Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899–1981)

Spiritual depression is a poor recommendation for a faith that is inspired by the event of Easter. The author points sound that there can be little doubt but that the exuberant joy of the early Christians was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity. In these pages, the causes that have robbed Christians of the unique spiritual power and vitality that are theirs through the mind and spirit of Christ are thoroughly laid bare, and the cure is consistently sought and found in the word of a gracious and almighty God.… (mere)

Faith on Trial: Psalm 73 by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is a 1965 publication.

I don’t typically read non-fiction Christian material because these days, especially, I seldom come across any that are as theologically sound as I would like. On occasion, though, I will read one that is recommended to me by a trustworthy source. In this case, the source couldn’t be any more reliable, as my own dad came across this book in his massive collection while looking for a different book by this author. As a person who has always loved Psalms and found them to be comforting, uplifting and inspirational, he thought I might enjoy this book.

In Psalm 73, we find David, who God called a ‘man after my own heart’, going through a crisis of faith. Yes, even David went through periods of doubt and depression. At the beginning of the Psalm, he makes the startling confession that he came very near to losing his faith, he was close to stumbling. But as he continues, he shares with us how he slowly clawed his way back up from the pit he’d nearly fallen into, and by the end of the psalm his heart is once more filled with joy having concluded that he alone caused this dilemma, and that God is good!

Yes, a comeback story- one we can all relate to. The psychology here, for lack of a better word, is so solid and practical, one can apply it to all areas of life- any problem that you have, big or small, can be approached in the way David did. Usually, we dig ourselves a hole, like David did, and then whine about the unfairness of it all, when most of the time it’s a case of blowing things out of all proportion, of not realizing what the basis of the problem is and allowing the world to control us. Once David took his eyes off God, he began to experience problems, problems he was able to slowly overcome by applying basic Christian principles, self-examination, and logic.

Overall, this was a very interesting analysis of Psalm 73. If you are experiencing a spiritual crisis, or have fallen away from your faith, this book shows how David overcame his depression, and his experience can help you, too. But the author also shares how to avoid falling into that trap in the first place in the last chapter of the book, which is very sound advice.

As always, this psalm is inspirational and uplifting- especially when we find ourselves feeling out of sorts, going through a rough spell, and asking ‘why me’? The psalm offers hope, comfort, and peace and gives one a solid step by step plan to once again find balance, and joy in our lives.

4.5 stars… (mere)