Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5-6a ESV)

This is the great and glorious theme of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ book Spiritual Depression, a collection of sermons delivered before Westminster Chapel dealing with depression in the Christian experience. With the pastoral heart of a true and loving shepherd, he unpacks various causes of depression, doubt, and inordinate fear in the life of the Christian and directs his hearers (and readers) continually back to Scripture and to the marvelous grace of their Savior as their sure anchor and the cure to their condition.

After spending a chapter or two discussing the matter of depression in general, the minister begins examining in depth various causes contributing to depressed Christians — preoccupation with past sins, fear of the future, difficult times, the discipline of God, and various others — and provides Biblical truth to counter the lies believed leading to such a condition. Each one is addressed in this manner. He repeatedly says that we are to “take ourselves in hand,” speaking truth into our lives rather than listening to lies. Depression, in the context in which he deals with it, comes from believing lies about ourselves or about God, and the prescribed remedy is to call to mind truth. He therefore presents for each aspect and cause of depression that he addresses Scriptural truths to counter the lies underlying the fear or doubt, providing fuel for our continual preaching to ourselves.

Lloyd-Jones considers depression to be a serious problem for the Christian, one which ought to be fought with and overcome, but does so in a manner which is validating, not condemning. He says, in effect, “There is something wrong with you — let me help you fix it”, rather than dismissing the reality of the experience or intimating that wrestling with doubt, gloom, and melancholy means that one is not truly a Christian. He has no kind words for those who suggest that the Christian life is one happy joy-ride, free of difficulty and struggle.

It is worth noting that this work does not aim to deal with all causes of depression, and in particular does not invalidate the legitimacy of treatable chemical imbalances leading to depression. It is primarily focused on those causes of depression which are spiritual, and are therefore to be treated in a spiritual manner.

This book earns my hearty recommendation for anyone who struggles with depression, or knows someone who does. Or just anyone in general — the truth and doctrines are rich and applicable to all believers.