by Dave Hintz
For over twenty five years John Piper has trumpeted the truth of Christian Hedonism. The axiomatic truth which teaches, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Those inner longings for succulent steak, invigorating companionship, stimulating dialogue, postcard scenery, the soft sound of a lullaby are part of an inborn desire to delight. And only God can quench these yearning of our heart – He is to be our supreme source of happiness.
This is both a liberating and devastating doctrine. It’s liberating because it endorses our inborn desire for joy. Yet, such truth is devastating as our lack of 24/7 joy in the Lord reveals just how much we don’t love God. John Piper’s ministry and writings have been an encouragement to most, but over the years he has seen many saints dip into despair. “Many are persuaded. They see that the truth and beauty and worth of God shine best from the lives of saints who are so satisfied in God they can suffer in the cause of love without murmuring. But then they say, ‘That’s not who I am. I don’t have that kind of liberating, love-producing, risk-taking satisfaction in God. I desire comfort and security more than God.’ Many say it with tears and trembling” (WIDDG, p. 15). To those struggling with these issue, John Piper has penned a wonderful work entitled, When I Don’t Desire God (How to Fight for Joy).
Those unfamiliar with John Piper do not need to shy away from this book as chapters two through five biblically defend the aforementioned doctrine of Christian Hedonism.
Chapter six details our absolute dependence upon the cross of Christ and the reality of resurrection to secure everlasting joy. Joy is a gift that can only be found in Christ and gifted by grace.
This presents an interesting quandary. If God bequeaths joy through the cross of Christ and imparts it only by His free grace how do we fight for joy as the title of this book suggests? The answer can be found in the chapters seven through eleven. In this section, Piper explains how spiritual discipline cultivates the garden of the soul allowing seeds of joy to germinate and grow. In chapter eight the author details the importance of musing and meditating upon the message of God. Piper explains how prayer serves to singularize our desire in chapter nine and follows up with an outstanding chapter which details what it means to pray without ceasing. Chapter eleven is a remarkable chapter which discusses how nature, art, and the physical care of our bodies contribute to our ability to enjoy God. Piper closes this book with a special chapter devoted to those who believe that “joy is out of their reach” (WIDDG p. 209). After a cautious and biblical discussion of the use of psychotropic drugs, Piper offers biblical reflections regarding assurance of salvation and how God uses those desert times when we feel distant from God. This brief overview does not do justice to the content and passion contained in this book.
With the skill of a master swordsman, John Piper deftly weaves the works of Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Richard Baxter, and C. S. Lewis with the Bible and his personal insights. What results is a tremendous treasure which will cause many hearts to leap with joy and rekindle their passion for the Lord. Christian, I challenge you to read this book and as you do, may God answer the opening prayer of John Piper,
“Oh, that the eyes of their hearts might be bright with the glory of Christ through these pages! Remove every blinding obstacle, and show them your glory! And thus give them more joy than all the gladness that the world can give. . . Amen” (WIDDG p. 10).
