No one ever said the pastorate was going to be easy. This season has made that more obvious than ever. Yet in the midst of such uncertain times, God’s word shines brightly as our beacon of hope.
Sometimes pastors are so busy giving God’s word to others, they don’t take time to get the refreshment for themselves. Today, Pastor, we offer these verses to you as living water for the soul. Let these give you the strength you need to continue to serve God as He nourishes your soul.
Strength for Perspective
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Pastors are leaders. This is obvious. What is less obvious is that any leadership role will wear you down if everything rests on your shoulders. Pastor, remember that everything you do is for God. He is the One who created the heavens and the earth, not you. This is good news. God is the creator and God is the sustainer. Let the world be on His shoulders: He can handle it.
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9
Search committees draw up a list of skills and qualities for their future pastor that are simply not realistic. Some think that pastors must be brilliant scholars, inspiring preachers, insightful counselors, savvy administrators, creative entrepreneurs, not to mention janitors, handymen….all while spending time with your family and connecting to the community. Pastor, you cannot do it all. Find strength in knowing that only God can do it all.
“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” Psalm 144:4
Life goes by quickly. No matter how busy you may be, how much work piles up on your desk, spend time with your family, Pastor. Only God has infinite time: find strength in remembering your limitations.
Strength for Caring for People
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Pastors care for people. Every pastor knows the helpless feeling of watching as a member of the congregation struggles This may be something more pastors have experienced as hospitals have not allowed pastors to see patients suffering from COVID-19. Psalm 34:18 is a refreshing reminder that even when you are not able to be with a church member, God is with them.
“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
What powerful words! You care for your flock, Pastor. You worry about them, you pray for them, you give your all for them. But don’t forget that God also cares for them. In fact, God cares more than you could possibly imagine. And God cares for you as well. These are words to rest your hope upon. No matter what worries may come, don’t forget that God cares. No worry is too small and no problem is too big.
Strength for Preaching
The Word“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
One of the most vital aspects of the pastor’s job is also the most public. Pastors are proclaimers of God’s word. However, pastors may wrestle with the question of whether their preaching is effective. While it is good for pastors to continue to grow as preachers, it is also important to remember that if a message is biblically sound, God will use it for His purposes. In fact, a biblically-sound message cannot fail because it is ultimately God’s word, not yours. As Voddie Baucham says, “I don’t write the news, I just deliver it.” Find strength in God achieving His purposes through your preaching.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
We live in a day and age when newer is automatically better. For some, this has meant that the Bible needs newer, more “fashionable” ideas to make it palatable to modern audiences. Pastors often stress trying to find creative ways to make the Bible more appealing. While it is not necessarily a bad thing to communicate in creative ways, pastors can find strength and encouragement in knowing that God’s word is powerful enough for any time and culture.
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
Pastor, some people will refuse to listen to the message of the cross. While this may cause loving hearts to grieve, find strength in knowing that the gospel is the power of God and it will save people.
Strength in Times of Discouragement
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Discouragement in ministry is, unfortunately, common. However, God does not leave His servants alone to go through rough patches. No, God is right there with you, Pastor. Be strengthened by this reminder that He is by your side wherever you go.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
In seasons of trials and discouragement pastors may feel like giving up. Yet there is strength in remembering that while the body may give out, the spirit is being prepared for the glories to come.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
You will face criticism, Pastor. Words can be sharp and can cut deep. Sometimes criticism can help you develop as a leader; other times it will wound. Pastors, then, must keep their hearts and minds guarded by Christ. Remember that He is the One you are trying to please. He is the One whose opinion you care about most. He will keep your heart and mind guarded even when the sheep may bite.
Strength for Times of Failures
“I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:5
Here’s an important reality check: pastors are human. While some may expect otherwise, pastors will struggle with the same sins as others in the church. Yes, pastors must be held to the biblical standards of church leadership, but they must also be able to seek the kind of grace the preach to others. Pastor, find strength in confession of sin. First, in confessing your sins to God, but also in confessing to others in the church when you may have sinned against them. There is freedom in confronting an issue instead of hiding from it.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” Ephesians 1:7
Pastor, your sins were forgiven because Jesus willingly shed His blood for you. When you stumble in sin, get back up and remember the cost of your salvation. The precious blood of Christ was shed that you may live free from the consequences of sin.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
In the tabernacle and later the temple, the priests used holy, or set apart, objects for God’s worship. Similarly, God calls His servants to be holy and ready for “every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). When you confess your sins, God will cleanse and ready you to return to work.
Strength for Eternity
“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.’” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Pastor, you may have a plan for this week, month, maybe even for the year. But don’t forget it is God’s preparation that is true and final. Seasons may come and go, yet one day you will discover the riches of God are beyond anything you could have ever dreamed. Find strength in what is to come.
“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Luke 17:10
Find strength in doing your duty well. Pastors, like all Christians, are merely servants of the Master. Serve Him with a thankful heart. It is a blessing to serve God and His people.
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9
Finally, Pastor, find strength in remembering that the end of all things comes with a great party. You will be seated at the table with your Lord, overflowing with joy, worship, and adoration. No matter what may come now, find strength in preparing for that feast!
