In Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes:
Perhaps there is nothing so frequently encountered as a cause of spiritual depression and unhappiness in the Christian life as this very problem of feelings. Where do they come in, and what should they be? People are constantly troubled about the matter, and I am sure that all who have ever been engaged in pastoral work will agree that there is no particular subject that brings people so often to the pastor as this very problem of feelings.
I regard it as a great part of my calling in the ministry to emphasize the priority of the mind and the intellect in connection with the faith; but though I maintain that, I am equally ready to assert that the feelings, the emotions, the sensibilities obviously are of very vital importance. We have been made in such a way that they play a dominant part in our make-up. Indeed, I suppose that one of the greatest problems in our life in this world, not only for Christians, but for all people, is the right handling of our feelings and emotions. Oh, the havoc that is wrought and the tragedy, the misery and the wretchedness that are to be found in the world simply because people do not know how to handle their own feelings! Man is so constituted that the feelings are in this very prominent position, and indeed, there is a very good case for saying that perhaps the final thing which regeneration and the new birth do for us is just to put the mind and the emotions and the will in their right positions.
As Christians, we must preach the gospel to ourselves and remind ourselves to base our emotions in truth. As John Piper points out in “Let Your Passion be Single,” the Bible is full of verses which tell us how to direct our emotions. Take a look at the emotions commanded by Scripture!
Rejoice in the Lord – Phil 4:4
Hope in God – Psalm 42
Fear him who can cast both soul and body into hell. – Luke 12
Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. – Col 3Never flag in zeal. – Romans 12:11
Weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15
Brokenness and contrition are commanded… Be wretched, mourn, weep – James 4
Earnestly desire the sincere spiritual milk of the word – 1 Peter 2:2Tenderheartedness Eph 4:32
Gratitude is commanded. Give thanks for everything – Eph 5:20
Do not let the sun go down on your anger.- Eph 4:26
God wants us to take command of our emotions. In times of loneliness, I need to remind myself to be at peace because God is at my right hand. In times of suffering, I need to remind myself to rejoice because God is good and sovereign. In times of stress, I need to remind myself to trust God and not stress out. How kind of God to provide a way out of spiritual depression!
To take command of our emotions, we must believe in Jesus Christ and His promises. (Many of the emotions above are given as commands. We have a responsibility to control our emotions. At the same time, the ability to control our emotions and faith is a gift that can only come from God. Remember Augustine’s famous prayer: “Grant what Thou commandest, and command what Thou dost desire.”) May God grant us the grace we need for faith and life.
