Various Cases Of Religious Discouragement Examined.

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”?

(Isaiah 40:27 ESV)

Many tend to brush off the mental and spiritual struggles others are going through, winding up pointing fingers instead of lending a hand. But those who follow Christ ought to take a page from Jesus’ book—He’s the one who patches up the broken-hearted and offers comfort where things feel hopeless.

Today, the focus is on helping anyone feeling now, or at some future time, abandoned by God, like Jacob, like Israel in our text, showing that their despair, though tempting, is ultimately baseless. Various circumstances into which God's people might fall can tempt one to such despair, but for those who are true Israelites, this despair is always unfounded. In addressing these situations, uncovering the root of such anxiety is crucial to the healing process: the business of this day will therefore be,

I. To delve into the reasons behind religious dejection and distress, and to suggest some remedies for each cause: and then,

II. We will conclude with a few reflections.

I. The primary goal here is to explore the reasons behind religious dejection and to offer some guidance towards its remedy.

1. One great cause of religious dejection is, that men are ready to entertain wrong notions of the blessed God.

It was wisely noted by a heathen philosopher that "to form right conceptions of the Deity is the very foundation of all true religion." Through this understanding, we learn how to please him; without it, many have resorted to misguided ways of atoning for their sins, attempting to appease Divine wrath, only to provoke it further.And examples persist among Christians as well as non-Christians; Protestants as much as the unfortunate followers of the Roman Church.

Many flawed ideas promote sinful living and support a chaotic lifestyle, where individuals focus solely on God's mercy and kindness, seemingly thinking that they are paying homage to God by stripping him of his mantle of holiness and the scepter of justice. Yet, there are others who fixate exclusively on the terrifying aspects, depicting the Deity in such a way that they are filled with dread at the mere thought of him. There is a Chinese idol representing one of their gods, with numerous arms and hands, each wielding tools of destruction and retribution;(Chiyou) but should we consider this an apt representation of Jehovah, our God? Is this the kind of fear that God demands? Would you find pleasure in your own children approaching you only in fear and trembling, as though they believed you would discipline them nearly to death?

There are individuals who, while acknowledging God's general benevolence, seem to believe that he harbors some personal aversion towards them. This appears to have been Job's trial when he exclaimed, "Am I the sea, or a sea monster, that you set a guard over me?"{Job 7:12} as if he were a harmful creature destined for ruin, held down by irresistible force. Elsewhere, he exclaims, "The arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me."{Job 6:4} Some are prone to think and speak as if God has inexplicably turned against them, intent on their destruction, regardless of their efforts to escape it. However, these portrayals are deeply misleading, and notably, in the very first divine speech to the first notably wicked man we know, Cain, God refutes this particular notion, as if it where by design saying, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, there is a sin is offering lying at your door,"{Genesis 4:7} for so, perhaps, the verse should be rendered.

Here then is an appeal to those with dejected spirits, urging them to think more justly and honorably of the blessed God, not imagining that he takes pleasure in the demise of his creatures or is unyieldingly focused on their ruin. Has he not declared, has he not sworn, that he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires them to turn from their ways and live?{Ezekiel 33:11} Indeed, he is so far from delighting in destruction that he does not even take joy in chastisement; he does not willingly afflict or grieve humanity. In reality, our noblest thoughts cannot fully capture the wonderful perfections of the Deity. Consider him as love, pure love; as the Lord God, merciful, gracious, patient, and abounding in goodness and truth; maintaining mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.{Exodus 34:6, 7}

Look upon creation not just as a product of his mighty hand but of his loving heart. Creatures were made so that he might bestow happiness upon them to the extent they can receive it. Observe the world around you, and see the how God is good. His beneficence is evident in the sun's rays, in all the pleasure, life, and joy it brings to nature; see in it an emblem of the great Father of lights.

Observe the plant life in all its diversity, created for the enjoyment of lesser beings, for the use, comfort, and benefit of man. Even the harshest elements, like rain, frost, and winter storms, alongside the blossoms of spring and the harvests of summer and autumn, all serve his benevolent purpose, making the earth more suitable for the merciful intentions it holds.

Behold God as the moral Governor of the world, not to devastate but to protect and bless; to promote goodness among each other and that gratitude and love towards him, which is our true source of happiness.

Above all, witness his goodness in our redemption through his beloved Son. Listen to Christ's proclamation, not only in explicit words but through every deed, every compassionate glance, affirming his Father's goodness. See the Father of mercies sending his Son from heaven to earth to die for us, raising him back to heaven to intercede for us, granting him all power to do whatever is good for his people on earth and in heaven. Behold him sending down his Spirit to perform miracles, to spread his gospel of love and salvation, calling all to redemption. See him supporting his ministers throughout the ages to spread peace and salvation, sending his gospel even to us, imploring us to be reconciled to him.

And would you say there is no mercy for you? What reason could you have for such a claim? Not from his providence towards you; each of you has experienced his kindness personally: he has brought you into life while many perished in infancy; you have shared in his providential blessings; his sun has shone for you, his rain nourished you, his corn, wine, and oil have sustained you, and the very clothes you wear are gifts of his paternal bounty.

And would you claim spiritual blessings are not for you? his gospel has reached you; his calls of mercy are directed at you, and nothing will bar you from the blessings of his eternal covenant or the inheritance of his heavenly kingdom, unless you exclude yourself. You certainly would not entertain such harsh thoughts if you studied his word impartially. Open the Book of God; the light of his goodness will shine from every page, presenting you with an array of loving concepts. The Lord is good, ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon him. His mercy endures forever, his truth through all generations. Trust in that mercy sincerely, and it is certain you will find for he has said, "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."{Jeremiah 29:13} Remembering that we are to seek him through Christ. But here we must add,

2. That religious dejection often arises from entertaining wrong notions of the way of acceptance with God through Christ.

Many dangerously presume upon the grace of God to their eternal ruin, while others are not sufficiently aware of the overflowing freedom and abundant riches it offers in the gospel. Some seem to think that Christ's compassions are intended only for those who have something significant to recommend them to his favor. They forget that God's plan, in one sense, is to justify the ungodly, calling them to buy milk and wine without money and without price. {Isaiah 55:1} It is true, this is not a scheme to save wicked men while they continue in their wickedness, or to allow them to go on sinning; that would be an unparalleled blasphemy. However, it is equally true that if a sinner is disposed to throw himself upon the mercy of God and the unlimited act of grace proclaimed in the gospel, he does not need to make himself holy before approaching Christ. The gospel's design is for us to come to Christ in the condition in which his mercy finds us.

Imagine if you were covered with leprosy, and in the days of his flesh, he called you to be cleansed. Would it be just or proper to say, “I am so polluted that I am not fit to draw near to you, Lord; let me first cure this leprosy, and then I will come to you”? The absurdity of this is clear, and the analogy applies here as well.

You are not to become righteous before you come to Christ; rather, you come to him so that you might be made righteous and holy. Therefore, to the disconsolate soul who believes in the rich and abundant provision of Divine grace in the gospel, the gracious invitation is: cast yourself at the feet of the Son of God and say, “Lord, I am a self-destroyed sinner, covered in guilt and pollution; but, such as I am, receive me. Begin and carry on the cure. Whatever you prescribe by your grace, I will do; I am willing to be cured in your way, willing to conform to your direction in all things. Let the work be yours, and the glory will be yours. I will not sin that grace may abound, but I will not despair because I have sinned; nor will I stand at a distance from the Savior because I am a great sinner, in great need of him. Instead, I will humbly hope that where sin has abounded, grace shall much more abound.”

3. A significant amount of religious dejection has arisen because people fail to properly distinguish between the foundational principles of the Divine life and its most advanced stages of development.

It is indeed true that the highest level of spiritual attainment is something to be desired; however, the growth of grace, much like the growth in nature, occurs gradually. There can be a genuine seed of true religion in one's heart, yet it might be far from reaching maturity, similar to the vast difference between a newborn infant and a fully grown man.

From the moment a man sincerely commits himself to Christ, desiring salvation through him in the path of holiness, he is, according to the essence of God's word, entitled to the promise of mercy. However, mastering one's appetites and passions, developing firm trust and confidence in God, deep resignation to his will, an active zeal for his glory, and a generous disregard for personal interest when it conflicts with God's or others' welfare, might not be fully achieved until after many years. And especially, the full assurance of Divine love might come much later.

This must be emphasized because many misguided teachers have mistakenly made assurance the core of faith, not meaning a general persuasion of Christ's power and grace, but a personal certainty of one's own salvation. This is a significant and harmful error, incompatible with both common sense and scriptural principles. The Christians in Philippi were encourage not to rest on their full assurance but to "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling". And the Lord's warnings in the Gospels about those who might think the are saved but are not highlights the need for self-examination rather than resting solely on assurance: "On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord...And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you"

It should also be added, regarding this matter, that the idea of perfection, which many have unwisely taught has a harmful tendency to unsettle the minds of those who are rightfully entitled to Divine comfort. They hear others speak of perfection, and they recognize many flaws within themselves. Perhaps they do not consider that the belief in one's own perfection might stem from ignorance, while their own perception of many imperfections could be due to a higher understanding of the purity of God's law and a more intense desire for complete adherence to it.

4. True Christians frequently misjudge the progress of grace, placing too much emphasis on the intense expression of religious emotions.

As a result of this misconception, many are distressed because they have not instantly reached the same level of religious maturity as others who have been on this path for a long time. Conversely, those who have been walking this path for years and have seen considerable growth often complain that they have not progressed at all or even regressed. It is common to hear even mature Christians lament, "Oh, that it were with me as in months past!" Sometimes, because they read about being planted in the house of the Lord, flourishing in the courts of our God, they might conclude they are like dead trees. Because it is said that "the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger;"{Job 17:9} that "they go from strength to strength;"{Psalm 84:7} that "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day;"{Proverbs 4:18} they assume they have no share in these promises because they feel these do not apply to them.

It is crucial to note here that many gauge their spiritual growth by incorrect measures; they believe religion primarily involves the stirring of emotions. Indeed, it is desirable to experience heartfelt expansion in prayer, but what we should be most concerned about is the sincerity of our hearts before God, which can often be present even when there is little outward emotion. It should be anticipated that emotions will, to some extent, wane as we age.

The primary way to determine whether one is a Christian or not lies in the commitment of the will to a life of obedience to him or rebellion against him. The key signs are a tender conscience, a profound awareness of the world's emptiness, triumph over its allurements, a calm submission to and acceptance of the Divine will, a steadfast dedication to God's service in one's given role, accompanied by deep humility and a renunciation of self-confidence even after the greatest achievements and acts of service. If you possess these traits, you have ample reason to thank God and continue forward, even without the most intense emotional experiences. A tree might look more appealing in the spring with its full bloom, yet it is more valuable in the fall when bearing ripe fruit. What some Christians perceive as their spiritual decline might actually be their maturity. Closely related to this,

5. Many experience significant distress due to an excessive preoccupation with seeking the comfort obtained from an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit of God, directly testifying to the soul.

In today's world, where indulgence in sensory pleasures is rampant, one might think there is little cause to warn against an excessive pursuit of religious joy. Most people do not possess the refined sensibilities to appreciate such joys; yet, it is not surprising that those who have experienced them long to dwell in that state continually, and this desire is not to be criticized, provided it remains within reason.

However, we have to remember that God exercises his divine sovereignty in bestowing comfort. He grants consolation at his discretion, not necessarily in proportion to how dear a soul might be to him. Sometimes, God chooses for his most cherished children to honor him through enduring spiritual desolation. We should not be taken aback by this when we recall who it was that, in his moment of death, lamented, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"{Matthew 27:46} To willingly relinquish the comfort of such sensations and to accept even spiritual desolation, should God decree it, represents one of the most profound acts of self-denial and surrender to God's will imaginable. This is a heroic trial through which God tests and often fortifies the faith of his mature children, while the younger ones might be likened to infants, tenderly cared for on his lap.

6. Many individuals succumb to profound despair when they misjudge how Divine Providence interacts with them, especially when faced with severe hardship or when their urgent prayers concerning current matters go unanswered.

Many are quick to judge themselves harshly when faced with intense afflictions. In this regard, holy Job found a peculiar happiness amidst his miseries; though it appeared as though God had chosen him above all others to exhibit a monument of vengeance, and despite his friends' accusations---not merely because he was afflicted but due to the unique and unparalleled nature of his trials---that he was insincere in his previous religious devotion, Job himself steadfastly maintained his integrity and faith in it.

However, too many others reason differently. They are prone to decide that God rejects them because he disciplines them, as if they had never read that whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.{Hebrews 12:6} Surely, this is an unjust conclusion. It is the same principle the Jews followed when they reached their severe and blasphemous judgment against Christ, as the prophet describes, considering him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted because of his wounds. If he, who was the Son of God, was known as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,{Isaiah 53:3} let no one infer from such circumstances that they are not adopted by God. Instead, let them rejoice in this opportunity to be made like their Lord in suffering; and ensure, by enduring their trials as he did, they provide fresh evidence of their relationship with God.

But some people argue from this consideration: that their prayers go unheard; they plead fervently to God for this or that mercy, only to be denied. They might ask, with repeated urgency, for the life of a beloved child or friend, and feel their prayers fall like water on the ground; yet it is written that God will fulfill the desires of those who fear him and will hear their cry. It seems a reasonable conclusion, then, that since their desires are not fulfilled and their prayers seemingly ignored, they must not be among those who truly fear the Lord.

But the answer to this is that we have to differentiate between God hearing prayers in general and answering every specific request made by them. Your most fervent prayers, those you have offered daily since becoming children of God, are for the forgiveness of your sins, the sanctification of your souls, perseverance in faith until the end of your lives, and ultimately, eternal salvation; for God to receive your soul at death and raise you to eternal glory on the last day. These petitions God hears and will answer; however, he has never promised to grant every individual indulgence his people might seek.

If he did, he would relinquish control of his governance; he would fail to bestow upon some of his children the most beneficial blessings because the prayers of some others might interfere; he would need to extend every good man's life to an extreme old age; he would have to immediately remove the rods of affliction from his most cherished children, which his loving wisdom has appointed.

And when we are asking for these temporal blessings, if we have not surrendered our will to that of our Heavenly Father we are in fact committing a grave sin, deserving of even harsher punishment; if you have, were you not earnest in that surrender? And if you were, then your prayers for such mercies and deliverances were conditional, contingent on whether they would bring glory to God or benefit your soul. Therefore, you cannot wholly claim that your prayers go unanswered.

7. Another cause of spiritual dejection is, that we are too apt to make the experience of others a test by which to judge of ourselves.

We may have heard others, either in public or private settings, recounting what God has done for their souls, following a very systematic progression. They might have explained how, after being long bound by the chains of sin, they were awakened by certain sermons or providences; they underwent a period of profound humility and severe distress, nearly reaching the brink of despair. After this, they tried to find solace within themselves, attempting to practice religion on the basis of their own strength and righteousness. But, after striving fruitlessly for a long time, they turned to Christ as their sole hope, surrendered to him, and eventually, perhaps after enduring prolonged temptations, found comfort in him. They received the confirmation of the Spirit, experienced the joys of God's salvation and attended religious services with great pleasure.

We can rejoice when souls undergo such experiences and share them appropriately and hope to witness more of this. However, there is the danger that Satan might sometimes gain an advantage over some individuals through these shared experiences of others. Souls who are downcast often lament, "I do not remember ever being awakened, humbled, or terrified in this manner; at the very least, I am certain I have never felt such comfort. I have never experienced this witness of the Spirit within me, that complete assurance of faith. I am unfamiliar with the foundational principles of the Divine life; I am merely taking up space; I am not worthy to worship alongside such favored ones of heaven.

Moreover there is often a risk that individuals might misjudge their own spiritual experiences, relying on criteria that will not hold up under scrutiny. Their descriptions of profound spiritual highs, might confuse their own emotional responses with the movements of God's Spirit.

It is much better to base our faith on the progress we make against the sin within rather than on the most ecstatic moments in the life of God's people. However, even where there is no mistake in this regard, remember that God deals differently with each person's heart when drawing them to himself and when they are already drawn. He awakens some with much more intensity than others; he provides distinct comfort to some; and there are many examples of those who live most consistently with God, and who are the greatest assets to Christian communities, who, having been gently influenced by grace from an early age and nurtured through gospel practices, have little in the way of dramatic stories to share.

They might not recognize, just by reflecting on their own lives and experiences, the kinds of struggles or ecstasies that some of their fellow believers describe. In one way as well as another, there are various operations, but it is the same Spirit; the same God works in all. Let us allow him to work in his own manner; and, without trying to restrict the Holy Spirit, let us be more diligent in checking whether these are truly the principles of the Divine life, rather than how they came to be.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

8. A great cause of spiritual discouragement is often a lack of proper respect for one's conscience. As a result, many individuals, despite experiencing profound religious sentiments, either neglect their obligations or engage in behaviors that contradict their moral principles.

The most common cause of spiritual malaise among Christians today is a lack of both holiness and zeal. Iniquity is rampant, and the love of many has grown cold. Even among those we hope maintain at least a basic understanding of faith's foundational principles, there is little vigor in their practice of religion. Duty is widely neglected; God's people are like an empty vine, bearing fruit only for themselves.

The world increasingly captures the hearts of the faithful; they are eager for worldly gain and often forget their faith, if not outright renounce it. On Sundays, they might devote themselves to public worship, yet some are so exhausted from their worldly labors that they doze through much of the morning. Once the Sermon ends, they feel that the minimal restraint they have shown gives them license to spend the week in work and leisure with no thought of God, little discussion of religious matters, and perhaps no attention to the spiritual growth of their families, aside from a few hurried moments of private prayer, which no Christian can customarily neglect.

In terms of stewardship, they do little good with their wealth; even when their resources grow. Furthermore, personal weaknesses or strong temptations might lead them into actual sins. Perhaps they indulge in some excess; they enjoy frivolous company, spending many evening hours in public places or in home diversions that, while not necessarily unlawful, fall far short of Christian dignity.

They allow unmanaged emotions to take root in their hearts: pride, judgmentalism, anger; a small provocation can ignite them, leading to rash words and conduct they later regret, though resolutions for better behavior often prove ineffective, leading to repeated failings. Given these conditions, it is no surprise that doubts and fears regarding one's spiritual state abound. If a tree shows only withering leaves, who would not wonder if it is dead or dying?

In summary when this describes a person's character, suspicions are warranted. A disposition like this should be at odds with peace and tranquility of mind; maintaining a conscience in such a state is akin to a paralyzed man's limbs, where sensations are so dull that he might not feel his own flesh burning. Would that each of us would have a sacred sensitivity of spirit in these matters! May we sense the first spark of wickedness that touches us, and be awakened, lest the fire becomes deadly! And may God shatter the harps of those unfortunate seducers who would lull us into such slumber, even if they use the name of Christ our Lord as the charm.

We have now considered several reasons for spiritual discouragement, and been cautioned against numerous erroneous beliefs that contribute to them. We close with a few words of encouragement and advice:

1. Let us learn to pity, and pray for such distressed souls.

It is a situation that warrants our deepest sympathy, especially since it often affects Christians of honorable character and even those who have made significant strides in their faith. The mind is the seat of happiness; and no amount of material comfort matters when the soul is in pain. Indeed, the affection of loving family members can offer little solace when one fears God's displeasure.

Let us show compassion to them and ponder how we might assist them. If we can help with our advice, let us be prepared to give it. However, we must remember that it is impossible to see God if he turns his face away; therefore, we should earnestly and lovingly pray for them. Collective prayer has achieved wonders in such cases. And if those who have long been in this spiritual darkness would confide in a few trusted Christian friends, inviting them to join in prayer, the beneficial outcomes would be evident in many ways.

2. Let souls in such a condition not refuse to be comforted and instructed.

Surrender yourselves to God. Be prepared to wait for his timing to bring you comfort, and decide that you will remain at his feet, come what may. Strive to trust in him, knowing he is capable of aiding and abundant in mercy to all who seek him. Take joy in hearing how others have navigated similar trials; the illumination that has come to them amidst their darkest moments, not through abandoning God, but by patiently relying on him. They might have found this peace in the sanctuary of God, or within the walls of their own homes, perhaps even on their sickbeds or in their final hours.

Meanwhile, strive to see it as your obligation to find joy in God. Reflect on his beautiful attributes; delight in the fact that such a Being exists. Express daily gratitude to him for his mercy towards you; for by acknowledging and giving him the glory due for his providential gifts and for the messages of grace through a Redeemer, which you know you have received, you might find yourself drawn into praising him beyond what you currently think is warranted.

And consider the comfort that directly follows our text, stemming from God's almighty power and his infinite willingness to stoop to our level: "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."{Isaiah 40:28-31}

3. Let those who are completely unfamiliar with such struggles ponder why they are so. Does it stem from an indifferent attitude towards religion, or have they discovered a path to genuine peace?

Perhaps, the reason some remain untouched by the struggles and exercises which have been outlined is due to a complete disregard for matters of faith. To them, the urgent words of the prophet Amos apply, Woe to those who are complacent in Zion.{Amos 6:1} Your peace is akin to that of a man in a stupor, sleeping on the way to death. May such be roused, even if it must be by fear.

Just as a surgeon, out of love for his patient, hopes his scalpel will be felt when removing a cancer, may such experience some of the inner turmoil described. Tragically, if you do not suffer the pains of healing, you will soon endure those of death; if you do not undergo the throes of conviction, you will soon encounter the undying worm, the unquenchable fire. Woe to those who now smile, who laugh in their deceived slumber; you will, before long, mourn and weep, with lamentation and gnashing of teeth.{Matthew 13:42} Therefore, wake up, you who sleep; arise from the dead, that Christ might grant you life.{Ephesians 5:14}

However, if the peace of your mind stems from having found it on solid foundations, then be grateful for it and make good use of it. There was a time when you were as troubled as your fellow believers, when you echoed Zion's lament, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God."{Isaiah 40:27}

Blessed be his Name that it is now different! But recall the bitterness you once knew to praise God for the cup of blessing he has now placed in your hand; to inspire you to walk humbly before Him; and to do all you can to help others. There is a sense in which you, the strong, should support the weaknesses of the less robust;{Romans 15:1} and not be overly concerned with pleasing yourselves.

Beware of that spiritual indulgence which, while you are enjoying your own peace and relationship with God, might cause you to overlook the suffering of others who are seeking the Lord in distress.

We end with those profound words of the apostle, which are fitting for both the guidance of the strong and the comfort of the weak; "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."{Hebrews 12:12}

And may the Lord God, who heals his Israel, bless these words to that joyful end!