Bestselling author and pastor Levi Lusko knows firsthand what it means to spiral—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In his latest book, "Blessed Are the Spiraling," Lusko explores how life’s most painful transitions can ultimately lead to growth and a deeper connection with God.
In a candid conversation with Crystal Thornton, Lusko reflected on pivotal moments in his life, including the loss of his 5-year-old daughter, the death of his father, and a personal midlife crisis that brought unexpected panic attacks. Yet through it all, he insists, “You’re blessed when you spiral because then you look to Him.”
From Crisis to Calling
Lusko’s faith journey began in childhood, growing up in a family involved in ministry. Though he “must've gotten saved 15 times” at summer camps, he recalls a moment before high school when his faith truly took root. “I think I knew enough about God to be dangerous,” he admitted. But after struggling with substance use and searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, he experienced a profound realization: “The emptiness inside of me that I was trying to fill just left me more empty.”
It was a message Lusko would return to years later when facing unimaginable grief. In 2012, his 5-year-old daughter, Lenya, died suddenly from an asthma attack. “Staring at the ground and watching my daughter’s casket get lowered—I couldn’t do that,” he shared. “People ask me, ‘How did you keep preaching? How did you keep praying?’ And I say, because He gives us peace that passes understanding.”
Faith, Marriage, and Mental Health
Lusko is not shy about discussing the importance of mental health care, particularly within the Christian community. “I think God gives us a lot more than we can bear. I think God gives us no more than He can bear,” he said, countering the common phrase that God won’t give us more than we can handle.
During a personal season of struggle between ages 38 and 40, Lusko dealt with recurring panic attacks. He credits his recovery to counseling, lifestyle changes, and a commitment to rest. “I went and got a number of counselors involved in my life, met with my physician, and made changes to my schedule. I just wasn’t running at a sustainable pace.”
His transparency extends to marriage as well. Lusko and his wife, Jennie, have been married for 20 years, and he emphasizes the importance of friendship in a relationship. “The intimacy component occupies a relatively small amount of the day—there are still 23 hours left where you’re doing other things. The strength of our marriage comes from genuinely liking being around each other.”
The True Definition of Success
Lusko challenges cultural ideas of success, urging believers to focus on eternal significance over fleeting achievements. “Success in the second half of life still feels good, but it has less to teach you,” he explained. “At some point, the question becomes: What is God uniquely calling you to do? Because that’s what will last.”
He encourages people to embrace the inevitable transitions of life rather than fear them. “Keep going back to the field for more treasure,” he said, referencing Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13. “The true treasure is knowing Jesus. Trade everything again. Recalibrate. Whatever shifting season you’re in, find Jesus in it.”
For those struggling through their own spirals, Lusko offers this final reassurance: “Look to Jesus in your crisis. If He’s good, you’re good. And guess what? Jesus is never not good.”
You can connect with Levi Lusko on social media at:
Website: https://levilusko.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levilusko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/levilusko
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/levilusko
Podcast, Hey It’s the Luskos: https://www.accessmore.com/pd/https/leviluskocom/