Antidote for a discouraged soul

Note: this is a repeat of an old post

I recently noticed that I was becoming disinterested in the events of life, my responsibilities, church meetings and people. I further noticed that I was getting mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually tired. So there I was busy with life and work, yet tired, disinterested and wondering why I should keep going. And the fact that everything was, by and large, going well simply deceived me into thinking all is well. However, the restlessness and the disinterest was not ceasing. Then one morning it hit me, I was discouraged! When I did a self-diagnosis, I found the cause was a combination of little things (i.e. persisting illness, failed plans, unmet needs/wants, etc.). I turned to God's word for comfort and encouragement for my despairing soul. So here are some antidotes that began the healing for my discouraged soul.

Repent of Pride

One brother called me to inquire what was going on, and after hearing me out said to me “you need to remember that you are dust and if you drop dead today, this world will go on just fine.” In other words, do your part and rest. There will always be something that needs to be done, but just because it has to be done does not mean I am the one who has to do it. Christopher Ash in a sermon preached at a pastors conference on burn out says, “There is only one saviour in the world and it is not you.” He later says, “God has already appointed his messiah and it is not you.” In my pride, I was beginning to think I am the god of my life, and if I did not get things going or get things done then the work will fail. I was rebuked to repent of my pride. As my dear wife likes to say, “stop thinking you are superman and rest!”

Remember and Savor the Goodness of God

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:1-5 (Emphasis added)

Meditate on the Gospel

We are often guilty of a narrow view of the gospel. Preaching through the book of Romans has given me a greater appreciation of the wonder and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the gospel, we (condemned sinners) are saved from the penalty of sin and the just wrath of God. Through the gospel, we are reconciled to God and have peace with him. The gospel liberates us from the power of sin and the law and secures us in Christ Jesus. Paul then asks if God gave us his son what else can’t he give us by his grace? He ends chapter 8 by assuring us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Even those times when trails are raging, the love of God is ever with us.

Take time to Sing

I love singing, and I find meditating on the great truths of the Scriptures through song can be quite encouraging for my soul. Jonathan Oatman’s old-time classic was a song in season. Listen to the first stanza.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

The weak and Strong living in Harmony

Last week I took my two toddlers for a walk. Our youngest is turning two. When we got out of the gate, I knew where we were headed and how long it would take us to get there. However, there was a problem. If I walked at my pace, my son would have to run to keep up. If we walked at his pace, it would take us a while to get there. If I carried him the whole way, I would be tired, and he would miss the exercise that would strengthen his body.

In many ways, that is a perfect picture of the body of Christ. The church is comprised of people at different stages of Christian maturity. For this reason, it is often a challenge to figure out the pace at which the body should move. Some struggle with issues that others deem non-issues. Some have a clear understanding of where they should be and what they need to do to get there, while there are some who have to be convinced about the need to be going in the first place! Some have resolved some theological and ethical challenges in their minds and have settled convictions, while there are some who are only beginning to answer the questions.

Such a situation poses a wonderful or potentially volatile opportunity. Those who are mature in matters, let’s call them the strong, will struggle with the temptation to look down on or be frustrated with those who are immature, let’s call them the weak. The weak, in turn, will despise the strong for their freedom and insensitivity to matters. The strong could walk at their pace, to the neglect of the weak, or they could carry the weak on their back and never allow them to wrestle through issues. A better option is for them to walk alongside the weak and help them grow to maturity.

This was the situation at the church in Rome. Romans 14 and 15 address such a challenge between the strong and the weak in the church. In addition, the admonishment of Scripture is that the strong should lovingly bear with the weak. In other words, it is God’s design for them to be together and to help each other joyfully grow. It would be easy for the strong to start their own church and the weak to do likewise, but such actions would be motivated by pride and self- satisfaction, attitudes that are works of the flesh. Therefore, the Scripture exhorts:

But we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those who are without strength and not please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for good, for edification. Romans 15:1-2

Nine Practical Ways You Can Encourage Your Pastor This Year

There is a lot said about how pastors should minister to the congregation. And rightly so; in fact, one could argue that there is a need for more written on the subject as too many of us pastors are preoccupied with too many things to neglect our primary duty of shepherding the congregation. That, however, is a subject for another day. My focus today is to offer some ways in which congregations can be of ministry to their pastors practically. And yes, this may sound like it is from the pastor’s union! Here are nine practical suggestions on how congregations can be of ministry to their pastors. 

1.      Pray for him- ask him for specifics

You will never know how much pastors need the prayers of the congregation. Pray for them. Ask for specifics, and let them know you are praying for them. Your pastor needs your prayers. 

2.      Be present and attentive to the teaching and preaching

You must heed the Scripture’s command to not forsake the assembling of believers. When you gather, listen to the teaching and preaching of the Word with enthusiasm. That will encourage the men that labour in the Word among you. And, of course, apply the truths to your lives. 

3.      Give feedback to the preaching

As you listen week in and week out, give feedback. This means a bit more than the traditional thank you for the message. Ask follow-up or clarifying questions. Share anything that stood out for you. Even mention if there is something that you disagree with. You will encourage your pastor by giving constructive feedback to his sermons. 

4.      Buy him a book

Pastors need and love books, but books are expensive! Buying your pastor a book that he needs or has been desiring might be an encouraging act of love from you. The only advice I would offer is to ask him what book(s) might be of most help to him at a particular moment. And just for your information, pastors love other things and not just books! 

5.      Challenge him to rest

Some pastors can be workaholics. Encourage them to rest. Challenge them not to have a messiah complex. The church will not close because they are away. They need to be humble and rest. Only God never sleeps nor slumbers. 

6.      Ask him how he is doing

Really ask him, not just the superficial greetings we give each other. Ask him if ‘it is well with his soul.’ Be ready to listen. This will also help you with how to pray for him.  

7.      Minister to his wife

Be a blessing to the pastor’s wife. She is not an assistant pastor, but she does bear the burdens of the ministry as well. Find out some practical ways you can be of blessing to her. Encourage your pastor by encouraging his wife. 

8.      Do not give him undue respect

Honour your elders. However, do not treat them as Lords. Undue respect will puff up the man, which will not benefit him or the congregation. 

9.      Submit to and cooperate with the leaders

Be willing to be led by the elders the Lord has blessed you with. Refrain from complicating their work by refusing to submit and cooperate with them. You will encourage your pastor by offering to and cooperating with his leadership. 

Conclusion

The relationship between the pastor and the congregation is one of mutual responsibility. The congregation makes and trains the pastor, and the pastor shapes and influences the congregation. As a congregation, do your utmost to be of ministry to your pastor.