Justin Bieber may have lost his cool during his “rough week” in London but he’s also found God, says his mentor and preacher.
According to pastor Judah Smith, Bieber had heavenly help during his seven days of obsessively reported drama .
To recap; the just turned 19-year-old had the “worst birthday” ever after he and an entourage that included actor Will Smith ‘s 14-year-old son Jaden, left a nightclub after a run-in with security.
Bieber then ran a gauntlet of apoplectic parents and disappointed tweens after he appeared onstage two hours late at London’s 02 Arena during a four-night run.
Three days later, the singer felt breathless and collapsed backstage and was later hospitalized , although he did finish the show. Then, on Friday, he let loose an expletive filled threat in a face-off with paparazzi that raised more concerns about his mental state and health.
Judah, 34, who is a pastor of The City Church in Seattle, Wash., is currently promoting his new book Jesus Is , which has been endorsed by Bieber .
More recently, Judah told a British newspaper that he’d sent his young friend Bible excerpts daily to help the star stay calm during the UK leg of his 125-date “Believe” world tour.
“He feels under pressure,” continued Judah. “Every eyeball is on your life. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. This is the first challenge he’s had in life, but it won’t be the last.”
The pastor added: “I give Justin encouragement. Take time to say to God, ‘I’m over my head here. I need your help.’ He has coping methods like turning and talking to God and practicing the ancient scriptures.”
Bieber and Judah reportedly met three years ago through the singer’s mother Pattie Mallette , an author and film producer who recently produced an anti-abortion film. The pair became friends and Bieber praised Judah just days ago on Twitter, writing:
“Love to my big bro Judah. I love u man u inspire me. When u have a moment of weakness ask god to be with you and bring his peace. I know for a fact it helps.”
But while some are reporting Bieber’s London leg as a meltdown moment for the Canadian superstar, Judah insists his friend is doing a “pretty big job” and “mistakes” are bound to happen .
No doubt noting his young friend’s 35 million plus Twitter followers, Judah observes:
“The celebrities I love and am walking through life with are some of the most isolated and alone people in the world. Social media makes me wonder if this leads to more loneliness. You think you’re interacting with the world — but in fact you’re on your own sitting by a computer screen.”
With or without Judah’s ‘insights,’ a quick gander at Bieber’s Twitter timeline reveals multiple references to “God” or “Him,” as well as numerous “#Blessed” hashtags. After the widespread criticism he received last week, the singer posted various statements defending himself, two of which read:
“i understand it is part of the job to be judged…but judge me on the facts, judge me on the music, and be careful of the judgement u pass.”
He added , “but know this…im only judged by one power, and i serve him im only judged by one power, and i serve him.”
Even Bieber’s syntax is old testament.
In one of the pop prince’s post-final 02 gig messages to the world, he told his flock he had “too many blessings to allow the stress in and that he’d enjoyed London despite media reports to the contrary.
Next stop, Lisbon.