Are you struggling with motivation today? Is it taking all you’ve got to just face what’s on your to-do list? Whether you’re stressed or feeling burnt out, how you face the day is key to getting through it.
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” (Psalm 77:11-12).
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 ” (Psalm 5:7). And when he felt like he was being defeated, he sang I will know that God is for me…I will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:9-11).
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.
This morning I woke up “without a To-Do List” but mentally knowing what I needed to be doing. However, within a half hour of being up, I was already fighting the feeling of going back to bed. This is a pattern of the past year for me. Not matter what I mentally promise myself, it falls apart shortly after I get up. Motivation is something I really don’t seem to have any more. Today, I found your article and read it. “I will” does have a sound of motivation already, and a Bible is within hands reach of my computer, so reading in Psalms is not a problem. I will use your advice and suggestion. Thank you so much!
Praying your day goes well, Linda, as you start it right….in His Word. Stay tuned for next week’s blog as I give you practical benefits of starting your day with Him.
Cindi – I have so many of your books and enjoy reading as well as passing them along. It is wonderful to know that you care enough to personally address a response to the readers responses on your blog. I cling to prayers in my behalf, and thank you for yours. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing here. I shall be a constant reader and await your new blogs/articles/books. In Him, Linda
Thank you for your kind words, Linda. You have encouraged me today. : )
Really like this one Cindi. My “i wills” have been falling short in the execution but its getting better. I am reading Psalms each night before bed.
Thanks, Katherine. Glad you’re finding comfort in the Psalms.
I am so grateful that I took the time today to actually read and absorb your article today. I usually do a quick glance, but today was different. You have lifted me up and I am encouraged to pick myself up and start again with “I will.” Keep them coming. Take care and God bless you.
Thanks, Kimberly. I will! : )