“So, what do you do during the week?” Pastors, have you ever been asked this question? How do you sum up the actual day-to-day path of pastoral ministry? There are the more visible things that everyone knows that we do, like preaching and teaching (and the study to prepare for that). There is also the expected care for the flock that involves things like visiting and counselling. But every pastor knows there are those other things! Some have called these things the “administrivia” of ministry: reviewing the budget, making sure a room gets painted, taking care of a van that doesn’t run, sorting out staff and volunteer disagreements, and wrestling with calendar items. These things are never-ending and can quickly take much of a pastor’s time and energy! Additionally, a pastor has his own children to shepherd, his own marriage to work on, his own health to care for, and his own bills to pay. Pastors, you carry burdens for so many people, who is helping you carry yours?

            The Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) are a unique section of the psalms that were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they would travel to Jerusalem for special feast days. They are generally shorter songs that express heart-felt burdens and praise in a uniquely personal, down-to-earth way. In these psalms we see the emotions of the people They give us a window into what mattered to them.

            Psalm 134 is the last psalm of ascent recorded for us in Scripture, and it stands out with a rather surprising focus. The excitement and anticipation on the road to Jerusalem must have been great. There was going to be so much to see and experience – great feasts, sacred traditions, and important people! Yet the final psalm of ascent turns our attention to the “servants of the Lord who stand by night in the house of the Lord.” This is referring to the priest or watchman who drew the night shift in the temple. The one who remained faithfully serving when all the crowds were gone and he was left all alone. Very few would have noticee the one “who stands by night.” This would probably not be the job many wanted.

            Pastor, there are many parts of your job that may seem to be unnoticed and unappreciated. Perhaps there are moments in your week that are lonely and difficult. But be encouraged today! God knows what you are doing, and He has promised to notice you, bless you, and protect you!

God is not the only one noticing you, however. In our WVCEA, we have an association of schools committed to providing a biblical education for our children. The WVCEA also gives us a vehicle to connect with and encourage each other. Let’s work on building relationships as pastors and administrators in the WVCEA. We are likeminded brothers and sisters who all sometimes feel that we are “standing by night.” But we do not stand alone. God has given us His promises and blessed us with each other. May our prayer for each other be the final verse in this last psalm of ascent “The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.”