Wm. B. Eerdmmans Publishing Company, 1965, 300 pgs.
Summary: A theologically sound exposition of Scripture on spiritual depression and how to cure it. Spiritual depression is defined as not rejoicing always in the Lord (Phil. 4:2). This malaise leads to two basic issues for the church; the first is that it reduces the glory of God in the individual Christian’s life, and it undermines Christian witness to the world. Or as Llyod-Jones puts it:
Christian people too often seem to be perpetually in the doldrums and too often give this appearance of unhappiness and of lack of freedom and of absence of joy. There is no question at all but that this is the main reason why large numbers of people have ceased to be interested in Christianity (12).
The causes spiritual depression are discussed in individual chapters: false teachings, sin, vain regrets, fear of the future, feelings, weariness in well doing, trials, and the like. The final chapter concludes with “the final cure,” which is understanding what “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13) means:“‘That is it,’ says Paul, ‘and therefore I am able for all things through the One who is constantly infusing strength into me.’ That, then, is the prescription” (300).
Highly recommended for all.