One of the greatest lies that depression tells you is that you are utterly alone, that no one has ever felt the way you feel and that no one could ever hope to understand. For the Christian, this feeling of being alone is often mixed with shame.
This shame whispers thoughts like, “If I were a faithful Christian, I would have unfailing joy.” “If I were stronger in my faith, I would have overcome this.” But what if these thoughts were lies? What if there were faithful believers throughout the centuries who inhabited the same darkness as you?
Diana Gruver reveals that there have been many such Christians throughout the ages in her new book Companions in the Darkness, and the believers who struggled with depression may surprise you. It is easy to idealize those we laud as “heroes in the faith” as being impervious to depression and as exuding joy in all circumstances. But Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, and Mother Teresa—just to name a few—had intense struggles with depression.
In Companions in the Darkness, Diana Gruver weaves church history, narrative, and memoir as she tells the story of 7 believers who walked the dark path that many of us now tread. In looking back on Christians of centuries past, she assures those struggling that they are not alone, and she paves a hopeful way forward with the valuable lessons and wise encouragement she draws from each person’s story.
Diana Gruver holds an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She writes about discipleship and spiritual formation in the every day. Her passion is encouraging and nurturing disciples of Jesus, giving them a vision for how He speaks to every aspect of the story of their lives.
I’m thrilled to be able to speak with Diana about Companions in the Darkness, and I will be giving away a copy of her book on November 26, 2020. Have a listen for instructions on how to enter the drawing.
Check out Diana's book here: https://www.ivpress.com/companions-in-the-darkness
Learn more about Diana at: https://www.dianagruver.com/