Finding Enthusiasm Again

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 our past with its many difficulties and challenges.  Our self-esteem suffers 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 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 that God will 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 recognizing the progress we have made on a long and often difficult journey.  Some of our discouragement may have come from setting only long-term goals that take time to reach.  We need to set goals for one hour or one day or one activity and then stop and give thanks as we achieve each goal.  This is why the “progress not perfection” principle is so powerful.  Some other effective tools include, practicing gratitude, taking time to find beauty in nature, listening to praise music, or trying something new and then intentionally sharing about it with someone we know has a similar interest.  If we do these things, joy and enthusiasm will catch up with 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 close to me.  Thank You for supporting me through one more successful day in recovery.  Amen

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