When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God—And Joy
Digital Logos Edition
Even the most faithful, focused Christians can encounter periods of depression and spiritual darkness when joy seems to stay just out of reach. It can happen because of sin, satanic assault, distressing circumstances, or hereditary and other physical causes. In When the Darkness Will Not Lift, John Piper aims to give some comfort and guidance to those experiencing spiritual darkness.
Interested in more? Check out the Crossway John Piper Collection (39 vols.).
- Addresses depression and other difficult topics from a pastoral perspective
- Offers insight and advice to those who are hurting
- In touch with modern understanding of depression as well as traditional avenues of Christian engagement
Top Highlights
“‘Stop looking at your faith, and rivet your attention on Christ. Faith is sustained by looking at Christ, crucified and risen, not by turning from Christ to analyze your faith.” (Page 41)
“This is the rock where we stand when the dark clouds gather and the floods lick at our feet: justification is by grace alone (not mixed with our merit), through faith alone (not mixed with our works) on the basis of Christ alone (not mingling his righteousness with ours), to the glory of God alone (not ours).” (Page 16)
“It is utterly crucial that in our darkness we affirm the wise, strong hand of God to hold us, even when we have no strength to hold him.” (Page 37)
“That’s what the word ‘justify’ means: not make just, but declare just” (Page 15)
“Paradoxically, if we would experience the joy of faith, we must not focus much on it. We must focus on the greatness of our Savior.” (Page 41)
John Piper (1946– ) is a widely respected theologian and bestselling author who served as pastor for Preaching and Vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church for 33 years. He still serves as chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary.
Piper attended Wheaton College where he majored in literature and minored in philosophy. He completed his bachelor of divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he studied under Daniel Fuller. Piper received his doctorate in theology from the University of Munich and taught biblical studies for six years at Bethel College.
In 1994, Piper founded Desiring God Ministries, which provides Piper’s sermons, articles, and information on titles he has authored. One of his bestsellers, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, prompted the name of the ministry.
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Malcolm Hawkins
6/2/2020
Daniel Jomphe
10/3/2016