John Piper recently published a 79-page book entitled When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God — and Joy. The book began as the final chapter of a 272-page book, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy.
The Introduction talks about the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and how it relates to our fight for joy. Chaper 1 then discusses various physical causes of spiritual darkness and depression, and to what extent the use of medication might be appropriate. Chapter 2 is about waiting in a time of darkness for what can seem an unbearable amount of time. Chapter 3 is about taking action (pursuing our God-given responsibilities) even when our level of joy is low. Chapter 4 discusses what role unconfessed sin can play in blocking joy. I found this chapter particularly encouraging.
Chapter 5 takes on a seldom-recognized issue: the role self-absorption plays in triggering and exacerbating spiritual melancholy. Self-pity is the flip side of boasting. The latter is what proud people do when things go well, the former what we do when things go poorly. Likewise, being too concerned for the “prudential concerns about ourselves and our families” can squeeze out joy. Piper explains:
“Ethics has diminished from global concerns of justice and mercy and missions down to little lists of bad things to avoid. We find ourselves not energized for any great cause, but always thinking about the way to maximize our leisure and escape pressure. Unconsciously we have become very self-absorbed and oblivious and uncaring toward the pain and suffering in the world that is far worse than our own.” (Piper, pp. 61-62)
Chapter 6 brings this powerful, concise book to a close with some thoughts of how to perseveringly love others experiencing prolonged seasons of darkness.
I highly recommend it.