I was seeking an answer in overcoming my constant doubt. I was on a visit to New York City when I walked into an East Side Christian bookstore. I asked for the best source on how to deal with doubt and fear. I was given this one of two books. I must say I wasn't disappointed. 'Don't Doubt in the Dark' is a great book for anyone who is suffering from doubting, loss, loneliness, sickness or pain.

There is a collection of stories with hope and faith about people like you and me. Those who have suffered the most painful and dark times in their lives. C. S. Lewis once said, "God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain" (The Problem of Pain).

The greatest people who ever lived, doubted. The stories of each one gives us the courage to share that feeling of doubt. They teach us to cope with the pains of life. With some hope glimmering in the light God reveals to each one of us. Each story illustrates circumstances and painful situations that many have faced. In that that time of desperation, a question arises to the point. . . Does God care? [1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:25-26]. It may answer a few questions, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Life is a like a tapestry. The top side there is a beautiful picture and the message clear. But, the bottom side all tangled and confusing threads. In this life 'we see through a glass, darkly' [1 Corinthians 13:12]. Life is full of mystery.

Believing is tough when dreams fall apart. Jesus faced it. He warned, "You will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" [John 16:33]. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He suffered the worst anguish any of us would ever experience [Matthew 26:39]. Jesus questioned, "Is there any other way than this?" And yet He suffered. Even while dying on the cross He called out, "Why have You forsaken me?" [Matthew 27:46]. Jesus' suffering tells us that God feels about pain. God does care about human suffering.

Sweeting tells us that God wants us to enjoy life. When the time is the darkest it won't stay that way. God is working in you. God still has good plans for you. Just trust Him. Laughter is the best medicine even in the bad times. That's why comedians live so long. "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones" [Proverbs 17:22]. Sweeting offers this poem:

God holds the key to all the unknown,

And I am glad.

If other hands should hold the key,

I might be sad.

For further reading, I suggest 'Too Soon To Quit' by George Sweeting. He tells you no matter the circumstances of your life, you can prosper and grow in the power and strength of Jesus. The ultimate answer to Don't Quit! Most of his books are guaranteed to light your path and renew your faith. So, don't give up and look up! This little book of wisdom will show you how.

I have found this book to be a great "how to" book for anyone just starting out their walk with Christ. It has a simple step by step format that helps the new believer proceed in their new found faith without feeling overwhelmed or confused. I recommend that you not only purchase a copy for yourself, but keep a few extras on hand to share with others as you see their need.

With so many people living so much longer, unless they find ways means and methods for enjoying aging, the extra years will not contribute much to the enjoyment of life.

Dr. Sweeting spells out some of "The Joys of Successful Aging"

This book is not advertised as religious, but it should be. The quotes in it all deal with religion, whether they are quotes out of the bible (which there aren't many) or are from persons that have great or little influence in the religious sect. If you like religion, you'll like this book.

George Sweeting is a Bible teacher and former president of Moody Bible Institute. He has had a five minute radio show called "Climbing Higher" for many years. He collected these quotes to use in sermons, radio talks, and other speechs. Many of them are very familiar, some are fairly obscure, and some are by Sweeting himself (perhaps by the encouragement of his publisher). Being a Christian myself and interested in expressions of faith and statements about God, I enjoy this collection. I would guess I couldn't find most of these in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations. Here's a sample: C.S. Lewis, "If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you, you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all." Carl Jung, "I have treated many hundreds of patients. Among those over 35, there has not been one whose problem is the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook on life." D.L. Moody, "Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me." That's good stuff!

This book is put together well and provides the writer/speaker with plenty of timely quotes. I especially enjoy this book because Sweeting references many quotes from the classics, like Luther, Moody, Spurgeon, Havner, and others.

The only drawback, and it is a slight one, is that Sweeting tends to quote himself a lot. I enjoy his insight, but would have preferred he filled those long spaces with more classic quotes.

Nonetheless, its a great book and a handy reference tool.