Required reading
Spiritual Depression by D. M. Lloyd-Jones (available from Amazon) - Read Chapter 21, 'The final cure'.
My summary
Lloyd-Jones closes the book continuing to look at how Paul can profess contentment in spite of all the causes of spiritual depression assailing him. We are given the ultimate explanation of Christian contentment: 'The real secret, says Paul, which I have discovered is that I am made strong for all things in the One who constantly is infusing strength into me.'
The way to tap into that power is also provided: 'Do not agonize in prayer beseeching Him for power. Do what He has told you to do. Live the Christian life. Pray, and meditate upon Him. Spend time with Him and ask Him to manifest Himself to you. And as long as you do that you can leave the rest to Him. He will give you strength - "as thy days so shall thy strength be". He knows us better than we know ourselves and according to our need so will be our supply.'
What grabbed me
I loved the bit about romantic preaching: 'That is the romance of the Christian life. Nowhere does one experience it more than in a Christian pulpit. There is certainly romance in preaching. I often say that the most romantic place on earth is the pulpit. I ascend the pulpit stairs Sunday after Sunday; I never know what is going to happen. I confess that sometimes for various reasons I come expecting nothing; but suddenly the power is given. At other times I think I have a great deal because of my preparation; but, alas, I find there is no power in it. Thank God it is like that. I do my utmost, but He controls the supply and the power, He infuses it.' There you go people - the most romantic place in the world is the pulpit! And it is reassuring to know that in the end the power of the pulpit doesn't rely on the minister and the things he could have done before going into the pulpit, it is reliant upon God choosing to strengthen him or not.
Final verdict
The good doctor is in fine form in this title. Lloyd-Jones describes what precisely is spiritual depression and the many symptoms by which it expresses itself. He also dedicates whole chapters to the various causes of this debilitating problem for Christians. Yet he doesn't leave it there. Lloyd-Jones is interested in intervention and provides Biblical treatments throughout the book with the last chapter dedicated to the final cure. Spiritual depression should be resisted in the Christian's life and Lloyd-Jones goes a long way in helping us resist.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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