Pastor, did you know you’re not just a shepherd? You’re also a sheep!

Just like you have the responsibility to lead and care for others, Jesus is your shepherd who leads and cares for you. God wants you to experience his goodness, just like all the people you shepherd in your church do.

Psalm 23 explains the ways God wants to show his goodness in your life. All of these benefits are available to you not because you’re a pastor, but simply because God is good. 

When you truly understand God’s goodness as revealed in Psalm 23, it will strengthen your faith. You will be able to say:

- God will meet all my needs; there’s no reason to worry.

- God will help me rest and find peace.

- God will refresh and replenish me when I am drained.

- God will guide me to make right decisions.

- God will be with me on my dark and fearful days.

- God will protect me and keep me safe.

- God will support me, even if I am surrounded by conflict.

- God will give me his favor.

- God will fill me with more blessing than I can imagine.

- God will secure my future and take me to heaven one day.

When Jesus came to Earth and died for our sins on the cross, he opened the door for us to receive all the benefits of God’s goodness. That’s why we call it Good Friday. It was good for us! Good Friday certainly wasn’t good for Jesus. It was painful. It was torture. He willingly said, “No one takes my life away from me. I give it up of my own free will” (John 10:18 GNT). Sending the Messiah to die for you is the ultimate expression of God’s goodness.

Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11 NLT).

You face several unique challenges. All the recent surveys of pastors serving during the last few years shows that most church leaders are tired, stressed, and facing burnout. 

 

Pastor, you need the goodness God offers. But are you looking for it in all the wrong places?

Many pastors believe their needs will be met by their careers, bank accounts, friendships, families, etc. God is saying to you, “No, I’m it. I’m the source of all goodness in your life.”

The biggest cause of stress in your life is the lack of focusing on God’s goodness. When you choose to trust in God’s goodness, you’ll be able to face your struggles with hope and renewed faith.