Messages by Desiring God What to Do When Your Spirits Sink
Nov 29, 2025
Dive into the ups and downs of faith and joy as John Piper explores their connection and the fragile nature of spiritual experiences. He offers a six-stage pattern based on Psalm 40 for navigating spiritual lows, emphasizing the importance of crying out to God first. Patience and humble waiting are essential during tough times, as is the transformative power of rescue. Ultimately, Piper highlights how personal suffering can give rise to lasting hymns and lead others to faith through our stories of endurance.
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Salvation Is Secure Despite Emotional Ups and Downs
- Christian salvation is secure from predestination to glorification and not undermined by emotional ups and downs.
- John Piper argues joy and faith naturally fluctuate without threatening ultimate assurance.
The Fight For Faith Is A Fight For Joy
- The fight of faith is essentially a fight for joy because saving faith awakens enjoyment of Jesus.
- Piper links enduring faith to persistent pursuit of joy in Christ throughout life.
Cry Out To God First
- When your spirit sinks, follow the biblical pattern in Psalm 40: call out to God first rather than defaulting to people or resources.
- Use prayer, Scripture, pastors, or therapists as God may use them, but cry out to the Lord as your first resort.
