Published: October 09, 2025 at 02:41 AM

Tags: books, pilgrims-progress, reading, gospel, christian-life, chapter-3

The next portion of the story brings Christian and Pliable to one of the most memorable places in the book—the Slough of Despond, or as it’s often called, the swamp of discouragement.

The Swamp of Despond

As they travel together, Christian and Pliable soon find themselves sinking into the Slough of Despond, a deep bog representing the conviction and weight of sin. Both are quickly overwhelmed. Pliable, unwilling to endure, gives up almost immediately. His curiosity fades the moment hardship appears, and he turns back toward the City of Destruction.

Christian, though struggling and frightened, continues to press forward. He knows what lies behind him and refuses to return, even when progress feels impossible. Soon, a man named Help appears and pulls him from the mire. It’s a simple but powerful picture of grace, how the Lord meets a soul burdened by sin, not with condemnation, but with help and mercy.

Psalm 42:5 (KJV)

[5] Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

This reminds us that conviction is not the same as despair.

In despair, God sends help to lift the seeking sinner.