Required reading
Spiritual Depression by D. M. Lloyd-Jones (available from Amazon) - Read Chapter 11, 'Looking at the waves'.
My notes and thoughts
Today's reading is an exposition of Matthew 14:22-33, when Peter walks on the water and then begins to sink.
Lloyd-Jones suggests some of the causes of Peter's spiritual depression which led to his sinking:
(i) Peter's temperament (his enthusiasm and impulsiveness);
(ii) Peter producing his own doubts;
(iii) Peter having a weak faith that allowed doubts to control him.
The antidote to these causes of spiritual depression is great faith. Great faith is characterised by:
(i) Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ;
(ii) The refusal of after thoughts (e.g. Peter had dealt with the problem of the waves, then thought again about them once he was walking on them);
(iii) A steady gaze at Christ.
On the point about our need for knowledge of Christ for great faith, I loved Lloyd-Jones emphasis on doctrine: 'In other words, the great antidote to spiritual depression is the knowledge of Biblical doctrine, Christian doctrine. Not having the feelings worked up in meetings, but knowing the principles of the faith, knowing and understanding the doctrines. That is the Biblical way, that is Christ's own way as it is also the way of the apostles. The antidote to depression is to have a knowledge of Him, and you get that in His Word. You must take the trouble to learn it. It is difficult work, but you have to study it and give yourself to it. The tragedy of the hour, it seems to me, is that people are far too dependent for their happiness upon meetings.' How many are unhappy in churches because they simply won't take the time to learn doctrine. Sound doctrine makes spiritually sound Christians.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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