If you're feeling unmotivated, a good read can awaken your intelligence and give you the spark you need to start fresh. What better book to turn to than the best one of all times, the Bible, to learn from its teachings? It contains texts that are inspiring and which shed new light on us and the reality that surrounds us.
Here are 10 biblical quotes that will be of great value when you feel unmotivated:
"For God did not give us a spirit of fear and cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (1 Timothy 1: 7)
Do you feel as if fear is becoming too much a part of your life lately—that you make decisions to do or stop doing things mostly out of fear? Remember that you are in God's hands and you have the power of His Spirit.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
When you’re full of worries or are stressed out because of work, take a couple of minutes to express your feelings to God. He always listens and looks for ways to lighten your burdens. God is peace.
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Sometimes we have so many distractions on our minds that we don't notice that the sun is out, we are alive and breathing, and God loves us. Every morning is literally a new day ... a new opportunity that our Father gives us to change, improve, solve our problems, and achieve what we want. Sometimes it’s difficult, but always try to start the day with a happy heart.
"God is not a God of disorder, but of peace." (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Sometimes it’s hard to read or listen to world news and not feel overwhelmed or hopeless. At such moments, it’s good to ask God to fill our day with His peace and serenity. This biblical quote invites us to keep our focus on His greater plan, remain calm, and not be distracted by those who want to pull us away from our true path.
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)
If you’re dealing with someone who hurt you and who you thought was your friend or faithful co-worker, of course it’s easier to hold a grudge. But even though sometimes it's hard to forgive, it's the best thing for you and others. Forgiveness is the best way to heal those wounds. If God has forgiven us so many times, how can we not follow his great example? How can we expect to be forgiven if we ourselves do not forgive?
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Worrying about absolutely everything is a sign of not fully trusting the Lord. There are things that will escape our understanding, and that’s when we should take refuge in God the most. Let's start our days with thankfulness and with confidence that He is working on what we really need. The Lord is good, so we shouldn’t hesitate to ask Him for help to face the obstacles that we’re facing. He hears us!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
On days when we have to make an important decision, we can read this quote several times, inhale and exhale … and ask Him in that breath to fill us more with Him and less with ourselves, especially when we run the risk of making a decision out of anger, pride, or sadness (after all, we are human and imperfect). We must remember that God is always with us, and let Him be the one who guides our decisions, trusting in His infinite love.
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
God is our Father and knows us very well. He’s not far away from us; on the contrary, He knows perfectly well what weighs on our hearts. As we read this Bible quote, close your eyes and imagine Him taking you by the hand and helping you get through this day. God is in control and will make sure He gives you what is best for you in the long run.
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’" (John 8:12)
On days when we feel that the world is a dark place, we should take refuge in the light of the Lord, because otherwise it’s very easy to get lost. The enemy will always try to get us off track or sow despair, but God's light is a reminder that we’re not alone and that He will fill our heart with hope for the present, for the future and for all eternity. Have faith and always choose the way of Jesus Christ.
"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
God will never make us fight a battle unarmed. He always provides us with armor according to the problem we have to face. Sometimes, though, we have to ask Him to remind us that we have Him there at our disposal, because we forget.