When the Darkness Will Not Lift

When the Darkness Will Not Lift is a short (79 pp.) book written to encourage those Christians who are dealing with spiritual melancholy (depression). John Piper writes, “My aim is to give some guidance and hope to those for whom joy seems to stay out of reach.” (p.12) Piper also writes to instruct believers as to how to help those who are encountering times of spiritual darkness.

By Piper’s own admission this book is not intended to fully treat such a subject. I think this quote should be considered before anyone jumps all over Piper for not ‘dotting all his I’s”

This book began as the final chapter of a larger book titled When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy. I hope that if this small book proves helpful, readers will consider what is in the larger one. There are crucial foundations in that larger book which are not included here.” (p. 13)

In “treating” despair Piper advises that we “start with despair. 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.” (p.21)

There are great practical exhortations throughout the book for those in despair or not, but particularly for those who are afflicted. In the following chapters Piper reminds us that We are not alone, a reminder of the prevailing faithfulness and power of God; Fold not the Arms of Action, a call to constantly be thankful and offering praise so as to produce joy; Does Unconfessed Sin Clog Our Joy?, an exhortation to confess our sin to God and others that we may ‘unclog’ our joy; The Darkness that Feeds on Self-Absorption, a call to evaluate patterns in our lives, inspecting for self worshipping tendencies that produce despair.

The one issue that I had was the treatment of the ‘darkness’ in general. What is it for? I sometimes got the impression in reading the book that the goal was to have the trial removed. It is not the removal of the trial that brings the joy but the presence of Christ in the trial that is my joy. This is why in James 1 believers are commanded to “count it all joy when you encounter various trials” this of course is because of the presence and power of Christ in conforming believers into his blessed image. This is akin to what Paul dealt with in 2 Corinthians 12.9-10. I have joy when I realize that even within a trial I am in fellowship with the Sovereign, Good and Glorious King of the universe. I know John Piper believes this, as I have heard him say it elsewhere. However, it just didn’t seem to come out as clear in this book for me.

Overall I like the book, as I do with most of what John Piper writes. I love the emphasis upon the supremacy, sufficiency and beauty of Christ. I also was thankful that Piper acknowledges that issues of emotional pain are not only valid but also kind of messy. I am often discouraged when I hear folks dismiss emotional pain as either invalid or sinful. Piper acknowledges it and tries to help.

This book will no doubt prove valuable for those who are afflicted and to help other believers to be more helpful. I would also recommend Piper’s larger work, How to Fight for Joy.

You may order When the Darkness will not Lift at Amazon or from Westminster Books.

Possibly Related posts:

1. The Blessed Trial (Psalm 116)
2. John Piper Prays a Sermon
3. Who’s bad?!
4. Book Review- Spectacular Sins
5. 90 Minutes in Heaven

7 Responses to “When the Darkness Will Not Lift”

1. anon says:

   September 19, 2007 at 4:03 pm

   Erik, would you recommend giving this book to someone who professed Christ years ago, but is not currently walking with the Lord or attending church? They are depressed at this time also.
2. anon says:

   September 19, 2007 at 4:05 pm

   Sorry, one more question…does the book have enough of a gospel presentation for an unbeliever, or enough there for someone with a bit of church background but who has probably forgotten alot of what they’ve heard?
3. erik says:

   September 19, 2007 at 4:06 pm

   Anon- I would. I think Piper does a good job reiterating the gospel while carefully treading upon the minefield of depression. I would also follow up with the person with the goal of pointing them to Christ through the gospel….in response to the 2nd question…I would not count the book as evangelism :/  You should augment the book with a letter or some conversations…
4. kschaub says:

   September 19, 2007 at 6:39 pm

   Anon, for a fantastic book about the gospel for anyone, including the person you have in mind, consider Jerry Bridges, “The Gospel for Real Life.” I highly recommend it.
5. anon says:

   September 21, 2007 at 11:51 am

   Thanks very much for your suggestions!!
6. John Piper on depression and evangelism. « Evangelism Action says:

   September 22, 2007 at 9:26 pm

   [...] John Piper on depression and evangelism. I have recently been reading the book When The Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper. This isn’t going to be a full review of it, so if you would like to read one please visit Irish Calvinist , where you will find a good review of the whole work.   I recommend you do so, it’s a good blog. A few things struck me as I read this book. The most relevant for this blog being what Piper has to say regarding evangelism and the depressed Christian. As anyone out there who has suffered a depressive illness will know, the last thing you feel up to concerning yourself with when you are struggling to make it through the day withour losing your grip is sharing your faith with others. This is entirely understandable, but can present you with an opportunity to do something that may aid you in your recovery. As Piper suggests: [...]
7. Alan Kurschner says:

   September 24, 2007 at 6:35 pm

   Indeed –> “It is not the removal of the trial that brings the joy but the presence of Christ in the trial that is my joy.”

   The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.

   The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.