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 analyzing our feelings as we remember the many difficulties and challenges we had in the past. Our self-esteem begins to suffer and we feel uncomfortable, maybe even distressed. If we are honest, sometimes we just get tired of dealing with it all. How can we find the strength and the joy and enthusiasm we need for growth in this journey?
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 is 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 ask God for help and do what we can with as much enthusiasm as we can, we can expect God to strengthen and support us through one more day. We may not see the finish line, but we can have the satisfaction of living well one more day.
Part of finding enthusiasm again comes from recognizing 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 which take time to reach. That is 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 then intentionally speaking with sincerity and genuineness about what we liked about it. If we do these things, joy and enthusiasm will catch up to us again.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to find peace 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
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