Joe (Wannabee) gave this link to me for Piper's book When The Darkness Will Not Lift. It's a free download and thought it would be a good resource for others here on PB.

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sarah
WI
OPC
My Pastor's Sermons: Mark Jenkins...he's awesome!!!

Thanks for posting this. And thanks to Joe, too.

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Norm
IA PCA

In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:4-5

You're welcome Norm! I've just started reading it and it is already a valuable book to me. I just went and bought it for my Kindle along with "When I don't Desire God". Looking forward to both books!

Thanks for sharing

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Martin - Reformed
Husband to the most godly, honorable and loyal wife Line
Searching for a Church
Webpage www.5solas.dk
Free Online Reformed Seminary - http://www.tnars.net
Soli Deo Gloria

Sarah, thanks for the useful Piper offering (love them free resources!).

It is interesting to muse on the interaction of providence, human sin, brain chemistry, and external circumstances in the phenomenon of depression. As a nurse, you know all too well the consequences of serotonin deficiencies in the human brain. Even if you can argue that sinful choices/reactions lead to the exacerbation of the brain chemistry, you are stuck with the question of what to do about it.

When we have a headache, we take Advil and thank God's providence for permitting us to live in an age when we have tools for coping that were unavailable to our ancestors. Diabetics take their insulin and thank the Lord for their needles. Are SSRIs and SNRIs really any different?

Frankly, in my pastoral experience and since working with seniors, I am painfully aware of the fact that the meds are only a small part of dealing with depression. Even the SSRIs and SNRIs don't "make you feel good," they merely take the edge off some of your depression so that you can constructively engage with the circumstantial, social, and spiritual issues. Books like those by Lloyd-Jones and Piper are welcome companions for those who find themselves strangely numb and disconnected. When I get through with some of my current reading, I want to tackle some of the Puritans who wrote on this theme as well.

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Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

One Puritan you (and anyone strangely numb and disconnected) should read is

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In Christ's love and service

Mr. Tim Cunningham,
BMus. (Trombone Performance), University of Toronto
Dip. CS, Regent College, Vancouver
Member, First Baptist Church
Vancouver, BC
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"I once sat in darkness, and waited for the moon to rise.
I once sat in darkness, and waited for the sun to shine.
I once sat in darkness, when all the light I'd waited for was gone.
Then Jesus came, and now the only true light, ever, shines in me."
– John Deacon -