Motivation to Move Forward - Your Nightly Prayer

Motivation to Move Forward
Your Nightly Prayer for Jan. 1, 2025
by Keri Eichberger

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

I closed my bedroom door and crashed into exhaustion. Feeling absolutely spent after spinning my wheels, flying from one item on my to-do list to the next. Yet somehow, even after tackling more than I thought possible to toss into a day, I was left with a little less than productive and purposeful feeling. And how in the world? I was whooped and had worked my tail off. House chores, work deadlines, managing kids' rides and requests, paying bills, prepping meals, breaking up sibling disputes, and sort of squeezing in some healthy habits to help maintain a body that can keep up with it all. And as the night fell, along with my energy, I could hardly fathom how I’d do it all over again. I mean, sure, I would, but as you can maybe tell, I didn’t have much motivation for any of it. I was drained. Again. Which made me wonder how I’ll ever find the inner drive to do something more or just keep up in this current race.

I bet you can relate to some of this. There’s so much waiting on you every day that you manage to muddle through. But as you drag your feet from one mundane task to the next, you’re losing steam and definitely feeling the flame for doing much more slowly burning out. 

I’ve found myself here over and over. It really is a challenge to maintain a positive posture and keep moving forward when we’re trying to keep up with the hurried world around us. And that’s just it. I think we’re spinning at high speeds to keep up with a pace that’s defined by culture’s measure. But only God should define our progress, priorities, and productivity. After all, he is the one who establishes our skills and steps, and he is the fuel for what we accomplish. And we find the impassioned flames that ignite the fire for our days when we sufficiently refuel ourselves with him and his light. And when we hold tight to the reason, we’re doing all that we do in the first place. It’s for him.

I know I need to recenter the focus of what I’m doing and where I’m headed each day. I think it would serve us both well. Adding much-needed motivation and more enjoyment to our jobs, tasks, and laborious days. Maybe the next time we struggle to find the will to move forward, we ought to take time to rest in prayer and the presence of the Lord. The source of all our strength. May we remember the good master we’re working for and the fact that nothing done in his name will be in vain. May we be encouraged and empowered knowing what we do for him has a great purpose in his kingdom. And may we stand firm in that.    

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Mighty God, You supply me with sufficient strength to do so many things. Though I get worn down by life and all the seemingly mundane tasks that consume my days, help me remember that everything I do is of great worth to you and because of you. Lord, let the truth of my valuable work motivate me to move forward each day. Allow me to take time in stillness to refresh myself with you, especially when I need to rest. So that I may refuel my spirit with fills of your restoring help and strength. Fortify me with the truth that all things done in your name are never in vain but are full of purpose in your kingdom here on earth and throughout eternity. In your son's name, I pray, Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. Do you feel exhausted at the end of a day with little sense of purpose or productivity?

2. Do you lack motivation for tomorrow or to move forward in some area of life?

3. What does this verse speak to you right now? 

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." -  Philippians 4:19

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Karl Fredrickson

Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram.

Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!