Lloyd-Jones, Martyn. Spiritual Depression: It’s Causes and Cure. (Hardback) Hannibal: Granted Ministries Press, 2011. 306 pp. $22.00. Purchase at Granted Ministries.
Introduction
If you are a regular reader of Christian Book Notes, then you will know two things that pertain to this review. First, I am a HUGE fan of Martyn Lloyd-Jones and have reviewed a couple of his books and have interviewed one of his grandsons, Jonathan Catherwood. You can find all of that information here. The second thing you may know is that I am currently reading through all of ML-J’s works as my “reading for pleasure” time each day. Granted, I am reviewing what I read, but I am reading these because I want to.
When I discovered that this hardback edition of Spiritual Depression was being published by Granted Ministries Press, I was most excited. First, I prefer a hardback over a paperback any day of the week. Second, this edition was coming complete with the 24-sermon mp3 included! So, without further ado, here is the review.
Summary
The book is comprised of 21 chapters and is arranged beginning with the general consideration and ending with the final cure. Through various passages of Scripture ML-J offers a systematic theology to a very common problem in the church today–that of depression. As any trained surgeon would do, the Doctor begins with a basic diagnosis and then looks at the real issues at the root of depression.
From that foundation, he walks us through a myriad of possibilities of causes from the process of coming to faith to regrets from your past. He looks closely at the spirit of bondage and the problem of false teachings (rampant) in the church. You will be introduced to discipline in the church and in your walk with Christ as well as being taught how to react properly to trials and chastening.
An addition to the hardback edition that is not found in the paperback is the mini-biography written by Geoff Thomas–a personal friend of ML-J’s. In this bio, Thomas seeks to answer the question about why ML-J was so well-equipped to write on a subject such as depression. He offers 8 reasons as to why. What is not shared, and this is of no real fault of Thomas’, is that ML-J had wrestled with depression off and on throughout his ministry. Most notably was in 1949. This information can be found in the 2nd volume of Iain Murray’s biography on ML-J entitled The Fight of Faith.
The mp3 CD includes three extra sermons that did not make it into the book. Unfortunately, I was not able to listen to the sermons and find them in the book. Suffice it to say that the sermon order on the CD is not the same as the chapter order in the book. Below, you will see the sermon titles as they occur on the CD:
1. General Consideration – Psalm 42:5-11
2. Mind, Heart and Will – Romans 6:17
3. That One Sin – 1 Timothy 1:16
4. Vain Regrets – 1 Corinthians 15:8-10
5. Fear of the Future – 2 Timothy 1:7
6. Feelings – 2 Timothy 1:6
7. Labourers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16
8. Where is Your Faith? – Luke 8:22-25
9. Looking at the Waves – Matthew 14:22-23
10. The Spirit of Bondage – Romans 8:15-17
11. That Your Joy May be Full – Ephesians 3:14-20
12. Dead to Sin – Romans 6:1-2
13. Alive unto God – Romans 6:5-8
14. The Danger of Error – Colossians 2:8
15. Spiritual Depression – Romans 6:14
16. Be Strong in The Lord – Ephesians 6:10-11
17. The Whole Armour of God – Ephesians 6:13-15
18. The Shield, Helmet and Sword – Ephesians 6:16-17
19. Praying Always – Ephesians 6:18
20. Praying in The Spirit – Ephesians 6:18
21. False Teaching – Galatians 4:15
22. Weary in Well Doing – Galatians 6:9
23. Discipline – 2 Peter 1:5-7
24. Trials – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Review
What can be said about this book that has not already been said? With careful attention to what the Christian really needs, ML-J deftly uses his scalpel to cut through the psycho-babble and get at the heart of the issue. It always seems to go back to the depravity of man though sometimes it is for our own sanctification and discipline.
Lloyd-Jones points out the reality that some people are more likely to suffer from depression just because of their makeup as being more introspective than not. That was a watershed moment for me as I personally have discovered that I can fall into something I would call depression (though nothing psychological). Ultimately, the advice that will be found is to look to Jesus who is the founder and perfecter of our faith. Only with your eyes on Christ will you be able to overcome the bouts of depression that are likely to ensue as you face the challenges of life.
Recommendation
Ok, you can purchase the paperback for $12.00. You can purchase the mp3 CD for $37.00. You can purchase both for $49.00 plus shipping and handling from probably different ministries. Or, you can purchase the hardback edition with the same exact text as the paperback that comes with the mp3 CD for $22.00 from Granted Ministries. It is honestly a no-brainer.
This particular book on depression has been helping believers wrestle and overcome this sometimes crippling adversary for fifty years because of its basis on Scripture. If you have never been introduced to ML-J, then you should allow this to be your introduction. I promise, you will read this book and loan it out (or buy it for others!) on a regular basis.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Preaching & Preachers: 40th Anniversary Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. 352 pp. $22.99. Purchase at Westminster for much less.
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