The desire for personal affirmation, sexual gratification, money, power, fame and notoriety, and the admiration of others can turn our hearts away from Jesus so subtly that we never realize it until we’re caught up in a full-blown emotional or sexual affair, financial scandal, deceitful image management, or harmful addiction. A prayer I must return to daily is Psalm 73:25-26:
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail [and so may the leaders I hold in high esteem],
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (ESV).
O Lord God, fill our hearts with love and grace toward our brothers and sisters in Christ and remind us that only You are pure, only You are holy, only You can keep us from temptation, and only You can give us hearts to follow hard after You.
For more on keeping your eyes on Jesus amidst heartache and betrayal, see Cindi’s books When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts and When God Sees Your Tears.
Related Resource: The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry: Practical Ways to Support the Church’s Mental & Emotional Well-Being
In today’s episode, Counselor, author, and educator Dr. Mark Mayfield equips pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers with practical tools to support mental health in the church. This conversation between Drs. Zach and Mark bridge clinical wisdom, spiritual formation, and the realities of shepherding people through emotional struggles. Dr. Mayfield unpacks how to recognize signs of distress, create safe spaces for honest conversations, and respond to crisis moments with clarity and compassion. He discusses the importance of boundaries in ministry, the role of community in healing, and simple, evidence-based practices that help churches foster emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and relational safety. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Built Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube so you never miss an episode!
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