When the Darkness Will Not Lift

I think it is safe to say that all Christians go through times of darkness; and that is not a safe statement, is is undoubted that each Christian will know another who goes through such a season. So it is of great importance, for the sake of Christ, and of love, to know how to navigate those seasons ourselves, and how to love others through such circumstances.

Here When the Darkness Will Not Lift is of great help. It is filled with much wisdom, and many references to the Puritans, who have tremendous depth in dealing with despairing souls. In fact, after reading this book, I want to go back to the primary sources, all of whom draw heavily on the Scriptures: Richard Baxter, John Newton, John Bunyan, C.H. Spurgeon, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

Here are a few glimpses of their wisdom:

'Often set before them the great truths of the gospel which are fittest to comfort them; and read them informing, comforting books; and live in a loving, cheerful manner with them. (Richard Baxter, 69)

"Nothing can wholy satisfy the life of Christ within his followers except the adoption of Christ's purpose toward the world he came to redeem. Fame, pleasure and riches are but husks and ashes in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of his eternal plans. The men who are putting everything into Christ's undertaking are getting out of life its sweetests and most priceless
rewards" (J. Campbell White, 67)

"Fold the arms of thy Faith, and wait in the quietness until light goes up in thy darkness. Fold the arms of thy Faith I say, but not of thy Action: bethink thee of something that thou oughtest to do, and go to do it, if it is but the sweeping of a room, or the preparation of a meal, or a visit to a friend. Heed not thy [hopeless] feelings: Do thy work" (George MacDonald, 46)

Despair of finding any answer in yourself. I pray that you will cease from all efforts to look inside yourself for the rescue you need. I pray that you will do what only desperate people can do, namely, cast yourself on Christ. (Piper, 21)

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. (Piper, 37)

This is a book full of wise, tender counsel for those in darkness, and for those walking with another who is in darkness.