Hebrews 4 | What's the lesson for me today?

It can be easy to feel alone in this life. Loneliness is something I have long struggled with. Let me give just a few statistics of the general atmosphere surrounding pastors.

• As of 2022, 65% of pastors report feeling lonely, with 18% experiencing it frequently. Another study found that 76% of pastors "often" or "always" feel alone.
• Roughly 70% of pastors do not have a close friend, and many feel they cannot trust parishioners with their personal struggles.
• Studies show 75% of pastors report high stress, and 80% have considered quitting in the last 3 months.

It has been made very clear to me that many of those in the same positions or walks of life that I find myself in struggle with a lot of the same issues I do. When experiencing such isolation, it can become easy to fall for the trap of self-dependence. Asking for help or delegating a task can seem like an impossible ask. This happens so much to the point that I can often forget that even stands as an option. The thought doesn't even occur to me. This specific verse has served to remind me that I am not meant to do this alone, and that the Lord is there for me and walks with me through what I face.

Recent counsel I have received led me to study the intrapersonal relationships Jesus had. Certainly, there was a sense where Jesus was separated from all others. He also had His disciples and within His disciples He had His inner circle with John, Peter, and James. Nevertheless, when it came to the darkest moment of His life, Jesus was abandoned by all. Even in that, He still walked faithfully. My High Priest goes before me. I can come boldly before the throne of grace and find mercy and grace to help in my time of need.

My heart is that we can learn to look to Jesus and see how He has overcome the odds. His grace is sufficient. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. As trial, tribulation, persecution, or inconvenience comes, He is faithful to show up. I am encouraged by the word to approach the Lord boldly in these times. While it can be difficult to have such boldness with others, the Lord does not leave nor forsake us. We can, and ought to, trust Him. So regardless of the situation, we can declare that God is good all the time. And all the time, God is good.

What lesson are you taking from today?