Sunday Recovery

And Jesus,
immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him,
turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”
(Mark 5:30)

Recently a pastor friend asked me what I did to recover from the Sunday-afternoon blues, the kind of thing that comes from the physical, emotional, and spiritual energy spent on a Sunday or weekend of services.

When Power Has Gone Out of You

It’s natural to feel spent after a weekend of serving God, His people, and a needy world. When the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and received something special from Him, Jesus felt something go out from Him (Mark 5:30). When we do ministry right, there is real energy spent – especially spiritually.

I answered my friend with some random thoughts:

(1) If possible, naps are great, or an hour zoned out in front a football game or something else. I find myself socially and spiritually spent after a Sunday, and fatigue can be a big cause of those Sunday afternoon blues.

(2) If I didn’t preach well, I just try to be thankful that I have an opportunity next time and determine to trust God to be better prayed-up and better prepared.

(3) I accept the truth that I won’t preach an amazing sermon every Sunday. I don’t need to. If I do a solid but not spectacular job week after week, the occasional bad sermon isn’t such a big deal.

(4) If there is some kind of conflict at the church draining me, I ask my wife for her advice and pray with her about it. If you aren’t married, find a trusted friend with whom to vent a little and to pray a lot.

(5) If I feel those blues, I don’t worry about having them. I realize that they will come and go, and I don’t need to feel that something is severely wrong when I get them. I will feel better tomorrow or even sooner.

If you’re feeling kind of blue after a weekend of serving God, don’t worry too much about it. Get some rest and let God restore your soul. We’ll all get through it together!

Blessings to You in Jesus’ Name – David Guzik

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