In ministry, we sometimes get caught up in all the activities, to-do lists, planning, and stress that we forget to be silent. We forget to stop and listen for God’s voice. We can get so focused on doing ministry that we forget that we need to be with God and listen to Him.
So how do we stop all the busyness of ministry and focus on the Lord?
1.Find your quiet place
What is the place you love to go and just sit and be still before God? For me I have a few places. One place is my writing room in my house. It has big windows in it and I love to look out over my backyard and spend time with God. Another is my back porch. When it’s not so cold, I love to go sit on it and enjoy the peacefulness as I spend time with God. Another place is the Sanctuary of our church. I like to go in there first thing in the mornings (not every day but some days). The lights are off, the sun is beaming through the stained glass windows, and there is pure silence. I read the Bible and my devotions. Then I put in my ear buds and sing (if you walk by and hear a loud sound, that’s me). It’s so peaceful and easy for me to listen to God’s voice. I love the silence of the Sanctuary.
So find your quiet place. Make that your place with God.
2. Spend time in His Word
You want to know what God’s will is for you? Then you have to open up the Bible and read. This is the Word of God. He speaks so much throughout every book. Carve out a time each day to spend with Him. Keep that time sacred. It’s like an appointment with God. Don’t cancel on Him. He wants to see you and hear from you. Having a set time each day helps you to make it a part of your day. (And no, you cannot count the time you spend preparing sermons as your time with God!)
3. Worship Him
I know what you’re thinking…I worship Him every Sunday when I lead worship for our church. Yes…and no. I feel that ministry leaders need their own worship with God…one in which they are not the leader. You can do this any time by popping in your earbuds and praising Him through song. You can also listen to other sermons (ones that you aren’t preaching) and focus on hearing from the Lord. Or maybe there is another church close by that has an evening service that you can attend when you aren’t leading a service. Make time to worship Him outside your job as a ministry leader.
4. Let Things Go
When we are in ministry we feel like we have to do more and more and more to have a great ministry. In reality, the less we do the better. Let go of some things in your busy schedule. Maybe this means delegating some responsibilities or maybe it means totally cutting something out. Before you let go, seek God and listen to know what His will for you is. Don’t just let something go because you want to. Listen and do the will of God for your ministry (and for yourself).
I challenge you to remember to seek the Lord. Don’t get so busy in ministry that you forget about your own relationship with God. Remember that He loves you and wants you to not only serve Him by spreading His Word, but also wants to walk closely with you in your life.
