A Prayer When You Need Motivation - Your Daily Prayer - August 23

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A Prayer When You Need Motivation
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. -Ephesians 4:19

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For the majority of my life, I have struggled with depression, and it has caused me to struggle with low motivation. One of my friends also struggles with depression, and we were talking about how hard it is to finish small tasks. The task she finds the most strenuous is brushing her teeth. While most of us brush our teeth out of habit, for someone with low motivation, it can feel like running a marathon. Any small task can begin to feel like climbing a mountain when our motivation, energy, and joy are low.

Low motivation can also be caused by other things outside of depression, such as tiredness, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. When any of these feelings begin to manifest in our lives, it can be challenging to accomplish daily tasks. We might see our work quality decrease, as well as our quality of life.

Take notice when you start to see your motivation dropping, as it can help you discover the root of the problem. It can also be beneficial to try your best to do various tasks, even if you don't feel like it. My therapist once told me to work on a task even if I don't have the motivation, because the motivation will come once I begin.

For example, I was having a tough time getting chores done around the house, and she told me to just start spontaneously. Every fiber in my being urged me to defer the cleaning for another day, but I followed my therapist's teachings. I started to clean the kitchen table, then the counters, and before I knew it, I had cleaned the entire kitchen. All I needed to do was to take the first step, and the motivation would come.

This is how it works for many things in our lives. We just must begin the task, and we will eventually reach the end. However, starting the task can be incredibly challenging. A tactic I have learned is to do things out of habit. Just begin doing these tasks every day, and it will be easier to cultivate the motivation to keep doing them. This includes not only cleaning, but also work, meeting up with friends, or getting out for some exercise.

The Apostle Paul tells us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 4:19). As believers, we don't need to forget the help we have in the Lord. He richly blesses us with all things, including motivation. Whenever we feel we are lacking motivation, we can go to Him in prayer and ask Him to fill our hearts with the desire to be productive.

God can meet all our needs because He is our mighty God, the Creator of all things, and the One to whom our souls belong. Never be afraid to go to the Lord with your feelings. Lacking motivation can make us feel lazy, but laziness and a lack of motivation are distinct. Lack of motivation can come from many complicated emotions, yet laziness is a serious problem.

God knows the difference, and He will help you to overcome the largest of mountains, even if the mountain is simply getting three meals in a day, catching up with a few friends, or finishing your degree program. God wants to see you succeed, and He will help provide you with the motivation to get there. Do all you can to help yourself, and don't forget to lean on Him for support.

Let's Pray

Dear God, I am often lacking in motivation due to a myriad of reasons. I'm either too tired, stressed, or overwhelmed to get started on various tasks. Important aspects of my career and life have taken a major hit due to my lack of motivation. I ask You to help me with this problem and to fill my heart up with all the motivation that I need. I also ask that You bring calmness, serenity, and joy into my heart. These things will help balance out my lack of motivation and give my life purpose once again. I praise You for meeting all my needs and richly blessing me in Your Son. Continue to cultivate a productive heart within me and to guide my heart to follow You. I trust You with all things, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.

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Photo Credit: © Getty Images/fizkes

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

Related Resource: Praying Through Life’s Battles

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