Customer Reviews

Bright Days, Dark Nights: With Charles Spurgeon in Triumph over Emotional Pain

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A close friend of mine who has wrestled with depression for some time confided to me how deeply this book had touched his life. Indeed, while every page reflected in some measure the life of my friend, each page also touched on issues common to us all. What a comfort it is to know that so many in the body of Christ have traveled before us, traversed the same valleys, felt the same anxieties, trusted in the same God, and found Him to be absolutely true to His promises. Spurgeon himself, regarded by so many as one of the greatest preachers having lived, speaks with such frankness about his own internal and emotional struggles that he is likely strikes a common chord with all of us. Spurgeon's writing is uncommonly rich and filled with keen observations, anecdotes, and gems of wisdom based on the truth of Scripture. In one such anecdote, Spurgeon comments on the nature of death for the Christian as simply a transition to a more glorious life hereafter: "At Stratford-on-Bow," Spurgeon notes, "in the days of Queen Mary, there was once a stake erected for the burning of two martyrs, one of them a lame man, the other a blind man. Just when the fire was lit, the lame man hurled away his staff, and turning round said to the blind man, 'Courage, brother, this fire will cure us both.'" Although this book is composed almost exclusively of Spurgeon's writings and sermons, it does contain a modest amount of Skoglund's observations as well. In fact it seems that Skoglund has so saturated herself with the writings of Spurgeon that the styles of the two are at times nearly indistinguishable. Perhaps because of the denseness of Spurgeon's writings, this book can be slow going at times. However, as a relative newcomer to Spurgeon, I have the sense that Skoglund has done a wonderful job of piecing together many of Spurgeon's writings on emotional struggle and the encouragement which is to be found in Christ.

This is a wonderful little book. Elizabeth Skoglund has done a fine job of weaving together the writings of Charles Spurgeon on topics dealing with emotional pain and suffering. Each of the chapters are broken up into short segments. The book is best read "devotionally"; a little at a time. It has been a great help to me as a supplement to regular prayer and Scripture reading. Chapters are titled "Confidence", "Depression", "Anxiety", "Loneliness", "Change", and "Transition" (dying). Spurgeon, having suffered from these emotional problems himself, was ahead of his time in recognizing their more common sources and in dispelling some of the easy answers that are still common in evangelical Christian circles today. The first chapter, "Body, Mind and Spirit" offers a good foundation. It recognizes that we are whole persons, not separable into neat compartments. Emotional problems often stem from physical as well as spiritual causes. This book offers strength and courage from a great man who has been through plenty of dark times himself

Encouraging words on difficult emotions from a legendary minister, as sifted through the experiences of a contemporary Christian counselor! Skoglund makes Spurgeon accessible to the layperson, and brings his writings on painful emotions together in an organized format. Spurgeon's wisdom mixed with Skoglund's personal anecdotes create a great read for anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, or a "dark eclipse of the soul" and wondering if they are alone...

This book can really help anyone who struggles with depression. I never knew Spurgeon was so wise, but you better believe I'll be reading more of him. Last saturday I got so fired up about this book that I bought every used or new copy on Amazon that netted out under 10$ (I'm on a budget, afterall) to give away to friends.

This book will help you if you struggle personally with depression, and it will help you if you care for people who do.

Spurgeon is one of the best encouragers and an easy read. He's my favorite!

Bright Days, Dark Nights is for anyone 'Going On without Guilt.' It is a great book for daily reading.

Bright Days, Dark Nights is for anyone 'Going On without Guilt.' It is a great book for daily reading.

Charles Spurgeon is one of the greatest thinkers and scholars the world has been blessed to enjoy. Hard to believe he suffered with depression all his life and died too young maybe from the stress of conflict and depression even then. He so wonderfully shared his experiences and that is so valuable to me because so many people don't even understand depression and are not even able to talk about it. The author here is very thorough in writing about Spurgeon and his comments and this is a book which is a definite keeper. I am grateful to her for her research and sharing about this blessed man. Aloha.