When You Feel Like Giving Up
Published: August 08, 2011
Are you struggling with motivation today? Is it taking all you’ve got to just face what’s on your to-do list?
I remember waking up one morning and thinking “I don’t feel like getting out of bed. I don’t feel like doing all that I have to do today. I feel like I’m running on empty.
So I went to the Psalms that morning and what I found there in the Songs of Scripture was a pattern that I needed to follow in my life.
In all 150 of the Psalms, the phrase I will was sung 140 times. When Asaph was disillusioned with the circumstances in his life, he sang: “I will meditate on all Thy works…I will remember your deeds.”
When David was wondering if God heard his cries for help, he said “I will come into your house; in reverence I will bow down.” And when he felt like he was being defeated, he sang I will know that God is for me…I will not be afraid.”
The Psalmists didn’t say “I think” or “I feel” or “I should.” It was “I will” – a determined course of action. And I realized there were some things I needed to say “I will” about whether I felt like it or not.
So I began to say “I will start my day in prayer” and “I will get into God’s Word” so I could stay focused in my mind. I began to say “I will eat sensibly today.” “I will take opportunities to exercise” so I could keep fit in my body. And I began to say “I will” appreciate what God has made.” “I will take time to reflect and worship” in order to keep my soul fresh.
As I began saying “I will” about the things I didn’t feel like doing, God met me where I was and infused that fuel back into my life.
So my friend, what do you need to say “I will” about today?
• “I will tackle this to do list with enthusiasm?
• “I will prioritize my family today.
• “I will live in a way that honors my God.
• “I will do all that is required of me to the best of my ability.”
Say those two words “I will” and see what you end up accomplishing today.
© Cindi McMenamin. All rights reserved.
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Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and the author of several books, including When Women Walk Alone, When God Pursues a Woman’s Heart, and Women On the Edge. For more on her books or ministry, see http://StrengthForTheSoul.com
