Christians are called to “walk in the light,” (Eph. 5:8; 1 Jn. 1:7) and yet in God’s providence there are times when the faithful find themselves walking in a kind of darkness where God seems to be silent and distant. Many refer to this as a “dark night of the soul.” How is this dark night different from the more common forms of depression or affliction? And, is there a way to persevere through the night and find the light of morning?

Recommended Reading

First we have a couple free online resources for you, and then some books that can help when you’re in a dark night, or even just wrestling with depression.

The Dark Night of the Soul by R.C. Sproul

The Desire of the Soul in Spiritual Darkness by Spurgeon

Spiritual Depression by Martin Lloyd Jones

A Lifting Up for the Downcast by William Bridge

The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes

Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine

Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray