As I grow older and face bouts of anxiety, still fear, or even shame can creep in from my old self, I am sometimes painfully hard on myself for lack of motivation or inspiration. I hope and pray to improve. I am slowly learning to step back and use discernment: is it God or me who wants this improvement? (Psalms 37:4)
It can be too easy for the enemy to slip in when I’m not paying attention. It can become a vicious circle. But I recognize I am leaving God out of it. Whenever I listen quietly and receive no response in my heart, I realize that my motivation might not align with God’s will. Instead, I tend to try to govern or control things. I share this to encourage you: devotion to His Word helps us naturally move beyond our human urges and fleshly tendencies, guiding us to live by our spirit. (Galatians 5)
I love how Acts describes the earliest Christian community. Not as unusually inspired. We are witnessing what sustains them: not intensity, not surprise, not steady spiritual highs. They devote themselves to rhythms of devotion, teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. These are ordinary practices repeated consistently. Faith isn’t sustained by scenic moments but by practices that shape daily life. A life built on structure mirrors how Jesus himself lived. Jesus embraced rhythms; He frequently withdrew to pray, honored the Sabbath rest, and moved between community and solitude. Structure wasn’t a burden for Him; it was a source of freedom that kept Him aligned.
Motivation isn’t always reliable; it can rest on our feelings, and sometimes we chase emotional highs instead of doing the important inner work. It’s okay not to feel motivated; what matters is creating sustainable practices through our prayers, Bible reading, or quiet times with God, even on days when motivation is low.
Focusing on staying committed rather than waiting for perfect inspiration and learning to hold on to your supportive community can make all the difference in nurturing your spiritual and devotional life in Jesus.
Heavenly Father,
I honor You as the wise Creator who understands my limits and meets me within them. Thank You for showing me that lasting formation is built on You, Lord God, and Your Spirit within me. Today, guide me in establishing rhythms that nourish my spirit and protect my attention. Help me trust that faithfulness in small practices allows Your grace to work in me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen
Add comment
Comments