Nothing can fully prepare you for the blessings and benefits of being a gospel preacher.
I went through two years of preaching school to help prepare me as a preacher, but not even those two years of intense training could prepare me for the blessings of proclaiming God’s Word. God has cared for my family, and I am thankful He has watched over us as we serve Him.
I think many of you who preach will agree with me.
However, I think many of you will also agree that nothing can fully prepare you for some of the challenges that come with being a gospel preacher - loneliness being one of those challenges.
Sometimes the preacher is the only one preparing sermons and bible classes or studying the Bible with others. Maybe while everyone else works alongside other people at their jobs during the week, we mainly work alone to prepare to teach. It's easy to start feeling alone when we feel like no one else is experiencing what we experience.
Here are four tips to help us when we battle loneliness as preachers.
Look to Jesus.
Jesus faced the kinds of things we faced - even loneliness. He was made like us (Hebrews 2:17), took on flesh and blood to live among us as one of us (John 1:14), and faced the kinds of things life can throw at us (Hebrews 4:15).
When Jesus was on the cross, He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” This was a quote from Psalm 22:1. I believe Jesus was directing the minds of the people gathered around the cross back to that psalm - but since the Psalms communicate emotion and feeling, I also believe Jesus felt very alone on the cross.
When you face loneliness, remember that your Great High Priest sympathizes with you because He knows what it is to feel alone.
Feel Sympathy for Others.
I tore the ACL in my left knee between high school and college while playing basketball. Ever since then, I’ve had a much greater level of sympathy for others who have knee problems.
Because you struggle with loneliness, you are in a unique position to better sympathize with the loneliness of others. The Lord’s compassion for our weaknesses is connected to His personal experience in living this life too (Hebrews 4:15).
Sometimes the loneliest people are some of the greatest encouragers to lonely people.
Intentionally Grow a Few Close Relationships.
Sometimes we get lonely because we have neglected to build and grow close relationships with others.
If you’re married, your wife should be one of your close friends and companions (Ephesians 5:22-33). Build close relationships with some of your brothers in Christ in the local congregation. Maintain close friendships with other preachers.
Don’t allow busyness to cause you to neglect to build relationships with the people who love you most.
Stay on Guard Against Sin.
Sometimes the temptation to sin is most significant when we feel lonely. This is true of many different kinds of sin.
We must remain on guard against sin, especially when battling loneliness.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
I appreciate all your good work in the kingdom of God!
Keep pressing on toward the mark, and keep preaching the word!