“Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!” (Psa. 12:1)
With pastors’ well-being on the line, according to Barna research, and many on the brink of burnout, 38 percent indicate they have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year. When David and his men went back home to Ziklag, the wives and children had been taken captive, “David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. BUT DAVID STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD.” (1 Sam. 30:1-6) Jude said, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you, urging you to DEFEND THE FAITH that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people.” (Jude 1:3)
David goes on to say…“They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.” (Psa. 12:2)
David had to deal with the battles of gossip and the backbiting. David knew what it was like to feel all alone in this kind of battle, where it seemed that no one would speak up and defend him. Instead, he took his case to the LORD. We sense that David probably would have preferred to battle with swords and shields than among the gossips and backbiters (to attack the character or reputation of a person who is not present) surrounding him. Paul said, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.” (Phil. 4:12-13)
ExPastors (https://expastors.com/) started back in 2012, They seek to be A PLACE OF HELP, healing, and hope for ex-pastors, pastors, and church leaders. They do this by hearing their stories, connecting them with people and resources, and focusing on spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health. It is a good resource…
-Bill Stockham