SIMPLE TRUTH: Finding light in the darkness

By Shawn Parker

Dark places are real, and spiritual leaders are not exempt. I recently attended the funeral of a pastor who decided his life wasn’t worth living. Though this doesn’t happen normally, I suspect it’s an issue that many may struggle with in hidden corners of the heart. Pastors carry immense burdens from day to day, and often those pressures can lead to discouragement, depression, and possibly a sense of desperation.  

Even the best of God’s servants struggle with dark moments from time to time. Moses was discouraged by criticism, which led him to a breakdown of irrational anger (Num. 20). Elijah was depressed to the point of wanting to die as he sat under a broom tree in the Judean wilderness. Jeremiah was constantly struggling with the anxiety of mounting ministry pressure. If these choice servants struggled with such issues, who are we to say we won’t?

While these pressures are real and relentless, we can always find strength for the moment. The first source of strength is Christ, himself. The author of Hebrews reminds us that Christ can sympathize with our weakness (Heb. 4.15) because he experienced the same life issues we face. He set an example we can follow, but He also offers a presence we can trust. I know it’s counter-intuitive to believe someone who isn’t physically present can help when we feel down, but I always find Him to be there when I am at my lowest. He’ll be there for you too!

A second anchor for a pastor is other pastors. When I was just starting in ministry, I asked a seasoned pastor how he had remained so steady over decades. Without even thinking he encouraged me to go to the associational pastor’s conference. I thought to myself, there must be more to it than that. However, I’ve found that advice to be absolutely priceless. The simple truth is there’s no greater encouragement for a pastor than being with other pastors to laugh and pray and talk and listen. One of the enemy’s most potent poisons for pastors is to convince them that isolation is part of ministry. While we are called to separation, we need to avoid isolation. If you’re a pastor, take advantage of opportunities to spend time with fellow servants who can strengthen your weary spirit.

A third foundational strength for a pastor is counsel from those who understand mental and emotional issues better than you might. Solomon said there is safety in a “multitude of counselors.” While we can get sound counsel from a variety of people, it’s often good to look for it from those God has called and gifted as professional Christian counselors. Sometimes a pastor might think reaching out for counseling is a sign of weakness or inability. It’s actually a sign of humility and wisdom. All of us are vulnerable to spiritual attacks and can easily find ourselves at the end of the rope. Foolishness ignores this reality, but wisdom recognizes it and asks for help.

Pastors struggle with pressures that can easily discourage and depress, but God gives light in the darkness. May those of us who are called to the highest work on earth set the example for others to seek His help in such desperate moments. We can find strength as we look to the Lord, walk with other pastors, and seek counsel as needed. Dark places exist even for those who are called to ministry, but the darkness can’t withstand the light God offers. 

If you’re a pastor and find yourself in a discouraged frame of mind, reach out to a family member, friend, fellow pastor, or a professional counselor. If you’ll be open and transparent, God will turn on the light in the dark place to which you’ve wandered. If you need help knowing how to do this, your associational leader or state convention team would be glad to help you find the light switch.

Parker is executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. He may be contacted at simpletruth@mbcb.org.