By Justin Pratt, Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor
I have personally travelled to Jerusalem and other parts of the world, where I have observed the ruins of old city walls with observation towers. In St. Augustine, Florida, stands the Castillo de San Marcos. On each corner stands a steeple of surveillance where, in its day, a watchman would stand on the wall all through the night. The role was anything but glamorous, but it was essential. While the city slept, they watched for movement, incoming vessels that could be threatening, the enemy’s advances, and approaching danger. If they fell asleep, the entire city would pay the price. Staying vigilant without rest, however, would eventually lead to collapse. History records the sad story of many cities that fell, not because their walls were weak, but because their watchmen were exhausted.
Parenting, grandparenting, leading, loving, shepherding, and ministry have weeks that feel like that watchtower. Times that will tax you mentally and emotionally. Standing as the gatekeeper when hell is assaulting and attacking the people that you love. On more occasions than I like to remember, in a variety of circumstances, I have had to stand as the watchman in my own tower of protection. At the same time, very real spiritual opposition has threatened the very existence of the people I am tasked to care for. I’ve walked closely with marriages teetering on the edge of disaster, addicts burdened by shame and longing to come clean, and sheep under attack from forces they don’t fully understand. That level of personal investment takes a toll on any of us; physically, emotionally and mentally.
And yet, in the midst of the weariness, I’ve found myself so many times strengthened in the inner man. It’s this unexplainable pressure of mental and physical exhaustion, coupled with a simultaneous spiritual strength that matches the test that is before you. I know that it comes from God, because left to myself, I would drown. How can we stay spiritually afloat when we are emotionally and mentally drowning? It’s really a matter of being in His presence. Proverbs 4:23 says: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Spiritual leaders are not exempt from this command; we are especially accountable to it. The apostle Paul reinforces this truth in Acts 20:28 when he exhorts pastors to “take heed therefore unto yourselves, and (then) to all the flock.” The order is intentional. Before we can effectively shepherd others well, we must tend to our own souls. This is true for pastors, parents or anyone in a leadership capacity.
When ministry or leading others becomes a machine, people become products to be managed rather than souls to be shepherded. Systems have their place, but they can never replace presence; God’s presence in us, and our presence with people. When leaders run on fumes, we may still function, but we stop flourishing. And eventually, the flock feels it. If we want to be good for the people God has entrusted to us, then we have to be prepared ourselves. That preparation doesn’t begin with strategy, schedules, or solutions; it starts in the presence of God. Time with Him is not a luxury for leaders; it is a necessity. We cannot fight spiritual battles with empty hearts.
Here’s the lesson we need etched more deeply into our souls: our success in helping hurting people is tethered to our own faithfulness to being with God. His presence strengthens the weary watchman, sharpens discernment, and prepares us for every new challenge and obstacle. To every leader standing on the wall, guard your heart, take heed to yourself, and don’t neglect the place where your strength is renewed. The city and the people you love depend on it.
