Looking at the Waves

Matthew 14:22-23 — “I’m a Christian, why am I depressed?” Too often, we believe becoming a Christian eliminates all temptation toward despair and depression. While regeneration transforms our inner man, in doesn’t necessarily change our personality or temperament. The Christian should not continue in depression, yet the Christian often does battle depression. Our sanctification is not automatic––one must strive toward living a life of faith. In this sermon on Matthew 14:22-23, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the personality of Peter, a disciple of Jesus, and his unstable faith which leads to despair. Peter’s initial faith in Jesus led him onto the stormy waters. Yet something changed. Circumstances didn’t change; the waves were not new. What changed was Peter’s faith. Instead of focusing on Jesus, Peter focused on his circumstances. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this focus on circumstances leads to doubt, which leads to despair. While the circumstances of your life are enough to drive you to depression, the Christian has a Savior in the midst of the storm. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages us to keep our eyes focused on this Savior. We must not rely on past experiences of faith––we must practice faith now, as the waves crash around us.