Pastor Mike Novotny explains why picking up heavy weights that burn is the same way God builds a strong faith.
Bill Arnold welcomes Pastor Mike Novotny to discuss stress, anxiety, and depression. Novotny opens by sharing a personal anecdote about aging and weightlifting to introduce the thesis that stress builds spiritual strength, paralleling physical and faith growth. He references Romans 5, where suffering produces perseverance and character. Novotny then distinguishes between beneficial stress and overwhelming stress, recounting a period when he faced multiple crises: his parents moving into his basement after bankruptcy, two young children in diapers, and harsh criticism at church, including a letter with 95 complaints. He explains that too much stress can crush rather than strengthen. The discussion shifts to practical boundaries, as Novotny shares advice from his home pastor to ask church leaders how many hours he should work, leading to a balanced schedule that preserved his family life and faith. He emphasizes the importance of rest, citing Jesus withdrawing to pray in Luke 5. On anxiety, Novotny advocates for deep breathing as a Christian practice rooted in God's creation, helping to calm the body's fight-or-flight response. He also mentions the importance of physical health—eating, sleeping, moving—alongside spiritual practices. Regarding depression, Novotny notes that even great preachers like Charles Spurgeon struggled, and biblical figures like Moses and Elijah experienced despair. He encourages using all resources, including medication and community support, and highlights Psalm 88 as a raw lament. Throughout, Novotny stresses casting anxieties on God, as in 1 Peter 5, and the role of the church in providing long-term care.
