Charles Spurgeon knew what it meant to battle. He knew what it meant to feel isolated, frustrated, weary, and spent.
For many years, I held C.H. Spurgeon in high regard simply because I knew him as a renowned preacher. His influence has endured for generations. His sermons continue to be read, quoted, and shared, offering believers timeless reminders of Christ’s truth and faithfulness.
I was no stranger to that. What I was a stranger to, however, was the knowledge that Spurgeon battled severe depression.
In my mind—and I suspect in the minds of many others—we tend to place men like Spurgeon in a category all their own. Their intellect seems unmatched. Their pursuit of Christ appears unwavering. We assume they possess a level of strength and faith that sets them apart from ordinary believers. It is not something we consciously do, but when we find ourselves in the midst of significant suffering, the tendency is often to believe that everyone else has figured it out except us—especially someone like him.
So when I found myself in the height of my own emotional battles—my depression, isolation, and anguish—I discovered that I could turn to Spurgeon for grounded comfort and hope. So much of his writing carried the same honesty about suffering that I was experiencing. I remember reading one passage in particular where he compared emotional and mental struggles to physical injuries, arguing that we should fight against despair with the same determination and urgency that we would bring to a serious bodily wound.
In Spurgeon, I found a kindred spirit. But even more than that, I found someone who had walked a similar road and endured. He continued to trust God and press forward even when his circumstances did not immediately improve. That was someone I could relate to. That was someone I could learn from.
He did not point me to himself. He pointed me to Christ. And I was grateful enough to follow.
One of the things I appreciate most about Spurgeon is his honesty regarding suffering. If you would like to learn more about his struggles with depression and discouragement, I have included an article from The Gospel Coalition below that explores this aspect of his life in greater detail.
