Overcoming the Weight of Not Feeling Like It: Finding Strength in the Gospel and Cultivating the Discipline

The Weight of Not Feeling Like It

Have you ever had something important to do, but you just couldn't muster the motivation to do it? Maybe it's a task that you know would please God, such as forgiving someone who has wronged you or serving someone in need. Perhaps it's a challenge that would help you grow in your faith, like committing to daily Bible reading or prayer. Or maybe it's something that would benefit your physical health, like exercising or eating healthier. Whatever it is, you know you should do it, but for some reason, you just don't feel like it.

If you can relate to this struggle, you're not alone. It's a common experience that many Christians face. However, the good news is that God's Word provides us with guidance and encouragement for dealing with this weight of not feeling like it.

The Battle Within

The Apostle Paul describes the inner conflict that many believers experience in Romans 7:15-20:

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Paul's words reveal the tension between our desire to do what's right and our inability to do so because of the sin that dwells within us. Even as believers, we still struggle with the effects of the fall and the presence of indwelling sin. This means that we will experience times when we don't feel like doing what we know we should do.

The Power of the Gospel

While we can't overcome this struggle on our own, we can find hope and strength in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in him, we are united with him in his death and resurrection, and the power of sin in our lives is broken (Romans 6:5-7). As we grow in our relationship with him, the Holy Spirit works in us to conform us more and more to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). He gives us the desire and ability to do what pleases God (Philippians 2:13).

Therefore, when we face the weight of not feeling like it, we can turn to the gospel for help. We can remind ourselves of the truth that we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that we have been given everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We can ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength and motivation we need to obey God's commands, trusting that he will answer according to his perfect will.

The Discipline of Obedience

Another way we can overcome the weight of not feeling like it is by cultivating the discipline of obedience. While obedience may not always come naturally or easily, it is something that we can learn and practice. As we do so, we will reap the benefits of a life that is pleasing to God and fulfilling for ourselves.

Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts us to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." This involves intentionally choosing to lay aside the weight of not feeling like it and instead fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2).

When we make obedience a priority, we will begin to experience the joy and peace that come from living in accordance with God's will (Psalm 119:165). We will also develop a deeper love for God and a greater desire to please him (John 14:21).

Practical Steps

So what are some practical steps we can take to lay aside the weight of not feeling like it and cultivate the discipline of obedience?

1. Identify the Obstacle

The first step is to identify what is keeping us from obeying. Is it fear, laziness, pride, or something else? Once we identify the obstacle, we can begin to address it and seek God's help in overcoming it.

2. Pray for Strength

We should never underestimate the power of prayer. When we ask God for strength and motivation to obey him, he is faithful to answer. We can pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power and for God to give us the desire to do what pleases him.

3. Set a Goal

Setting a specific goal can help us stay focused and motivated. We should choose a goal that is realistic and achievable, but also challenging enough to stretch us. We can write down our goal and track our progress as we work towards it.

4. Develop a Plan

Having a plan for how we will achieve our goal can also be helpful. We can break the goal down into smaller steps and create a timeline for completing each step. This will give us a sense of direction and help us stay on track.

5. Surround Yourself with Support

Finally, we should surround ourselves with support. This can include friends who will encourage us and hold us accountable, as well as resources like books and podcasts that will inspire and motivate us. When we have a community of believers cheering us on, we will be more likely to persevere and succeed.

Conclusion

The weight of not feeling like it is a common struggle that many Christians face. However, we don't have to be defeated by it. By turning to the gospel for help, cultivating the discipline of obedience, and taking practical steps, we can overcome this weight and grow in our relationship with God.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him, and run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:2). May we lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely and pursue the abundant life that God has for us (John 10:10).