Have you ever heard of spiritual darkenss? - Part 2

Dr. Thomas Manton

(2.) The next is a greater evil, when we understand not our duty towards God, and the reason of our troubles. It is some comfort to a child of God when he knows his duty under such a condition; a speaking rod, though it be smart, is more comfortable than a dumb rod: Ps. 94:12,

“Sermon upon Isaiah 50:10” (The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, D.D. [London: James Nisbet, 1874], 18:51–61) gives great comfort to depressed and tried believers. Some editing has taken place, but nothing that would affect doctrine.

“Blessed is the man who you chastens and teaches him out of your law.” Our advantage comes not by being afflicted, but by being instructed in our afflictions, when the rod makes us tractable and pliable to God’s counsel: Job 36:10. “He opens their ears to discipline;” and ver. 15, “He opens their ears in oppression.” It is the property of beasts to feel the smart of the rod, but men especially. good men should know the use of the rod. Our condition is not altogether dark when God has humbled and instructed his people under his chastenings, that they may get good by their chastenings; but when they are still in the dark as to the reason and end of their troubles, it is the more grievous.

[2.] When we want the light of consolation, and that two ways—either by present experience of God’s love, or hopes of future deliverance.

(1.) As to present experience of God’s love: Rom. 5:3–5, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also, knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience experience, and experience hope; and hope makes not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which is given unto us.” It is promised to the upright that light shall rise on them in obscurity: Ps. 112:4, “Unto the upright there rises light in the darkness.”

Now it is very sad and afflicting to them when they cannot get a comfortable and satisfactory sight of God’s love to them, or presence with them, or mindfulness of them in their afflictions, but he hides himself from them. This is the bitterest ingredient in their sorrows, that God hides his face from them; they should not else resent so much other sorrows.




The favor of God is the godly man’s choice: Ps. 4:6, 7, “Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time when their corn and wine increase” And their life: Ps. 30:5, “in his favor is life;” and therefore they cannot but be most affected with the sense of the wanting it. This is the trouble of their trouble, and makes their darkness to become thick darkness.

(2.) As to future deliverance, when they cannot look through the cloud of present trouble with any hope of relief, or have not any probable appearance of any good issue: Ps. 74:9, “We see not our signs; there is no more any prophet, neither is there among us any that knows how long.This is very sad. Troubles that have an end are the better borne; but when we are altogether puzzled when we think of a remedy and an escape, then we are overwhelmed, like a man ship wrecked and swimming for life in the vast ocean, and sees no banks or land near.

Secondly, The reasons why this may befall the people of God. There are reasons on man’s part, and on God’s part..

Steve and Robyn  Bloem

Broken Minds also has a chapter on the Puritans and Pastoral Theology

"Broken Minds is a deeply personal, yet practical, book for Christians who are clinically depressed or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Mental illness. Those words bring to mind frightening scenes of padded walls, white straight jackets, and screaming people. But mental illness is often much more subtle--and much more prevalent than we imagine. Unfortunately, people who are diagnosed as being mentally ill may not understand what is happening to them. And for Christians, some "helpful" leaders heap on guilt, saying that the problem is spiritual rather than physical in nature. This book takes Steve's personal story of major depression and weaves through it Robyn's insights and Steve's professional knowledge. The result is a tapestry of practical information--including definitions, treatment options, government services available, and interactions with the church and God--and a deep compassion for those who feel like their world is falling apart.

http://www.kregel.com/ministry/the-pastoral-handbook-of-mental-illness/

This is a new book that has just come out.

Christians dealing with mental illness often first look to their pastors for help. Few pastors, however, are trained to recognize and deal with mental illness, and they can unintentionally give advice that is ineffective or even dangerous. Counselor Steve Bloem fills this void by equipping pastors and other church leaders to identify the symptoms of common mental disorders, to offer biblical encouragement and comfort to those suffering from them, and to decide when to refer them to mental-health professionals.

Bloem makes a foundational biblical case for the reality and treatment of mental illnesses, and he dispels a number of myths about those who suffer from them. Drawing on extensive counseling and pastoral experience, he provides essential tools and advice for those in ministry to help people battling depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and other mental illnesses. Pastors, counselors, and seminary students will find this handbook to be an indispensable guide for these important issues.