logo
logo logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • Español
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
logo logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • Español
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
Midnight Mercies is a must-read for moms who are struggling with depression...
Vaneetha Risner
Author, Walking through Fire
Are you a mother whose hope has vanished, whose world seems drained of color, and whose life is overshadowed by clouds that never seem to part?

In this empathetic, God-centered journey from hopelessness to hope, biblical counselor Christine Chappell takes you by the hand on a path through the darkness. Sharing her own experience with depression and the anguished cries of God’s people throughout Scripture, she reveals Christ’s compassion for the hurting without resorting to quick fixes or trite solutions. As you read, you will be reminded of his faithfulness to you and presence with you—even when the darkness doesn’t lift.

Each chapter concludes with immediate help in the form of simple next steps, a Scripture verse for contemplation and comfort, and questions for journaling. Whether you feel hopeless, weary, sad, angry, anxious, ashamed, or lonely, God’s new morning mercies will sustain you, no matter how dark the night. 
Now Available at
P&R Publishing
amazon.com
BiblicalCounselingBooks.com
ChristianBook.com
Logos Bible Software
Westminster Bookstore
Target
AudioBook.com
Barnes & Noble
Audible
ENDORSEMENTS

"For the mama who feels mired in inescapable despair and defeat, Christine provides a gospel-saturated path toward hope and wholeness. She powerfully silences the whisper that you’re alone in your depression or mental diagnosis by vulnerably sharing her own story and then walking through the narratives of some of Scripture’s most faithful who experienced their own dark valleys. What a gift and help Midnight Mercies will be to so many!"
–Lisa Appelo, Author, Life Can Be Good Again

"This book is for everyone whose emotions and circumstances take them to dark places, as well as for those who love them. Christine’s insights teach us much about God’s compassion and how we can trust him with our lament as well as come alongside others who are experiencing an emotional midnight. Immediately after I read Midnight Mercies, a hopeless friend asked for help and I felt ready to walk with her with Christine’s book in my hands. I highly recommend it."
–Sharon W. Betters, Author, Treasures in Darkness; Executive Director, MARKINC Ministries

"As a follower of Christ who’s struggled with depression, I’m grateful for Christine Chappell’s servant’s heart and for her willingness to share her journey and insights. In Midnight Mercies, Chappell combines the empathy and sensitivity of one who’s walked the dark road with biblical wisdom and practical guidance to lead sufferers back toward the light. Vulnerable, honest, and abundantly hopeful, Chappell unflinchingly confronts some of the hardest realities of living in a fallen world and unfailingly points to our assurance in Christ, who will make all things new."
–Kathryn Butler, Author, Glimmers of Grace

"Midnight Mercies ministers not only to mothers who are walking through dark nights of the soul but to any woman who has been stricken with deep grief and pain. Christine candidly shares her own experiences while also working through the stories of biblical sufferers such as Moses, Elijah, Mary and Martha, Job, Naomi, and others. It is a must-read for all who have experienced brokenness and need practical encouragement to hold onto the hope we have in Christ."
–Camille Cates, Speaker; Biblical Counselor; Author, Moving Forward after Abortion

"This book offers tremendous hope by providing unique and nuanced counsel that digs deep into the various emotions involved in depression. A varied readership will find relatable, extensive help in a very readable format."
–Dave and Krista Dunham, Counselors, Sparrow and Heart Soul Care; Authors, Table for Two

"Midnight Mercies is a rare book that interweaves the sharing of painful suffering, vulnerable personal stories, and tender faith in God. Though Christine writes to mothers who face depression, leading them by the hand through her own experience, the wisdom in Midnight Mercies will connect with sufferers of many types."
–Ellen Mary Dykas, Director, Equipping for Ministry to Women, Harvest USA; Author, Jesus and Your Unwanted Journey

"If you feel weighed down by the sorrows of motherhood, you’re not alone. Humbly sharing her own story and honestly confronting the questions we all face, Christine Chappell is both a sympathetic friend and wise counselor. In her thoughtfully written book, Chappell reminds us that while our pain is real, so is our hope, and we can trust the God who walks with us. I highly recommend Midnight Mercies!"
–Katie Faris, Author, God Is Still Good

"Christine Chappell comes alongside the hurting with biblical hope. Readers won't find trite responses or false self-rescue advice; rather, Christine gives voice to the reality of depression and the merciful God who enters the pit with us and offers us rest in him. If your heart is hurting today, read Midnight Mercies."
–Christina Fox, Counselor; Speaker; Author, A Heart Set Free

"Midnight Mercies invites you to a rare pairing: an author who is willing to bring you into her darkest hours but who expresses her pain in the language of healing theology. Chappell doesn't shy away from the hardest problems or the hardest Scriptures, yet manages to find insightful encouragement in Christ again and again. I commend this honest, uplifting work to anyone, especially struggling mothers."
–J. Alasdair Groves, Executive Director, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF); Coauthor, Untangling Emotions

"In this excellent book, Christine Chappell shows us the heart of a mother who is struggling with depression. She has given us many useful insights, including a definition of the difference between normal sadness that is safe and sadness that puts a struggling mother at risk. Knowing the difference can be lifesaving."
–Charles Hodges, Executive Director, Vision of Hope Residential Counseling Facility for Women

"Christine’s vulnerable testimony points not only to the reality that we all struggle in a broken world but also to the truth that throughout all of time God has been at work in the lives of those he calls his own. May his love and care minister to your soul as you take in Christine’s humble story of suffering."
–Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, Fieldstone Counseling

"Christine shares how depression affected her as a mother, shedding light on the underlying issues that can lead to depression and giving hope in Christ to other suffering mothers."
–Shannon Kay McCoy, Biblical Counseling Director, Valley Center Community Church; Council Member, Biblical Counseling Coalition; Author, Help! I’m A Slave to Food

"Christine does a wonderful job of weaving her personal story with the experiences of God’s people in Scripture. She compassionately offers struggling moms hope in the gospel."
–Jim Newheiser, Executive Director, The Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship

"Midnight Mercies is a must-read for moms who are struggling with depression, and I plan to buy extra copies to give away. Christine is my go-to person on issues of mental health, and her wise counsel, biblical examples, and firsthand experience make this book so helpful. As she vulnerably shares her journey of depression, Christine reminds readers that they are not alone in their struggle and that God will unfailingly meet us when we feel forsaken."
–Vaneetha Risner, Author, Desperate for Hope and Walking through Fire

"Christine knows depression is bleak. She is also confident that God has been her steady companion through it. She tells pieces of her story that will help you to learn to trust God's loving presence in your depression too. Her advice is kind. Every passage of Scripture Christine shares is relevant to types of suffering that depression brings."
–Jenny Solomon, Speaker; Cofounder, Solomon SoulCare; Author, Reclaim Your Marriage

"Midnight Mercies is a sweet gift for the weak and weary. Walk with Christine as she speaks personally and tenderly about the desolation of depression and our God who meets us in seasons of sorrow. God has gifted Christine with comforting scriptural insights, which she captures so well they will be anchors for your soul when you desperately need his mercies."
–Darby A. Strickland, Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); Author, Is It Abuse?

"Overflowing with hope and grace, this book is a treasure chest of helpful transparency and biblical wisdom for any woman who is walking through a dark valley."
–Paul Tautges, Pastor; Counselor; Author, Anxiety

"The Lord has comforted Christine in her troubles and, with both refreshing transparency and keen biblical insights, Christine now passes that comfort on to her readers. Mothers are especially on her heart, but anyone will be blessed and helped in the troubles they face as they take in Christine's wisdom and receive her compassionate care."
–Lauren Whitman, Faculty and Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

"Midnight Mercies is a compassionate and valuable resource for those who are navigating the depths of depression, darkness, and related shadowy struggles. Christine Chappell's personal understanding and compassion shine through as she offers meaningful guidance for how to respond to these struggles in ways that magnify God’s grace. Through heartfelt stories and biblical insights, this book reminds readers that even in the darkest moments, God's mercy is ever-present, gently leading us toward his light. Midnight Mercies is a beacon of hope and help for anyone who longs for solace amid the shadows of depression."
–Rush Witt, Lead Pastor, Paramount Church, Bexley, Ohio; Author, I Want to Escape 
Christine M. Chappell
Author, Podcast Host, Certified Biblical Counselor
Christine is the author of Midnight Mercies: Walking with God Through Depression in Motherhood as well as several minibooks such as Postpartum Depression: Hope for a Hard Season and Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. She is a certified biblical counselor and currently serves as the Hope + Help Podcast host for the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship. Her writing has been featured at Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, and other Christian platforms. Christine lives in South Carolina with her husband and three children.
Related Content & Resources

Video: Help for Depression in Motherhood Webinar Training

April 7, 2025
During this video recording, I briefly explore biblical insights regarding the experience of depression in motherhood and offer four key components to consider when entering into and engaging with a mother's story.
Read More

WTS Books Winter Clearance Sale

February 10, 2025
Westminster Bookstore has announced a huge discount on my book, Midnight Mercies, for their winter clearance sale. Snag copies for less than $8 each—while supplies last!
Read More

Rethinking Nostalgic Postpartum Advice

January 26, 2025
Nostalgic postpartum advice is certainly permissible, though it’s not always beneficial or edifying (1 Cor. 10:23). But when we take care to know a mother’s world before speaking to it, we can help her feel seen and understood. We can better encourage and build her up in Christ—whether she’s enjoying the season or not (1 Thess. 5:11).
Read More

Depression in Motherhood: These Go to 11 Podcast

January 22, 2025
Read More

Gospel Rest for Downcast Moms: 2024 CCEF Conference Audio

October 8, 2024
Audio recordings from the 2024 CCEF National Conference are now available for purchase! Get access to my session, "Mercy in Darkness: Gospel Rest for Downcast Moms," and explore the care and compassion of Christ for mothers who are walking through depression.
Read More

A Dios no le sorprende tu depresión posparto

September 24, 2024
Cuando te sientas invadida por el dolor de la maternidad, es bueno recordar que Dios te ve y te rodea. Hay recordatorios muy necesarios sobre esta realidad en el Salmo 139. Mientras el escritor se maravilla ante la omnisciencia y omnipresencia de Dios, podemos ver por lo menos tres aplicaciones relevantes a la experiencia de la depresión posparto.
Read More

4 maneras de ayudar a una mamá deprimida

July 22, 2024
Con un estimado de 800,000 madres en los EE. UU. diagnosticadas con un trastorno de salud mental materna cada año, y con una gran mayoría de ellas sin posibilidades de obtener ayuda profesional, el cuerpo de Cristo no puede quedarse de brazos cruzados. Incluso como laico, puedes ofrecer a una madre deprimida el cuidado necesario e irremplazable en Cristo.
Read More

Finding Hope in the Middle of Depression: Great Stories

June 10, 2024
"On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with Christine Chappell. She’s an author, a biblical counselor, and a podcaster, and a mother. On this episode, Christine shares her story and what she learned about how Jesus draws near to those who are struggling with depression."
Read More

3 palabras de ánimo para madres deprimidas

May 29, 2024
Si le preguntara a una madre que lucha contra la depresión: "¿Cuánto tiempo más te sentirás tan mal?", su respuesta probablemente no sería “Sólo una o dos horas más. ¡Ya casi termino!” La depresión no funciona de esa manera. Los estados de ánimo melancólicos no suelen desaparecer. Las soluciones rápidas tienden a quedarse cortas cuando el dolor nos quita las fuerzas; los clichés bien intencionados generalmente tampoco dan en el blanco (Prov. 17:22; 25:20). Y cuando las supuestas palabras de ánimo empiezan a oírse más como regaños pasivos, puede parecer que nadie tiene nada útil que decir, como si tuviéramos que valernos por nosotros mismos en esta oscuridad.
Read More

His Mercies Are More: Haven Today Broadcasts

May 27, 2024
Laundry. Meals. Crying children. Motherhood is busy. But if dark clouds of depression roll in, the weight can start to feel unbearable. Where do you turn? All week on Haven Today, David Wollen will be joined by author and mother, Christine Chappell, for a series called His Mercies are More.
Read More

Spending a Week in a Psych Ward: Chats Under the Sun

May 9, 2024
The truth is I've sat on this interview since it came out in December 2023. By far, it's the most vulnerable conversation I've had with regards to the hospitalization I recount in Midnight Mercies as well as in my minibook, Help! I've Been Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder. I suppose I’ve gotten somewhat accustomed to sharing my story, but this interview probed the kinds of specifics I don’t typically rehearse—details which flung me back to a time and a place I prefer to keep out of.
Read More

Depression and Motherhood: Parenting with Ginger Hubbard

March 26, 2024
"Are you a mom struggling with feelings of hopelessness and anxiety? Would you like biblical guidance and practical help for battling depression from someone who’s been there and understands? Join Ginger Hubbard and Katy Morgan, along with special guest Christine Chappell, as they discuss how we can abide in Christ and lean on him to sustain us through seasons of darkness."
Read More

Help When Depression Overwhelms You as a Mom: Counseling Conversations

March 1, 2024
Recently I had the chance to talk with Alex Kocher and Brenda Payne of Known Ministries for their podcast, Conversational Counseling.
Read More

The Soul Care Podcast Interview

January 31, 2024
Recently I had the chance to talk with Dr. Warren Lamb, Jinda Reinig, and Kimberly Willess on their new show, The Soul Care Podcast.
Read More

You Lamented—Now What?

January 26, 2024
“There’s a lot of talk about how to lament these days, but what do we do after—what comes next?” My friend’s question was intriguing. He was right to identify the need for extended reflection. After all, the moments following lament are just as important as the pain-pressed prayers themselves. We must choose to do something next, so what will it be? Withdraw in self-pity? Lash out at loved ones? Self-medicate with creature comforts? Give ourselves over to the futility of restlessness or the fruitlessness of resignation? We need wisdom, lest the choices we make do more harm than good. Because all of life is lived before God, how we move forward from lament truly matters. So what wisdom does he offer to us in these fragile and frustrated moments?
Read More

Free Resources for Depressed Moms

January 5, 2024
This post contains articles, audios, videos, and downloads which were published during the launch of Midnight Mercies. All of these resources are free to access and available to freely share.
Read More

Mercy for Depressed Moms: How God Met Me in Crisis

December 8, 2023
Jesus wasn’t the one insisting that I pull myself out of the pit. He was the one calling me to take refuge in him as he walked me through the dark.
Read More

Midnight Mercies: BCC Podcast Interview

December 4, 2023
I recently had the opportunity to join Curtis Solomon on the Biblical Counseling Coalition's 15:14 Podcast to talk about my book, Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood.
Read More

The Trial of Depression in Motherhood: His People Radio Interview

November 15, 2023
I recently had the opportunity to join Bill Feltner on his radio program, His People, to talk about the trial of depression in motherhood.
Read More

Broken by Depression: Broken Vessels Podcast Interview

November 6, 2023
I recently had the opportunity to join Joshua Simpkins on his podcast, Broken Vessels, to talk about the brokenness of depression and some of the questions and challenges that arise when we navigate that journey with Christ.
Read More

Sadness vs. Depression: This vs. That Podcast Interview

October 31, 2023
I recently had the opportunity to join Anchored Hope Counseling on their podcast to consider how we might discern the difference between ordinary experiences of sadness and the overwhelming darkness of depression.
Read More

4 Ways to Help a Depressed Mom

October 14, 2023
Surely somewhere in your close proximity, there’s a mother suffering from depression. As she attempts to beat back the darkness, you wonder how you can care for her. As featured at The Gospel Coalition.
Read More

Depression in Motherhood: Help & Hope Podcast Interview

October 5, 2023
In this conversation, Sharon Betters talks with Christine Chappell about the different emotional facets of the experience of depression, practical steps we can take in battling depression, and suggestions for how friends can come alongside a hurting friend.
Read More

When the Clock Strikes Midnight: 3 Encouragements for Depressed Moms

September 27, 2023
If you’re feeling desperate for encouragement as you walk through the darkness of depression, I’d like to pass along a few statements which ministered to me. The Spirit used each of these fitly spoken words to give me strength and insight on my journey. By God’s mercy and grace, I pray they will serve you just the same. As featured at Risen Motherhood.
Read More

Depression in Motherhood: Counsel for Life Interview

September 21, 2023
Christine offers compassion for mothers who are struggling with despair and sadness as she shares her own story and gives wisdom from Scripture for those who need encouragement and motivation to keep moving forward.
Read More

Special Preview: Introduction to Midnight Mercies

September 15, 2023
This post contains the full introduction of my new book, Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood. As featured at the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship.
Read More

BCC Blog: Why I Wrote Midnight Mercies

September 12, 2023
My intent is that any mother who knows what it’s like to groan, "I feel depressed" will find comfort and counsel in these pages. As featured at the Biblical Counseling Coalition.
Read More

Connecting Depressed Moms to Biblical Lament

September 1, 2023
When caring for a mother who is walking through depression, it’s unwise to overlook the sustaining grace God has for her through lament. As featured at the Biblical Counseling Coalition.
Read More

Cover Reveal for Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood

March 20, 2023
Unveiling the cover design for Midnight Mercies and explaining why there's so much more to its design than meets the eye.
Read More