Spiritual Depression - Part 1

I just started reading a book by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones titled Spiritual Depression - Its Causes and Cure. This is from my son's library. A disclaimer about these books I'm using: The fact that I use a book in my blog doesn't mean I agree completely with everything in the book. At the same time, I will do my best to be biblical in what is included here, or at least to say if I disagree with something. Without meaning to be disrespectful, I will refer to Mr. Lloyd-Jones as DML for brevity's sake throughout these posts.

DML starts his first chapter with Psalm 42, verses 5 and 11. Then he states that the simplest way to describe the Psalms is as the inspired prayer and praise book of the nation of Israel. "They are revelations of truth, not abstractly, but in terms of human experience. The truth revealed is wrought into the emotions, desires, and sufferings of the people of God by the circumstances through which they pass." (p. 9; note--he has a single quotation mark around this, but no footnote, so not sure why the quotes)

Because of this description, the Psalms have always been a great source of encouragement and solace to the people of God--both Israel and the Church.

"Here we are able to watch noble souls struggling with their problems and with themselves. They talk to themselves and to their souls, baring their hearts, analysing their problems, chiding and encouraging themselves. Sometimes they are elated, at other times depressed, but they are always honest with themselves. That is why they are of such real value to us if we also are honest with ourselves." (p. 9)

His purpose in looking at this psalm is to find out why the psalmist is unhappy and in trouble. Psalm 42:5 and 11:

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
and why art thou disquieted in me?
hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise
Him for the help of His countenance.

Why are thou cast down, O my soul?
and why art thou disquieted within me?
hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise
Him, who is the health of my countenance
and my God.

DML points out that the same statement occurs in Psalm 43. Some think the two should be one psalm. The psalmist is speaking of his unhappiness and what caused it. "Probably at that particular time he was prevented from joining with others in public worship in the House of God. But not only that, he was clearly being attacked by certain enemies. There were those who were doing their utmost to depress him and he gave an account of that. We are interested chiefly, however, in the way in which he faces the situation, and the way in which he deals with himself." (p. 9-10)

To be continued....