Blah Attacks

In the ministry, monotony and mediocrity often mesh like teeth in gears. One spawns the other, leaving us yawning, bored, and adrift.

In referring to monotony, I do not have in mind a lack of activity as much as a lack of purpose. Even as pastors, we can be busy yet bored, involved yet indifferent. Ministry can become tediously repetitious, dull, humdrum, pedestrian.

In a word, blah.

Look into the faces of fellow pastors when they’re not in the pulpit. Talk to other ministers on their day off. Those on the mission field are equally susceptible. Show me an individual who once soared, whose ministry was characterized by enthusiasm and excellence—but who no longer reaches those heights—and I’ll show you a person who has probably become a victim of the blahs.

A blah attack may sound harmless, but it can leave us in an emotional heap, seriously questioning if ministry—and at times, if life—is worth it.

Yet even during your drab and seemingly meaningless assignments of the pastorate, God is there! From your yesterday to your tomorrow—God cares. From the little involvements to the big ones—God knows. From the ministerial duties that will never make the headlines (which seem to be mere busywork), all the way to those things that gain international attention—God is engaged!

So the next time you feel those clammy, cold fingers of the blahs reaching around you, you can pray along with me: “From yesterday until tomorrow, You, O Lord, are there. You care!”

—Chuck

Comments

[David Frasure]

Thanks brother--this does strike a chord.

[Richard Nasby]

Chuck,
I am a retired pastor and have felt the Blah from time to time. I have managed to keep involved with God's work but I feel there is more to do.I am a Lebanese American and have been raised around the Arabic language my whole life,and, consequently,understand and speak the language. Question? Do you ever have need for an Arabic speaking pastor? I can speak and understand the language (can't read it though).

[Steven Inman]

Amen Pastor Chuck

This was an excellent word for this day. I am blessed by this ,and really covet your prayers for God`s ministry He is using me for here. I believe when we focus on God`s work like it is our own then we really get the "Blahs" For it is His ministry and we need not forget that right brother. I am just glad I am an instrument for Him to use and to know He is here to see me through. Thank Bro. Chuck for allowing God to use you to encourage ministers like me. P.S. i am reading your new book "The Church Awakening" and I love it straight from the mind of God !

[Virginia]

Over the years I keep coming back to your books or readings because your wisdom and insights always seem so pertinent. Currently I am in Cambodia and in a "blah" stage. I don't even really feel like praying for the situations here - which I KNOW is vital! As I was sitting here tonight I thought I would check to see if you had a blog (which you obviously do:) How perfect that I wanted to read it because of the blahness. Thanks for the reminder that He has not left us alone here to accomplish His purpose for us! And He cares as much for us as those we've come to serve.