spurgeon says: "He that lives by feeling will be happy today, and unhappy tomorrow; and if our salvation depended upon our feelings, we should be lost one day and saved another, for they are as fickle as the weather, and go up and down like a barometer"), but by faith in God alone. And, "if that faith be weak, [may we] bless God that weak faith is faith, and that weak faith is true faith."
October 17, 2025
“Glory be to God for the furnace, the hammer, and the file. Heaven shall be all the fuller of bliss because we have been filled with anguish here below, and earth shall be better tilled because of our training in the school of adversity.
The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul trouble. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy's foot be on your neck, expect to rise and overthrow him.
Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints. Live by the day-aye, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone and lean not on the reeds of human help.
Serve God with all your might while the candle is burning, and then when it goes out for a season, you will have the less to regret. Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are. When your own emptiness is painfully forced upon your consciousness, chide yourself that you ever dreamed of being full, except in the Lord. Set small store by present rewards; be grateful for earnests by the way, but look for the recompensing joy hereafter. Continue, with double earnestness, to serve your Lord when no visible result is before you.
Any simpleton can follow the narrow path in the light: faith's rare wisdom enables us to march on in the dark with infallible accuracy, since she places her hand in that of her Great Guide. Between this and heaven there may be rougher weather yet, but it is all provided for by our covenant Head.
In nothing let us be turned aside from the path that the divine call has urged us to pursue. Come fair or come foul … be it ours, when we cannot see the face of our God, to trust under the shadow of his wings.”
The lesson of wisdom is, be not dismayed by soul trouble. Should the power of depression be more than ordinary, think not that all is over with your usefulness. Cast not away your confidence, for it hath great recompense of reward. Even if the enemy's foot be on your neck, expect to rise and overthrow him.
Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints. Live by the day-aye, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone and lean not on the reeds of human help.
Serve God with all your might while the candle is burning, and then when it goes out for a season, you will have the less to regret. Be content to be nothing, for that is what you are. When your own emptiness is painfully forced upon your consciousness, chide yourself that you ever dreamed of being full, except in the Lord. Set small store by present rewards; be grateful for earnests by the way, but look for the recompensing joy hereafter. Continue, with double earnestness, to serve your Lord when no visible result is before you.
Any simpleton can follow the narrow path in the light: faith's rare wisdom enables us to march on in the dark with infallible accuracy, since she places her hand in that of her Great Guide. Between this and heaven there may be rougher weather yet, but it is all provided for by our covenant Head.
In nothing let us be turned aside from the path that the divine call has urged us to pursue. Come fair or come foul … be it ours, when we cannot see the face of our God, to trust under the shadow of his wings.”
November 1, 2020
He was the greatest preacher of the nineteenth century. And he is only of the most important preachers in the history of the church. Heralded as the Prince of Preachers, this man was also afflicted with a host of physical ailments for most of his adult life. He was also a victim of depression. His name - Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Encouragement for the Depressed by C.H. Spurgeon is one of the recent titles in Crossway’s Short Classics series. Designed to preserve classic texts from some of the most well-known Christian writers, the series also aims to gain some new readers.
Spurgeon’s essay is an exposition of Zechariah 4:10a, which says, “For whoever has despised the day of small things …” The work is divided into two distinct parts.
Encouragement for the Depressed
The first part sets out to encourage Christians who battle depression. Spurgeon, as noted above, fought depression throughout his life. Yet, he is quick to remind his readers to refuse to be governed by feelings. “He that lives by feelings,” writes the preacher from London, “will be happy today and unhappy tomorrow; and if our salvation depended upon our feelings, we should be lost one day and saved another, for they are all as fickle as the weather, and go up and down like a barometer.”
Spurgeon assures the despondent that God is with them. “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees, “ writes William Cowper. Indeed, the grace of God abounds when the people of God are drowning in sorrow. And Zechariah affirms, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD.”
The Minister’s Fainting Fits
Part two speaks candidly about the propensity for depression, even among God’s people. Spurgeon specifically notes that pastors fall prey to this vicious monster. Always the realist and biblicist, Spurgeon says, “Glory be to God for the furnace, the hammer and the file.”
Encouragement for the Depressed is a powerful antidote. This short book is a call to arms for Christians who battle despondency. There are no therapeutics here. Spurgeon only offers the cure which is nothing less than the Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel.
Encouragement for the Depressed by C.H. Spurgeon is one of the recent titles in Crossway’s Short Classics series. Designed to preserve classic texts from some of the most well-known Christian writers, the series also aims to gain some new readers.
Spurgeon’s essay is an exposition of Zechariah 4:10a, which says, “For whoever has despised the day of small things …” The work is divided into two distinct parts.
Encouragement for the Depressed
The first part sets out to encourage Christians who battle depression. Spurgeon, as noted above, fought depression throughout his life. Yet, he is quick to remind his readers to refuse to be governed by feelings. “He that lives by feelings,” writes the preacher from London, “will be happy today and unhappy tomorrow; and if our salvation depended upon our feelings, we should be lost one day and saved another, for they are all as fickle as the weather, and go up and down like a barometer.”
Spurgeon assures the despondent that God is with them. “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees, “ writes William Cowper. Indeed, the grace of God abounds when the people of God are drowning in sorrow. And Zechariah affirms, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD.”
The Minister’s Fainting Fits
Part two speaks candidly about the propensity for depression, even among God’s people. Spurgeon specifically notes that pastors fall prey to this vicious monster. Always the realist and biblicist, Spurgeon says, “Glory be to God for the furnace, the hammer and the file.”
Encouragement for the Depressed is a powerful antidote. This short book is a call to arms for Christians who battle despondency. There are no therapeutics here. Spurgeon only offers the cure which is nothing less than the Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel.
September 20, 2025
A short encouragement for the weary, depressed or melancholy Christian comprised of a few of Spurgeon’s sermons. It helped to be comforted by the comfort that Spurgeon himself was comforted by and to be reminded that depression is a part of living in a feeble body.
I loved the tenderness he showed toward the lambs in the faith and how the Father remains close to His children, just as an earthly parent pays close guard to their young ones who need more supervision, guidance and correction. I’ve never thought of it that way!
I also loved how he discussed how God uses a season of depression or a thorn or hardship to humble us when we need it. God’s affliction and correction is for our good and growth and protects us from pride and turns the glory to God alone.
He even said that we can work ourselves to the point of depression and said to get out of the office, take a breath of fresh air and walk in nature. God intended us to rest. Jesus even found a place to rest for him and the disciples and we need a regular sabbath. It was pretty much Spurgeon’s version of the modern saying “touch grass.”
I loved the tenderness he showed toward the lambs in the faith and how the Father remains close to His children, just as an earthly parent pays close guard to their young ones who need more supervision, guidance and correction. I’ve never thought of it that way!
I also loved how he discussed how God uses a season of depression or a thorn or hardship to humble us when we need it. God’s affliction and correction is for our good and growth and protects us from pride and turns the glory to God alone.
He even said that we can work ourselves to the point of depression and said to get out of the office, take a breath of fresh air and walk in nature. God intended us to rest. Jesus even found a place to rest for him and the disciples and we need a regular sabbath. It was pretty much Spurgeon’s version of the modern saying “touch grass.”
January 14, 2024
"Why does God allow suffering?"
Honestly, I don't think there is an all-encompassing answer. At least I have not found it. But I found a lot of peace in what Charles Spurgeon says in this book. He does NOT give a solution to suffering, but a means for HOPE in suffering and PEACE knowing God is with you in your suffering, that he deeply loves you, and that because of Jesus we have the happiest ending to look forward to.
"Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing…The low valley leads to the towering mountain. Defeat prepares for victory. The raven is sent forth before the dove. The darkest hour of the night proceeds the day dawn. The mariners go down to the depths, but the next wave makes them mount to the heaven: their soul is melted because of trouble before he bringeth them to their desired haven."
— Page 84
Honestly, I don't think there is an all-encompassing answer. At least I have not found it. But I found a lot of peace in what Charles Spurgeon says in this book. He does NOT give a solution to suffering, but a means for HOPE in suffering and PEACE knowing God is with you in your suffering, that he deeply loves you, and that because of Jesus we have the happiest ending to look forward to.
"Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing…The low valley leads to the towering mountain. Defeat prepares for victory. The raven is sent forth before the dove. The darkest hour of the night proceeds the day dawn. The mariners go down to the depths, but the next wave makes them mount to the heaven: their soul is melted because of trouble before he bringeth them to their desired haven."
— Page 84
February 10, 2021
Crossway has done an excellent job with these short classics. These are the sort of texts that are beloved but easily fall out of print. The publisher has a nice introduction by a big-name theologian/author, a brief biography, then the text itself. Soft but not flimsy cover with a (literal, according to credits) retro wallpaper design thick paper, good font. The other entries in this first batch are by Chalmers and Edwards. I hope there will be more. The material itself is, of course, good. Helpful and pastoral and challenging words flowed out of Spurgeon's mouth like water from a spring. My only fear is that those who do not consider themselves "depressed" will think they don't need to read this. Wrong! It is helpful for all believers--and, as the series title states, short!
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