Partners
In Hope

Finding Enthusiasm Again

Friday May 8, 2020

Recovery is hard work.  Sometimes we feel joy in the journey and other times we don’t seem to feel anything at all.  We spend a lot of time looking at our feelings as we remember our past with its many difficulties and challenges.  Our self-esteem suffers and we feel uncomfortable, maybe even distressed.  If we’re honest, sometimes we just get tired of dealing with it all.  How can we find the strength we need to feel joy and enthusiasm for this journey of growth again?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.  Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.  (Colossians 3:23 GNT, 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT)

Particularly when our emotions are a challenge it’s helpful to be able to lean back on God’s promise to be with us and get us through what we are facing.  If we will ask God for help and do what we can with as much enthusiasm as we can, we can expect God to help us through one more day.  We may not see the finish line, but we can have the satisfaction of living well one more day.

The Lord your God will fight alongside you and help you win the battle.” (Deuteronomy 20:4 CEV) 


Part of finding enthusiasm again comes from seeing the progress made on a long and sometimes difficult journey.  We need to set goals for one hour or one day or one activity and give thanks as we accomplish them.  Some of our discouragement may come from only having long-term goals that take time to reach.  It’s why the “progress not perfection” principle is so powerful .  Some other small but effective tools include practicing gratitude, taking time to find beauty in nature, listening to praise music, or trying something new and intentionally speak with sincerity and genuineness about it.  If we do these things, joy and enthusiasm will catch up to us again.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to find rest and joy as I go through this tough part of my journey.  Help me to lean on You and remember that You are always with me.  Thank You for supporting me through one more successful day in recovery.  Amen

©2020 Partners in Hope 
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Audio for Finding Enthusiasm Again

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