Handling a Midlife Crisis

A few years ago, Levi Lusko experienced a midlife crisis that sent him spiraling downward.

A devoted husband, father, pastor, author and speaker, Levi was busy most days from early morning until he went to bed late at night. For nearly two decades, his ambition for more kept his candle burning at both ends. By 2020, Levi had flown a million and a half miles. When the pandemic hit, his activity and his ability to manage his emotions all came to a screeching halt.

Suddenly, Levi began suffering panic attacks, doubt, distrust, and exhaustion. At certain moments, he lay on the bathroom floor, sweating, crying and unable to breathe or sleep. Questions hounded him:

Who will take care of my family if something happens to me?
Are my best and brightest days behind me?
What will I do when I begin to decline?

To pull out of his spiral, Levi met with his doctor, a counselor, friends and other pastors. He was honest with his wife, Jennie, and their kids about his struggles. He made changes to his pace of life and his diet. And through it all, he depended on God.

Levi now says, “My midlife crisis rocked my world. And then it surprised me with delight.”

He reached a turning point where a curtain fell on one chapter of his life and another curtain lifted. And so began a long process of deeply personal inner work and healing.

Levi Lusko is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to help you find solid footing and joy in the Lord if you’re experiencing the chaos and uncertainty of life’s storms. While you may feel like your life is spiraling downward right now, with the right direction and a change in mindset, it’s possible for life to spiral upward.

Levi has been through tough storms and come out on the other side intact. He’s sharing what he’s learned and offering helpful tips and tools for navigating the turbulent waters of life.

Listen to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Levi Lusko is the co-founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, a multi-site ministry located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon and Utah. His book Blessed Are the Spiraling: How the Chaotic Search for Significance Can Lead to Joy Through Life’s Shifting Seasons is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).