Many of us feel unable to swim against the tide of sorrow and sadness.
Spiritual depression is defined as the prolonged and pervasive numbing, muting, suppressing, or restraining of the joy of the Lord within the life of the Christian. And more and more Christians are besieged with it. Experiencing feelings of doubt, anxiety, or despair can become the norm of our daily lives.
Despite our struggles, the Bible gives us numerous exhortations to battle our downcast condition. But how? Sometimes it feels hopeless, as if nothing can pull us from the mire. Overcoming the Darkness speaks to the deep waters of troubled hearts that feel afflicted or alone in their spiritual struggles. Drawing from the life and wisdom of God's Word, along with personal experience, pastor and teacher Nate Pickowicz helps us administer God's balm to our spiritual wounds. Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him for help. He is the ultimate cure for our spiritual depression, but it can be hard to know how to access and experience His healing power. Readers explore the causes of spiritual depression, including calamity, longstanding afflictions, persistent melancholy, fear, persistent sin, and more. And they discover a wholistic, practical road to spiritual health. There is hope for tomorrow, and we can live for it today.
About the Author :
NATE PICKOWICZ is the pastor of Harvest Bible Church in Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire. He has authored or edited more than a dozen books, including How to Eat Your Bible, The Kindness of God, The American Puritans, and Christ & Creed. He and his wife, Jess, have three children.
Review :
"If you're trudging through an extended valley of deep sorrow or spiritual darkness, this book will meet you with hope from Scripture. Nate Pickowicz writes from the perspective of a fellow struggler with honesty, humility, and biblical clarity. He gently lifts the eyes of the weary and discouraged to Christ, our Man of Sorrows, who comforts the broken and restores joy to the downcast spirit."
--Paul Tautges, pastor, counselor, author of Remade: Embracing Your Complete Identity in Christ, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart, andAnxiety: Knowing God's Peace
"Nearly every Christian I know, myself included, has faced seasons of spiritual depression. From what I've observed, this struggle seems to be growing more frequent and intense. That's why I'm so grateful for Nate Pickowicz's new book, Overcoming the Darkness. It's evident that he's written from personal experience, offering not just empathy but also a wealth of Scripture and practical, biblical wisdom. When we walk through dark times, we need more than clichés or quick fixes. We need solid, biblical guidance that meets us where we are. This book delivers exactly that. I plan to keep extra copies on hand to share with others who are struggling. I'm deeply thankful that Nate wrote it."
--Darryl Dash, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church East Toronto and author of 8 Habits for Growth
"Psychobabble doesn't help spiritually depressed Christians. Bad theology hurts people. This book skillfully diagnoses depression and treats it with God's words."
--Andy Naselli, Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College and Seminary; Lead Pastor, Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota
"When I first saw Nate's book, I thought, 'Do we really need another book on depression?' After reading it, the answer is yes, we do! Many Christian resources on depression either avoid or overemphasize sin, so it's refreshing to see Nate carefully articulate the truth: depression is a whole-person struggle. Whether a person's depression is caused primarily by suffering or sin, Nate tenderly leads us toward who we most need in our depression--Jesus Christ. In this resource, Nate provides us with more than just a helpful theological framework for thinking about depression; he pastorally guides us through practical steps for change."
--Matt Marshall, Director of Biblical Care, North Country Christian Formation
"Depression, anxiousness, despondency, and sorrow are frequent yet unwelcome visitors in the lives of many of God's people. Nate Pickowicz addresses these realities with pastoral care and precision. He identifies root causes and provides solutions all from a careful exposition of Holy Scripture. For all who know the depths of the darkness of depression, read and be encouraged in Christ."
--Justin L. Miller, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church, Puxico, MO
"In this most personal of books, Nate explores the uncomfortable subject of depression, its causes and cures. You might think that's presumptuous--cures for depression!--but the One who created our souls knows what's wrong and how to fix it. This is not a simplistic treatment by any means! Nate not only takes you through his own struggles with depression, but he shows how again and again the Lord personally and graciously ministered to him. Read this book and you will find real help and hope for yourself or someone you love."
--Jon Benzinger, Lead Pastor, Redeemer Bible Church, Gilbert, AZ; President of Redeemer Seminary
