When Hidden Anxiety Robs Our Motivation

I’m not an outdoorsy kinda girl. I mean, if the conditions are just right — breeze blowing, not too humid (which doesn’t often happen where I live), shady, no critters flying around — I like being outside. My outdoor stipulations often go unmet.

Taking a walk for exercise has been a challenge. Pre-virus, my routine was walking in a medical mall that encouraged walkers to use their air-conditioned facility.  

Talking with myself this morning, I came to a realization about my routine. Deep down, I feel as if its punishment. I cringe as I read my words. Instead of I get to walk. I’m healthy, no chronic pain, safe neighborhood, good walking shoes, my mindset is I have to walk.

My me conversation led to a God conversation that shined Holy Spirit light on another of my attitudes. 

Beginning with the “safer at home” order by our Governor in March, I have slowly lost motivation for much of anything, except snacking. I can’t explain it. Am I stressed? Am I anxious? Am I worried? Am I lazy? I ask myself these questions. I’m talking about these things with you today because I’m wondering if you lack motivation, too?

The Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament while in prison, and the Apostle John penned the book of Revelation while banished to the Isle of Patmos. 

Dr. Henry Cloud reminded me this morning (really, this morning, Doc?)

“Time is a commodity that can’t be replaced or remade, so you can’t afford to lose any of it to excuses.” 

I have more free time and less motivation. 

In reality, we are probably more stressed, anxious, and worried than we realize. I feel this is the basis of my lethargy. We are living in circumstances that we have never lived in before. It will test your metal, as they say. 

Here’s what I did this morning. It’s what I often do to remind myself of the glorious benefit of being God’s child; I quoted scripture.

I did what Jesus did so many times. I reminded myself of truth. To…

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let my requests be known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. {Based on Philippians 4:6-7}

Don’t you wish it was more flashy? You know, something profound and different that you knew nothing about—a tweetable moment.

I know you must be anxious. I am. How could we not be? So many more unknowns. We gotta stand on the truth of God’s Word. His peace is beyond our understanding. Yet, we feel it surround us when we seek it.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13