Have you dealt with depression? I have. And that’s why I was excited about getting my hands on this book. But Hope Prevails is so much more than a how-to about tackling the darkness of soul. It also takes a look at the lies we believe, the way we compare ourselves to others, and how worry says “I can‘t trust God to take care of me.”
The author, Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and mental disorders. However, Dr. Michelle says her greatest shock came when she tried the same treatment suggestions for her own depression that she typically offered her patients – and they didn’t work. She learned there was another element that needed to be addressed, and that was the spiritual side of depression.
Dr. Michelle asks, “How would you like to be free not only from depression but also from the fear of depression, the shadow of depression?”
To the normal person, this might not seem like an important question. But to someone who struggles with depression, the shadow is a part of daily life. To break free of that shadow would mean you, too, can have a good day when the sun is shining. You won’t look at others and wonder why you’re different.
Did you know depression is a silent epidemic? Dr. Michelle says 1 in 4 adults suffer, 1 in 8 teens suffer, and 1 in 33 children suffer from this malady. She offers free resources on her website for those seeking to help a loved one and her book is a handbook to the many layers of depression and finding the steps out of it.
We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. Yet, Dr. Michelle says stress, whether good or bad, can contribute to depression. She includes a prescription, prayer, and praise songs at the end of each chapter to guide a time of reflection. Through personal examples, the author doesn’t diminish despair, but shows how she wrestled with it and pushed through it. Dr. Michelle equates depression with Scripture’s reference to a spirit of heaviness. She reminds us that David, too, experienced the pit of depression. Yet he called out to God and found hope in the One who heals our broken and wounded places.
I wish I could get a copy of Hope Prevails into the hands of everyone I know, because the principles go beyond dealing with depression, to learning how to live a victorious life. The next best thing I can do is offer a giveaway!
I am giving away an autographed copy from the author, courtesy of Revell Publishers, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and respond to this question, “Have you had any tough times that you are now thankful for?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held five days from today, August 15. I can’t wait to hear your stories!
Sally
P.S. Each person who leaves a comment will also receive a free pdf, “What God Says About You,” from Dr. Michelle Bengtson, in Hope Prevails!
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I’ve struggled with depression since I was a child due to my mother inflicting trauma in ke and everyone in our home. It wasn’t til I was 40 that I finally got help from a therapist. It took years to get the healing I needed to be able to live. I no longer get suicidal every ten years. I survived my teenage years because God was my best friend. I’m now able to spend the rest of my life supporting others who need freedom from their pain.
Pam, I’m so proud of you for turning your pain into a ministry to help others. You’ve come through hard times and can affirm that they will survive, too!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
I’m pretty much thankful for most (if not all) of them. When I was told I might not be able to have children at 20, I learned to let God be more important than my desire to have children. Later when I was married, and the Lord did bless us with 4 children, I’m thankful that God said no to a job we begged God to give my husband, because He used that scary, hard season to give us a course correction and redirect us to His calling for our lives. Later, when that calling became costly and painful, I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness to help us to persevere and stay committed to the call & to our marriage which is now part of our testimony to help others. There are so, so, so many more, but here are just a few.
Cathy, thank you for the reminder to keep hindsight up front! Your turmoil brought bigger blessings when you obeyed the Lord’s call on your life, and that’s an amazing part of your story!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
God has walked with me through many tough times! Each time, my faith in Him has grown! I am now concerned about a loved one who not only has depression, anxiety attacks and agoraphobia, but also physical pain! Sounds like a book that might give her some hope, and me on how to help her.
Patricia, Yes! This book would benefit both you & your friend. I’m so glad you can see that the Lord was there in your dark times, too. Blessings!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
Before Hope Prevails came into my life , I always thought depression was someone elses condition NOT mine ! Reading the book I came to realize what was going on and why I was being like a turtle stuck in its shell. Now I have hope. God holds my hand and I can move forward. I can once again step out into the light. I do not need to be embarrassed ! I’m really ok and I am on the path to wellness. So thankful for Dr. Michelle and now you too Sally ! I’m going to step out in the sunshine again !
Mia, That is beautiful! Yes! God holds your hand and you can move forward, one step at a time! Blessings to you.
Thank you for entering the drawing!
A few years ago, I went through a dark place and my heart literally hurt. It was so hard, and I was so broken. The Lord put me back together after spending lots of time seeking Him and drawing close to Him. Now I am struggling with situations with my mum and her health, and I have found myself close again to that depression heaviness. I trust the Lord knows best. The book sounds like an amazing tool!
oh Sheila, this book would really encourage you. It feels like you’re talking to someone who understands! May you find that healing again. The Lord promises to never leave us or forsake us!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
Yes, I am thankful now for times of physical illness that brought me closer to God. I too have battled that “spirit of heaviness” much of my life. I also compare myself to others and come up short! This sounds like an excellent book ! Thanks.
oh Cheryl, you would love this book! It is spoken with such gentleness and mercy.
You are God’s treasured possession!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
Yes, I have had tough times. I was raised by an abusive mother and tried to commit suicide. Mother poured melted butter down my throat while telling me I couldn’t even do that right. But God entered the picture years later, and even led me to be Mom’s guardian. Most of that 7 years were another nightmare but the last few were filled with redemption and reconciliation. Mom came to know the Lord and got reconciled with several of her children. I’m thankful for how some challenging and painful circumstances led me to God and the discovery that He walks with us through the fires.
Wow, Delores! What an amazing turnaround! Thank you for sharing your story of forgiveness and mercy! And for the reminder that God goes with us in the darkest of times.
You’re entered into the drawing!
Within the couple of minutes I was blessed enough to catch your FB live, i caught what you were saying about comparison. Even at my old age, I’m not sure why I care but I catch myself doing this too often.
I’ll be checking into this book one way or another I am sure!!
Hi Becky,
So glad you stopped in 😉
Yep, comparison is a mean trap!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
Becky!
Congratulations, you are the winner of the autographed copy of Hope Prevails!
I will send you an email to get your addy.
When ever I get sad or lonely , I turn to God’s Word which really help’s. I have seen People that are so sad all the time & wonder why . We have to pray for them. SWe all need Prayer.
Yes Sandra, prayer is vital. I don’t know where I would be without prayer warriors going to bat for me!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
Suicide loss has taught me a lot about lamenting and deep sorrows . My heart attack in April confirmed to me that a broken heart is in great need of Jesus .
I’m grateful for every lesson and every God wink these past 14 years .
Beauty for ashes ….even in the mud face down .
Wow Mary,
It’s been a tough road for you. Blessings to you as your physical heart and your spiritual heart heal.
Love the analogy of mud. Sometimes we feel like we’re stuck there, but you’re seeing the beauty!
Thank you for entering the drawing!
I was depressed as a teen and young mom. God healed me of my inferiority complex. I’m thankful I can emphathize with others.
Mary,
It’s beautiful that you can help others out of your healing. God is Good!
Thank you for entering the drawing!