Book Review – Spurgeon’s Sorrows
Image: Spurgeon’s Sorrows by Len Lantz (CC BY-NC-ND)
Synopsis: Len's Star Rating: 9 out of 10. A helpful book that is both enlightening and lyrical in its exploration of depression through the life and sermons of Charles Spurgeon.
BY LEN LANTZ, MD / 2.28.2022; No. 78
Disclaimer: Yes, I am a physician, but I’m not your doctor and this article does not create a doctor-patient relationship. This article is for educational purposes and should not be seen as medical advice. You should consult with your physician before you rely on this information. This post also contains affiliate links. Please click this LINK for the full disclaimer.
Star Rating – 9 out of 10
Rating guide: 1 = horrible, 5 = average and 10 = wow
Author
Zack Eswine
About the author
Zack Eswine, PhD, is an award-winning author of several books, mentor to ministry leaders, and the lead pastor of Riverside Church in Webster Groves, Missouri. He obtained his MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary and his PhD from Regent University. Dr. Eswine is a Scholar-in-Residence of the Francis Schaeffer Institute and an adjunct professor at Covenant Theological Seminary.
General description
Spurgeon’s Sorrows is a book that explores depression from a Christian perspective through the life and sermons of Charles Spurgeon. Dr. Eswine structured his text into three parts:
Trying to Understand Depression
Learning How to Help Those Who Suffer from Depression
Learning Helps to Daily Cope with Depression
The following quote from Spurgeon’s Sorrows best sums up what the book is about: “The fact that such a prominent Christian pastor struggled with depression and talked so openly about it invites us to friendship with a fellow sufferer. As this pastor and preacher grappled with faith and doubt, suffering and hope, we gained a companion on the journey. In his story we can begin to find our own. What he found of Jesus in the darkness can serve as light for our own darkness.”
Unique and most important aspects
Spurgeon’s Sorrows is a novel approach to depression as seen through the lens of one of the most highly revered preachers, Charles Spurgeon. The subtitle of this book is Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression. I do believe that the author delivers on his subtitle. This book is broadly applicable and thoroughly researched in addressing the substantial stigma that depressed Christians face and the encouragement found through the words of Charles Spurgeon.
Several times while reading this book, I was blown away by how poetically the author captures depression and the hope God provides: “If Charles is right, and God is truly gracious to give language for our sorrows, then a realistic hope begins to sweep faintly but truly into view like waves at tide rolling beneath our night skies. Such hope pulses and fades, like the lighthouse lamp slowly circling out of view. Into sight it returns, again then again, relentlessly pushing its way through the fog and absence toward us. The night waters begin to shimmer with promise.”
Important concepts from this book include:
Lessons learned from circumstances that trigger depression
Addressing myths of depression
Reasons for telling others your story of dealing with depression
The role of medicine in the treatment of depression
The importance of coping with thoughts of suicide
Wisdom gained from experiencing sorrow
Best quotes
“Depression is a joy thief. This burglar of joy also likes to plunder our sense of God.”
“Your hope is not your health but His ability to be the strength you need.”
“Religion offers both a challenge and a help to those who suffer mental disorders. This challenge surfaces when preachers assume that depression is always and only a sin. They pour gasoline on the fire and wonder why it rages rather than calms those they try to help.”
“The pastor, religious counselor, or friend must learn to account for the medical, psychological and behavioral realities of depression. Conversely, the medical, therapeutic, psychological or behavioral caregiver mustn’t dismiss the contribution of spiritual realities to circumstantial and biological depression.”
“Those who suffer depression have an ally, a hero, a companion-redeemer, advocating for the mentally harassed.”
“In sum, medication for our bodily and mental illnesses is an aid and gift, but even our best medications remain limited. Medicines help us, but rarely in isolation from other helps.”
Who would enjoy this book?
Readers who are interested in Charles Spurgeon’s words and thoughts on depression and ideas for coping with depression would likely enjoy Spurgeon’s Sorrows.
Who would not enjoy this book?
Readers who desire viewpoints on depression from many Christian leaders or who want a comprehensive guide on depression are unlikely to enjoy Spurgeon’s Sorrows.
Conclusion
Spurgeon’s Sorrows is a helpful book that is both enlightening and lyrical in its exploration of depression through the life and sermons of Charles Spurgeon.