You Are Meant to Know God
I resisted reading Spiritual Depression for awhile because the title sounds, well, depressing.
But the book is anything but depressing.
The book is actually a collection of sermons that Martyn Lloyd-Jones delivered on consecutive Sunday mornings at Westminster Chapel in response to the need for more joy among Christians. It was originally published in 1965 and has since become a classic among Christian literature.
Enjoy this short excerpt on the connection between joy and knowing God.
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Excerpt from Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure
Man is meant to know God. So the question is: Do you know God?
I am not asking if you believe in God, or if you believe certain things about Him.
To be a Christian is to have eternal life, and as our Lord says in John 17.3: ‘This is life eternal to know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.’
So the test we apply to ourselves is that. Not, `Have I done this or that?’
My test is a positive one: `Do I know God? Is Jesus Christ real to me?’
I am not asking whether you know things about Him but do you know God, are you enjoying God, is God the centre of your life, the soul of your being, the source of your greatest joy? He is meant to be.
He made man in such a way that that was to be the position, that man might dwell in communion with God and enjoy God and walk with God.
You and I are meant to be like that.
– Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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This excerpt originally appeared in the series, 31 Days of Books. Find more excerpts here.
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Dear Lisa
I have read and owned this book long ago, but has given it to someone who was studying Pshycology. It is really an excellent read and has helped me a lot in my walk with our Pappa. I still remember how he wrote about Pappa sending us to a spiritual gymnasium to practise those spiritual muscles. Dr Loyd-Jones wrote a series of , I think, 3 books about a Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and those are my favorite books of him.
Blessings XX
Mia
I didn’t know about the other books; I’ll have to look into them. Thanks for sharing, Mia!
Ah, Lisa … this is truly a lifetime journey, a constant decision to head there, to focus on Him …
Yes, a lifetime for sure, and even then we won’t get it all right. But thankfully he already has so we don’t have to. We can just grow in learning to appreciate him more and more!
I have to say, you are broadening my horizons. I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve been living under a rock?
Ha. Maybe it’s me that’s been under the rock, or at least in the corner with my nose in a book. 😉 Remember I have had a lot of years to read these books (but who’s counting, right?).
It is becoming increasingly easier to make decisions about books! I’ve heard so much about this man and the excerpts you have included in your review today cause me to want to read what he’s written! Thank you, my friend! Love you!
I know what you mean, Dianna. I had heard about this book for so long. I didn’t get it until 2 years ago myself. But sometimes the book is even better when we’ve waited awhile to read it. Love you too!
I haven’t read this book, but it sounds really good.
your post reminds me of the book, “Love Does” by Bob Goff. In it, he says he doesn’t want to be a stalker of Jesus, he wants a relationship with Jesus. Stalkers know all sorts of facts about people, but they don’t have the relationship.
I read “Love Does” at the recommendation of a friend and really liked it (and found it quite challenging as well!). Love what you’re sharing here about it. Yes, stalking is far from knowing someone. I stalked Jesus for a large part of my early years as a Christian. So thankful to know him now. This way is much more satisfying.
Very good. I’ve had enough of people (including myself) telling me how to behave, what to do, and that’s *not* what I want from my relationship with God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. This is more like it.
Thank you for bringing me all these books.
PL
Ouch–yes, it’s often ourselves that tell us how to behave as much as anyone. I find I overuse “should” too often in conversations with myself. But I want to have a deeper relationship with God first and foremost, and from that, behavior change will flow more authentically without a list of do’s and don’t’s.
It’s been my pleasure to go back through these books. Like reuniting with old (and not so old) friends. 🙂
Wow, Lisa, I can’t tell you how much I needed these words today. I’m definitely going to get this book!
Blessings!
Lisa, I had the same first impression and have not read the book. Just out of curiosity, can you tell me where you heard about it?
L.
I wish I could tell you, Lynn! ha. I did a quick word search in my book notes and found John Maxwell quoted it in his book “The Difference Maker” that I read. But it’s just one of those books that I had heard about for years from a variety of sources. It’s been 10 years ago that I did finally read it. This is one of the common quotes from it: “Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself rather than talking to yourself.”
I had wondered because this was the “radio offer” book Pastor Colin Smith had recommended on Unlocking the Bible. When one made a donation, this was sent. If I ordered it, I would have preferred that way, b/c I usually donate more than it’s worth at Amazon. 🙂 Smith loves this book. I scanned it on Amazon, and it wasn’t resonating w/ me. So I’m especially glad for your recommendation too! Thanks. Have I told you about Colin? I keep singing his praises, so I well may have.
xo
Happy 4th.
Lynn
I had wondered because this was the “radio offer” book Pastor Colin Smith had recommended on Unlocking the Bible. When one made a donation, this was sent. If I ordered it, I would have preferred that way, b/c I usually donate more than it’s worth at Amazon. 🙂 Smith loves this book. I scanned it on Amazon, and it wasn’t resonating w/ me. So I’m especially glad for your recommendation too! Thanks. Have I told you about Colin? I keep singing his praises, so I well may have.
xo
Lynn
Ha! I have been avoiding this one for the same reasons! Time to open my mind…
Lisa, Thanks for your book reviews and sharing. I don’t get much time to read, but I’ve been so inspired by your dedication that I’ve committed to finishing the pile of books on my nightstand this summer. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress now, instead of a dusty pile of books. 🙂
That’s exciting to hear, Suzette! Hope your summer of reading goes well. Whittling down my nightstand pile of books is fun but always a challenge as well. 🙂
Great book excerpt. Knowing and enjoying a relationship with, and knowing facts about and of, are two different things.
I’ve read this book at least a couple of times, but I would love to read it again. I love how this quote cuts to the basic core of Christianity.
Hi Lisa
I am currently working my way through a devotional of Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I love his no nonsense approach. I will certainly be on the lookout for the book you speak of because who does not need more joy, right?!
God bless
Tracy
What a great question! All too often we know about God instead of just knowing him.
I’m looking for the next book for my ladies Book Club Lisa.
This sounds like a wonderful read.
Thank you, ?
Jennifer
Thank you for introducing me to a new author, Lisa. The study on John 17 peeked my interest, so I ordered “The Assurance of Our Salvation” by him.
This one is a new one for me and I would probably do what you did – the title didn’t draw me in but his theme and quotes sure did. I will check it out. Thanks!