Daily Devotional

September 09

A First Book of Daily Readings

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (selected by Frank Cumbers)
Sourced from the OPC website

Be not weary in well–doing

Frequently there comes a point at which development and advance seem to have come to an end and we are in some kind of doldrums when it is difficult to know whether the work is moving at all, either backwards or forwards. All seems to be at a standstill and nothing seems to be taking place ... some of these Galatian Christians had arrived at that particular point... the false teaching, the heresies and so on, undoubtedly had something to do with this ... we are considering people who are not so much tired of the work as tired in it.... What shall we say about it and what shall we do about it? Let me say at the outset that there is no aspect of this great problem of depression in which negatives are more important than they are on this particular occasion. Whenever we are found in this position of weariness, before we begin to do anything positive, there are certain negatives that are absolutely all–important.

The first is this: Whatever you may feel about it do not consider the suggestion that comes to you from all directions— not so much from people, but from within yourself, the voices that seem to be speaking around and about you—do not listen to them when they suggest that you should give up, or give way, or give in. That is a great temptation that comes at this point. You say, ‘I am weary and tired, the thing is too much for me.’ And there is nothing to say at that point but this negative—do not listen. You always have to start with these ‘don’ts’ on the very lowest level; and that is the lowest level. You must say to yourself, ‘Whatever happens I am going on.’ You do not give in or give way.

Spiritual Depression, pp. 193–4