by[35] “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. [36] And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. [37] When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” [38] But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” – Mark 1:35-38 (NKJV)
One of the most prevalent issues in several ministers’ lives is stress from work. Many start well, but over time, they get so busy with ministerial workload that they don’t get time to spend with God in the aloneness of their closet. Sometimes, this can go on for months and even years. The mental health of many pastors and preachers isn’t in good shape, and it appears nothing is being done about it. Oh, what a tragedy!
The good news is that even though many people aren’t doing something about this problem, God is. Sometimes, the answer to your stress in ministry case is found in the Word of God. Other times, it’s found in hearing from Him.
Mark 1:35-38 records how Jesus woke up early in the morning to pray, even before His disciples woke up. He went to a place where He knew nobody could find Him for a while, so His time with God gets undistracted by the demands of people and life. When Simon Peter and the disciples found Jesus, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” If you are a pastor, what will be your reaction to hearing that? Will you be joyous in your spirit that your anointing is on demand? Some will say yes, but others won’t. For me, I won’t like that idea, not to shirk responsibility but not to make the work of the ministry feel as if I am there to fulfil people’s demands at the expense of my time with God.
Dear pastor or ministry worker, take care of your spiritual health in the Lord. You came to meet work, and work will continue without you around. Don’t do ministry consistently without taking retreats. Plan that so well, no matter how busy your schedule is. Forget about people’s demands and be with the Lord regularly. Work when you can, and leave the rest if your work hours for a day gets exhausted without you completing your task list. Remember that part of your responsibility in Christ is to keep your spiritual fervour.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your grace to serve You in gladness. Help me to take care of my spiritual health as I serve You. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 053
Shareable Graphics
