One of the things that is probably unhealthy for any Pastor is a sit and worry on Saturday night. As I sit and write the draft of this article, it is Saturday in the middle of December 2023, and it’s later than I would typically like to be out. I’m actually sitting in my office at Lighthouse. Today’s been very busy, with much of it spent doing things outside my control. However, finding myself at church on Saturday night is rare, it is not uncommon. As I walked and prepared and tried to get last-minute things settled for tomorrow, I sat and began to wonder and worry, and I would like to share some of that experience.
While there is a caveat for pastors at the bottom of this writing, I know some reading this disagree with pastors sharing things such as their personal worries and struggles. However, I hope that through transparency, you can see the challenge and hope that Jesus offers.
So, I ask that you join me in this devotion and prayer.
The “I worry” statements
I worry about all the people who will walk through the doors tomorrow. Not simply if they will show up (although that can be a worry), but because of our relationships, I know many are struggling and trying (with God’s help) to change and grow.
I worry about all the different positive events and things that are just out of my control. From nursery, Children’s church, Sunday school classes, and, trust me, the many other items on the list. They are doing great. I logically know that they will do great things tomorrow. However, it does not change the fact that they are on my mind now.
I worry about the lady who is sick and homebound and wants to be at church tomorrow, yet she is physically unable to go. And while my mind is on a specific person, I know that she (and others) is praying for us and desires to worship with us, but at this time, she cannot attend.
I worry about the family, who has yet to decide whether they will attend tomorrow. It is very possible that they may wait until 10:30am to make that decision for an 11am worship service.
I worry if I’m prepared enough. Of course, I think I have that worry every time I speak. Could I have read one more reference? Could I’ve studied one more hour somewhere? Will the congregation understand the main point or the challenge God’s Word offers? Could I have explained something a little bit better, or could’ve been a little more prepared?
I worry…
Yes, worry is a problem.
I still remember a sermon I preached many years ago about how “worry is often the burden that is weighing us down” from Philippians 4:6-7. For the teaching example, I had many boxes like the one pictured below, and one had the word “worry” written on it.
At some point in the sermon, I kicked the box, and it flew off stage. (I cannot recall if that was intentional or accidental.) Regardless, it was talked about for some time at that church about how we need to kick (or get rid of) our anxieties, fears, and worries by giving them to Jesus.
So, I pray.
I hope you see the verses still apply today. Worry without action leaves us burdened and typically stops our movement toward God. I am called like you to give me anxieties and worries to God. How? I turn the worries into prayers. So I pray…
I pray for all who will walk through the doors of the church tomorrow or watch online that they will have fellowship with other believers and find encouragement and challenge from God’s Word.
I pray for all of the different groups and events that will happen. From Sunday school to small hallway conversations, I spend some time praying for each classroom and teacher in that prayer. I pray their time together will be edifying and bring honor and glory to God.
I pray for those who are homebound. Yes, I pray for each person by name and situation if I know it. However, I generally pray to God that they will have a blessing of peace and understanding during our worship time. I also encourage others to pray for our homebound, especially when we know of illness or a changing situation.
I pray for the family to decide to attend tomorrow. In my prayers, I ask they would wake up earlier than expected and they would decide to attend church with time to prepare.
Finally, I pray for myself. And while I write about Pastoral Prayers in other places, this night is reasonably straightforward, and I want to share. “God, please give me peace about what You have allowed me to study. May I put faith in your promise of John 14:26 and that the Holy Spirit help call things to remembrance. I pray that I will proclaim your word. Help me change my view from this naval gazing, and be excited to see what You will do in our church family tomorrow.”
Pastor Mark’s Take Away:
Will I continue to worry? Probably. Do I need to continue working on my trust in God and the people He has placed in my life? Yes. And so I reiterate, worry without action leaves us burdened and typically stops our movement toward God. Allow me to encourage you to turn those worries into prayers. Take the action. You may still struggle after the prayers. However, continue to be diligent in prayer and allow God’s Word to encourage and challenge you to move toward Him.
Caveat for pastors: I will unapologetically state that Saturday night is not the time to start or extensively work your sermon for the next day. And while there are exceptions to the rule, if you find yourself regularly putting the sermon together and worrying on Saturday, you need to evaluate the time in your week.
Mark Rogers
Pastor Mark is the primary author and content creator of pastormarkrogers.com. Additionally, he serves as Pastor of Lighthouse Sylva. You can find out more by clicking the About Page.
