The aim of this book is to comfort those that mourn, but one does not have to be in a sorrowing state to benefit spiritually from these readings. I will certainly be using the book and would be glad to memorise it, because there is much that can be used in helping others in their sorrows.
The author’s perspective is biblical and Reformed. He has the advantage of having qualified in psychology, counselling, and child development as well as in theology. He is concise, but not to the detriment of the subject matter, which is always to the point and well underlined by biblical quotations or references. Useful illustrations abound, including from such masters as Spurgeon and Bunyan.
Preceding the preface is this quote from Spurgeon, which shows why this book is a casket of gems for the discerning: ‘This evil will also come upon us, we know not why, and then it is all the more difficult to drive it away. Causeless depression is not to be reasoned with, nor can David’s harp charm it away by sweet discoursings. As well fight with the mist as with this shapeless, undefinable, yet, all-beclouding hopelessness.’
But fear not, Clark’s readings will certainly put a sword in your hand to cut off the dragon’s head – whether you suffer yourself or would seek to help others!
The book has been designed to have one reading per page, so there are blank spaces on pages with shorter readings. I see this as an advantage as I can add my own notes. The readings are illuminating and edifying, and for such a challenging subject I often found myself ‘surprised by joy’.
Daily Readings for Troubled Minds is available from www.peterreynoldsbooks.com
Roy Mohon
Stockton-on-Tees
