A long-ago friend I’ll call “Beth” suffered from depression, growing more and more discouraged as she slogged through her days under the weight of it. I asked her one day, “Why don’t you try reading a book about depression?”

“I’ve tried,” she replied, “but they only make me feel worse!” If only she could have read Hope Prevails by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, I believe she would have been uplifted, encouraged, and enlightened in her understanding of what was going on in her body, her mind, and her spirit when depression washed over her days. Dr. Bengtson has experienced depression herself, so she writes from inside the problem, and, as a clinical neuropsychologist, she experienced the shock of realizing that the treatment suggestions she had offered to her patients were not working for her. Medication, therapy, diet, exercise, prayer are all tried and true remedies for depression, but it was only when she began exploring the spiritual component of depression that she began to find freedom.

Hope Prevails offers the comfort of companionship, the clear light of truth, and the gift of hope with solid facts about depression:

“In any given year, approximately 18.8 million Americans adults suffer from depression. If we broaden the scope, in most countries 8-12% of the population suffers from major depression at some point.”
Depression is chemical; it is genetic; it can have physiological roots; and it is influenced by environmental factors such as stress.
The underlying roots of depression lie in the spirit of the depressed person who lacks peace and joy and has bought into lies about herself that detract from her ability to live life to the fullest.
The hope Dr. Bengtson offers is not a personal recipe that she takes credit for, but springs instead from a Scriptural promises that point the way to a supernatural hope. When she says that those who mourn will find comfort, that those who sow in tears shall reap in joy, and that there is an inexpressible joy available on this planet, she is not offering Scripture as a “snap out of it” lucky charm, but as a truth to replace the lies that lead to depression and as ammunition to fight the battle.

Dr. Bengtson’s go-to verse is Jeremiah 29:11, for it speaks of a hopeful future that is invisible to the eyes of the depressed believer. A steady diet of strong truth works to bring feelings into line with a quest for biblical joy. Michelle recommends a gratitude journal as solid accountability in practicing “the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details . . . the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.” This “settled conviction about God” is Kay Warren’s definition of joy which forms the bedrock on the road to healing and restoration.

Peace flees in the presence of shame, and owning one’s brokenness shines light into the dark places where shame rules. Dependency on God and genuine forgiveness as a path away from bitterness and resentment are strong medicine. Hope Prevails urges readers to take responsibility for their responses to circumstances — a victim mentality leads only to self-pity and gets in the way of accepting God’s glorious validation of our identity as believers: Accepted! If God says “beloved,” who am I to disagree?

The truth of our value to God rests on the exorbitant price He paid to own us, and this counteracts all the whispered lies that hiss “unlovable” and “not good enough” into the ears of our heart. Dr. Bengtson’s own embrace of this truth is part of her story, and she also shares her experiences of illness, dysfunction, and grief that allow her to reassure her readers that pain is not wasted, nor is it evidence to disprove a loving God. On the contrary:

“God never protects us from that which He will use to perfect us.”

Dr. Bengtson urges her readers to take advantage of any and all possible treatments for depression from medication to better sleep habits, but stresses that a God-reframed mindset and care for one’s spiritual self is the foundation upon which all other modalities will find greatest success. Her message and the message of God in His Word are one:

Hope does not disappoint.
Hope prevails like love poured out in the heart;
Like light kindled in a dark place;
Like a Listening Ear who “searches the heart” and intercedes in wisdom;
Like a sign post in the road pointing away from danger.
Even in the midst of depression — by grace — reach out for and rejoice in hope.

This book was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This book is well written, gentle, and is embedded with scriptures from the Christian Bible. It would be a nice resource for someone struggling that is seeking a Christian view on depression.

The author and I disagree and our perspectives are different, and that is okay. This book is simply not for me, and I most likely would not recommend it. Depression or depressive thoughts were equated with satan, and the author, at the minimum, insinuated one would only find hope or healing from depression through Jesus. Interventions that did not involve prayer or bible reading were mentioned, but were not given much attention.

It was a while ago that I read this book and I thought I'd left a review on here. Somehow I must've missed it and I'm starting to pay attention to NetGalley again, so here we go! Here's my review.

I loved this book. It was honest, deep, vulnerable and helped me during my years of depression. Sometimes I still have depression and I turn to this book to remind myself the spiritual battle that we face during depression. Sometimes I turn to the book when a friend is struggling to help figure out what to say.

Michelle is an amazing woman of God and I believe in her ministry and her work. I believe that God gives her words to say so we can read them and be encouraged.

I highly suggest this book for anyone who might be struggling or knows of someone who is struggling, with depression.

Dr. Michelle Bengston is my hero! Hope Prevails is what I needed. I've been fighting with depression for over 20 years and it is the hardest battle of my life. Her book really helped me to see that I am not alone and that there are others who are going through the same thing. With Hope and with Jesus I will get through this.

I believe this book is so needed today! There are many who struggle with depression today and I believe that this book along with her companion Bible Study book of the same title can be a great resource for anyone who finds himself/herself in the midst of or heading towards depression.

I love that Dr. Michelle does not discount other causes of depression (chemical, genetic, secondary, and reactionary), but in recognizing those causes she also points out the spiritual element that goes hand in hand with those other causes. The spiritual root of depression cannot be ignored for those wanting to experience true freedom from depression. The approach to healing that is taught in this book, as well as the companion study book, is not a simple...pray this and you will be healed... but gives real actionable steps to healing, restoration, and a rediscovery of who you were created to be. Your illness does not in any way define you, "determine your worth, or dictate your destiny, or separate you from God."

As Dr. Michelle shares her discoveries in her own journey through depression, as she says, "Ive been there," she walks you through 12 chapters which include resources to help you along the way at the end of each chapter such as: "Your Rx" which are questions to as yourself or actionable steps to take, a prayer for you, and a music playlist to help you find healing from your depression.

This is a much-needed resource for the individual experiencing depression or those who know someone going through it. I would highly recommend this book.

This is the best books I've ever read on depression. If you or someone you love is going through depression I highly recommend this book.. Dr. Michelle Bengtson has been through it and knows what she is talking about.

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified neuropsychologist who not only treats people with depression, she has walked through the darkness and devastation of depression herself.

In Hope Prevails Michelle so transparently shares her story. She is a Dr. who understands the struggle, and shows us how to reject the lies of the enemy of our souls, and cling to the promises of God.

One of my favorite parts of this book is "A Letter To Our Depressed Self." This letter is filled with scripture and reminds of of God's faithfulness, His love for us, and His promises. At the end of each chapter you will find a prayer, a prescription of recommended things to do, and a playlist of worship music that Dr. Michelle used during her own healing process.

Dr. Michelle writes this book in ways that make you feel like she is a trusted, well known friend! She writes in ways that make you feel loved and cared for.

I highly recommend this book for everyone! Whether you battle depression, or have loved ones who do, this book is a MUST READ for all! You will find something in this book that you can apply to your life, and make changes for the better.

Very helpful book for someone who is going through depression or loves someone who is. Dr. Bengtson's personal journey through depression herself, helps people know that she truly understands where you are and how you might feel. It is a must read for people familiar with depression personally or with a loved one.

My own journey with depression was harrowing and drug-induced (you can read more about it on my blog). It took me about two years to recover from the side effects of opiate withdrawal and many of the coping mechanisms described in this book are ones I used. Had this book been published then, it would have been a blessing, an encouragement and a guide.

Part of the reassurance given by the book originates in the occupation of the author – a neuropsychologist – and the other part in Dr. Michelle Bengston having suffered first hand. She speaks from a place of knowledge and experience, it is a unique perspective. Her faith is the element I enjoyed most, Christianity is at the heart of this book and this faith-based approach is the structure upon which it is built. She in no way dismisses the conventional treatments but adds to them a spiritual dimension that resonates deeply with me,

Remembering how hard putting one foot in front of another was, I love the prescription of worship music and small acts at the end of each chapter. Kari Jobe’s albums played in our home constantly when I was in the grip of depression and continue to be a light when I need it.

I love this line: “In a depressed state, you may not feel treasured or even acceptable, but you are. While I’m not asking you to deny your feelings, I’m asking you to choose to believe the truth of God’s Word over your feelings.”

I highly recommend it to those who suffer from depression or wants to understand the mind of someone who feels depressed.

Hope Prevails is a biblically sound "prescription" written by a doctor for those experiencing depression. The Scriptures are used extensively throughout the book making this a biblically based model for true healing, not just a management of the symptoms of depression.

As a neuropsychologist of more than 20 years Dr. Bengtson uses her training and experience to tell her about her struggle with debilitating depression and the story of how she was healed. She offers readers a light for their path through the darkness of depression.

Depression is something so many battle. And that's not new. What is new is that we're talking about it more freely. This book has such a unique perspective as it's written by a doctor who has expertise but also personal experience with a depression battle of her own. I recommend this title for anyone who's struggling with depression (or loves someone who does). You can gain insight and encouragement from within its pages.