Anxiety and depression in the ministry are real. I recall
Alistair Begg saying once that his session on “Pastoral Depression” at a
conference he spoke at was overwhelmingly attended, a fact that only hints at
the serious and widespread nature of the issue. Without becoming unduly
autobiographical myself, I have sensed over the years (increasingly so as I’ve
moved more and more into ministry) that this will be an issue that I personally
will need to wrestle through in the grace and strength of God for the sake of a
fruitful ministry.
As part of that wrestling, here are a few brief thoughts on
the matter that I find helpful.
1.
Relentlessly seek to identify the root of your
anxiety.
The nature of anxiety is that it tends to
be blinding. We feel as if we are in a fog and unable to discern what it is
that is causing us to feel the way we feel. Often, there are a number of
contributing factors to our worry, which only makes it harder to isolate the
source. Isolate, however, we must. Without spinning ourselves in circles, we
must attempt to pinpoint the leak in our joy that we may plug it with the
promises of God. Hopefully, as time goes on, we will be able to move from
saying, “I feel anxious,” to a more concrete expression of worry such as, “I
fear I won’t be accepted by those I minister to,” or “I’m distressed regarding
this choice I must make.”
2.
Courageously seek to communicate with others
about your anxiety.
Again, the nature of anxiety is
such that it tends to isolate us from others. A dear friend may be calling on
the phone, but you feel unable to even begin to answer. A loved one may
perceptively ask how you are, but a strange reluctance to articulate the truth
resides upon your tongue. What are we to do in such situations? Silence can be
deadly to our progress out of the valley, and so we must courageously confide
in a trusted soul. A detailed explanation is unnecessary to begin- a brief
statement will do: “I could use prayer for anxiety” or “I’m lacking in peace as
of the moment.” From there, God will best direct the course of the conversation
in order to bring the needed care.
3.
Ruthlessly seek to comfort yourself with the
promises of God.
Finally, though we are grateful for
the fellowship and encouragement of other believers, the ultimate source of our
comfort must be our God, who “comforts the depressed,” is “near to the
broken-hearted,” and who “a bruised reed he will not break.” Recollect that
Christ, who has known untold sorrow, has offered- even guaranteed- to never
leave you or forsake you. Remind yourself, even if in the moment it seems to do
no good to you, that no depth of despair can separate you from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus. Let these and the other promises of God be the rain
that waters your desert soul, refusing to obtain comfort from the world or the
things of it. Surely our Adversary knows that when we are weak his enticements
hold great allure, and so he will seek to tempt us in these moments. By faith,
however, hold on the promises of the Faithful One.
