Mondays are usually a day of reflection for pastors as we rehearse the many conversations from Sunday, the “things I said” and “the things I wish I had said” in the message, that empty pew that once was a faithful church member, the forgotten prayer request, that miscommunication, feeling like a failure, the church conflict that continues on, etc.
At times like these, you need encouragement to keep on keeping on. If you haven’t already, read the previous posts and today ponder #4.
2. Bask in the presence of God
4. Let it drive you to your knees.
Difficult times in ministry is the clarion call for you to have a correct view of your God. Trouble can quickly lead you to be despairing, fearful, hurt, doubting, and wanting to flee. Hard times can tempt you to become idolatrous as you fix your heart on the people, circumstances, misunderstandings, conflicts, etc.
Your belief in Who God will always determine your next response. Therefore, the best place to learn and be reminded of the attributes of God can be found on your knees in the secret place with your Bible and your eyes wide open.
Praying Scripture brings God to the forefront of your conflict as you consider Him above your trouble.
What did the psalmist see of God as he prayed in the midst of his distress (Psalm 42)?
What was Hannah’s view of God as she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish (1 Samuel 1:9-2:11)?
What was Nehemiah’s viewpoint of God as he fasted and prayed before the God of heaven (Nehemiah 1:4-11)?
How did Paul see God in the midst of his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)?
Mark Dever says it well, “Believing prayer praises God as faithful, trustworthy, caring, worthwhile, and good. It suggests that He has a real and important track record with us. It acknowledges that our ministry really has come from Him and will be returned to Him. It shows that we recognize Him as the Great Shepherd, that any flock we ever tend is His flock, and that we will, as Hebrews says, give account to Him for each of His sheep in that flock.”
Pastor friend, run to your “prayer closet” and shut the door (Matthew 6:6). That place may be in your study, in an upstairs room in your home, in the backyard, a place in the woods, or a secluded cliff overhang on the trail. There you will find your Heavenly Father in the “secret place” waiting on you to reveal Himself to you through His Word and in your stillness. Talk to Him, read about Him, pour out your troubled, anxious heart to Him, and be sure to take moments to listen to Him.
Let your trouble drive you to your knees!
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