If you’re a part of a worship team, as I am, or involved in music ministry in any way in your church then you would agree with me that it is a joy and delight to serve the Lord and the Body of Christ in this way. There’s nothing more fulfilling when you use the gifts and talents that God has given you and sing songs that point hearts to the Lord Jesus. I thank the Lord regularly for the ministry He’s placed me in and the joy He gives me in it.
But if you’re part of a worship team or involved in music ministry in any way then you will also agree with me that discouragement does occasionally strike. I want to take a moment to give you some practical suggestions to help you be better prepared when discouragement comes knocking at your door.
1. If you’re in church ministry full-time, sometimes it becomes a 24-7 job. Burn out is not uncommon. You must guard against that. Know when to draw boundary lines and allow yourself time off to get refreshed. If possible, get out of town for a few days. A change of scenery can do wonders. If finances won’t allow for you to get away, then turn your phone and computer off and enjoy being at home with your family, uninterrupted for a few days.
2. Get alone with the Lord. Often, we get so busy serving that time alone in God’s Word can get overlooked. You can’t minister to others if you’re not being ministered to. Allow time for your soul to be refreshed daily. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal to you any unconfessed sin that may be breaking your fellowship. When we’re walking in step with the Spirit we will be refreshed and empowered.
3. Get some rest. Allow yourself to sleep in. Sometimes discouragement comes because of exhaustion. Burning the candle at both ends is not wise. It’s amazing how much better things seem when you’re rested. So allow yourself the time to rest.
4. Make the time to hang out with some godly friends and let “iron sharpen iron” as Proverbs 27:17 says.
5. Take care of yourself. Take time to exercise and eat healthy. Find a hobby that will relax you and give you an escape from the routine.
Remember that the ministry you’re in is not your ministry but God’s ministry. We are vessels for His use in His ministry. Ephesians 6:20 says that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. He is able to accomplish what concerns you in the ministry you’re involved in. He can handle anything that comes your way.
There’s a great song entitled He is Able by Steve Camp that comes from this verse. If you’re looking for a new song to sing, try this one out.
Make the most of your journey!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am really encouraged by these devotions, particularly this one! Being a full time worship leader is not easy and burn out is always lurking on the horizon. I tell folk I work 7 days a week…I am the church secretary, assistant worship leader AND in charge of the children’s choir! Good thing I’m not married…if not my husband would have to put his foot down and say, enough is enough! So yes, this devotion is timely! Thanks again and may God continue to use you to encourage the body all over the world. I’m from Barbados.
Thank you for your article. I am preparing to become a worship leader and I am encouraged by your article as I have experience many people become burn out by constantly serving without taking time out for themselves.
Spending quiet time with God is very important for our spiritual life. Sometimes the enemy can take our blessings and run us down to the ground so we have no quality time for God or ourselves. We become too BUSY (Being Under Satan’s Yoke) that we lose sight of what God’s real purpose is for us.
God Bless.
Marjorie
I am so encouraged by your comments. Thank you Paula and Marjorie. I love connecting with sisters in the Lord around the world who are leading others in worship. We have much in common. Keep up the good work! It’s so cool how God gives us the strength daily to do the things He’s called us to do. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus!