©1993 (reprinted 2002), The Banner of Truth, 182 pages paperback.

Christians live in a fallen world.  While on earth, our faith may be attacked and tested  by suffering, sin, solitude, or sadness. We can easily be tempted to question God’s abiding presence and His love for us.

Using a variety of psalms, the author addresses the reality of despair. He shows how many Christians have been greatly helped as they determine the cause of their depression.  God’s solution is to turn to His word for help in handling these assaults on our faith.  Ferguson recognizes that some who are depressed may need medical treatment.

Those in the midst of dark valleys should cling to David’s inspired words in Psalm 23.  David knows God’s presence even in the valley of death, and His sustaining presence and protective power in all other valleys of our pilgrim walk.

At times, we see approaching trials and long to escape them.  Psalm 55 addresses this desire by pointing the individual to His sovereign God who allows the trial.  He will bring good out of it.

Surrounded by abundance on every side, discontent besets many American Christians.  Sadly, we can think that God has deserted us because we do not have this or that.  Psalm l3l speaks directly and correctively to discontent.  We can learn to rest in God and what He has given us.

In the final chapters “Never Deserted”, Ferguson brings his work to a conclusion.  The Christian will never be ultimately deserted because Christ, our Substitute, was deserted on our behalf on the cross.

This small volume is actually a collection of sermons.  It is a scripture-centered and God-honoring, practical look at the problem of depression.  The author applies scripture in a pastoral, practical manner.  This is good food for the soul.

Review ©2006 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia