Staying Motivated in Your Spiritual Journey: Prioritize Growth Without Procrastination

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I remember a season when I felt overwhelmed and spiritually dry. I had so many responsibilities—work deadlines, family obligations, and church commitments—that I pushed my quiet time with God to the bottom of my list. One day, I realized that my spiritual life had become a shadow of what it once was. I desperately wanted to reconnect with God but didn’t know where to start.

Sitting at my kitchen table, coffee in hand and Bible untouched, I prayed, “Lord, how do I find my way back to You?” Almost instantly, a verse from Psalm 46:10 came to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God!” (NLT). I knew God called me to slow down and make time for Him, even if it meant starting small.

Staying Motivated with The Power of Small Habits

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear reminds us that “small habits make a big difference.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by spiritual growth, thinking it requires huge changes or massive time commitments. But what if we could start small, building habits that gradually transform our lives?

Imagine starting your day with just five minutes of prayer. It doesn’t seem like much, but over time, those five minutes can become ten, then twenty. As Clear says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” When we create small, consistent habits, they act as building blocks for a stronger spiritual life.

In Zechariah 4:10, we’re reminded not to “despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (NLT). God is delighted when we take even the smallest steps toward Him, and He will bless our efforts to grow. Remember, every small step you take is a significant accomplishment in your spiritual journey.

Staying Motivated by Discerning God’s Purpose

Henry Blackaby once said, “You cannot stay the way you are and go with God.” This statement is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth isn’t just about adding more to our schedules. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s purpose, which often means shedding distractions and worldly priorities. The joy of aligning with God’s purpose changes everything. 

Ask yourself: What’s pulling my focus away from God? Is it social media, work, or even well-meaning commitments crowding your time with Him? Blackaby encourages us to seek God’s guidance daily. When you start your day asking, “God, what do You want for me today?” you align your priorities with His, creating a roadmap that leads to spiritual enrichment instead of burnout.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT). By seeking God’s will daily, we can trust that He will guide us to prioritize what truly matters.

Staying Motivated by Overcoming Procrastination with Purpose

Procrastination is often a symptom of deeper issues, like fear of failure or a lack of clear direction. But what if we could shift our focus from what we’re avoiding to what we’re pursuing? When we understand that our time with God isn’t just another task on the to-do list but the very thing that gives meaning to everything else, it becomes easier to prioritize.

James Clear advises setting clear intentions: “I will [behavior] at [time] in [location].” For example, “I will read my Bible at 7 a.m. in the living room.” This simple formula removes ambiguity and helps you establish a routine that sticks. It’s not about perfection but progress—moving one step closer to the person God created you to be.

Yet what if we still don’t feel like doing it? We can pray and ask God for desire and strength to do His will. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (NLT). When we rely on God’s strength instead of our own, we find the courage to overcome procrastination and confidently pursue His purpose. This reliance on God’s strength brings a sense of reassurance.

Staying Motivated and Staying the Course

Spending time in God’s Word is something I get to do and desire to do now. It’s not about seeing it as something I check off my to-do list. My whole day seems better when I turn to God each morning. I feel His presence and His peace. I see the struggles and problems I face through His perspective. I understand that I don’t have to struggle alone. I place my worries in His hands.

We all have days when motivation wanes, and distractions loom large. But it’s in these moments that small, faithful habits and a clear sense of God’s purpose can anchor us. As Blackaby says, “Watch to see where God is working and join Him in His work.” When we focus on where God is leading us, we find the strength to push through procrastination and stay committed to our spiritual journey.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (NLT). Spiritual growth is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and trusting God is at work in the little things.

Over the decades, I’ve learned that consistently opening my Bible, praying, and seeking God has made a significant difference. Some days, it’s just for a few minutes. On other days, I get to spend hours. But the daily habit, the daily seeking, has transformed my life.

I’ve seen how God used my gifts and talents to serve others in ways I never imagined. I’ve watched as He has taken my brokenness and redeemed it. I’ve felt His presence in the darkest of times and experienced His joy in the most mundane.

And it all started with a simple habit of seeking Him day after day. It’s a habit I continue to this day. And it’s a habit I want to encourage you to build into your life. Don’t worry if you need help figuring out where to start. Just start. Open your Bible and look into good resources to help you understand it better. Consider listening to The Daily Bible Podcast and use resources like the Filament Enabled Bible, which as commentaries and reflections at your fingertips. 

Pray. Seek God. Watch to see where He is working and join Him there. Remember, start small, stay consistent, and let God’s purpose guide you every step of the way. What once felt like a struggle will become the most enriching part of your day as you deepen your relationship with the One who loves you most.

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps … in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

You can join us using your own One Year Bible© (if you’d like to purchase one, you can grab your preferred version using the links below). Or you can print up the One Year Chronological Reading Plan. If you don’t have a copy of the One Year Bible©, we will have the exact passages for the next day in the show notes. You can also subscribe to the One Year Chronological Bible Reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App.

Join us here.