In the past month I’ve received phone calls from 5 different church workers who are on the edge and wearing out. Some are dealing with church leadership conflicts while others are facing crises in their homes. All of these situations are exasperated by the coronavirus. These church workers are nearing the end of their emotional ropes. One of them sighed and said, “I’m worn out. I’m not sure how long I can go on.”
On the national scene, there are other signs of people on the edge and wearing out. On Sept.1, NPR reported that depression has doubled in the past six months across the nation. Other mental health leaders have reported that suicides are on the rise. Domestic violence has increased. Hot lines are busier than ever.
As of Labor Day, 190,000 people have lost their lives from the virus. One report anticipates 400,000 dead from the virus by Christmas. Grief counselors are in great demand as families cope with sadness and loss.
What does Scripture say to us in these trying times? When you face the storms of life, or get bad news, or have trouble in relationships. or struggle with illness, the Bible offers us hope, encouragement, reconciliation and healing. Here are just a few verses among dozens that point us to Jesus as are Healer, Savior and Friend.
Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm. Jesus will calm your storms and stand up and say to the wind and the waves: “Peace, Be Still.”
Matthew 15:30 (and Luke 3:40) - Jesus Healed Many Disease and Conditions. As Jesus laid hands on many people and spoke healing words to them, He now lays His hands on you and speaks healing words of hope on you too.
I Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed. On the cross Jesus gave His life for you and promised you eternal Life.
Matthew 5:9 - Blessed Are the Peacemakers. We pray that God will send us peacemakers to help us deal with conflicts and difficult situations.
Corinthians 4:18 -20 - Committing to Reconciliation. We call upon God to give us reconcilers in our midst.
John 16:33 - Have Heart as We Face Trials. We pray to Jesus to spare us trials and sorrows. He knows what we are going through and he loves us and comforts us as we go through them.
There are many other passages in Scripture that speak to us in these trying times. In Jesus we have our hope and faith. When we are on the edge and wearing out, recall what Isaiah says: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will
soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
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One Minute is written by Pastor Ron Rehrer, Counselor for Church Workers. E-mail: ron@ronrehrer.com, cell phone: 949.433.518