Required reading
Spiritual Depression by D. M. Lloyd-Jones (available from - Read Chapter 19, 'The peace of God'.
Now Lloyd-Jones looks at the spiritual depression that comes through an over anxiousness of the heart.
(i) do not be over anxious;
(ii) avoid anxiousness by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving;
(iii) hold onto the promise that God will then give you peace.
Lloyd-Jones has a number of times in the book pointed out that spiritual depression actually hinders the advancement of the gospel. Today's reading has another great quote on this subject: 'That is obviously something of very great importance not only for our peace and comfort but also, and especially at a time like this, from the whole standpoint of our Christian witness. People today tell us that they are realists and practical. They say that they are not interested in doctrine, and not interested to listen very much to what we say, but if they see a body of people who seem to have something that enables them to triumph over life, they become interested at once. This is so because they are unhappy, and frustrated and uncertain, and fearful. If, when in that condition themselves, they see people who seem to have peace and calm and quiet, then they are ready to look at them and listen to them. So that from the standpoint of our own personal happiness and our maintenance of the joy of the Lord, and also from the standpoint of our witness and our testimony in these difficult days, it behoves us to consider very carefully what the apostle has to say in these masterly statement about the way to deal with the tyranny of circumstances and conditions.' Deal with your spiritual depression and gospel opportunities may begin to abound.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment