For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

What’s wrong with me, Lord? 

As I prayed, I struggled to find the right word to describe my emotion. Depressed felt too strong. Discouraged didn’t fit either. Searching through an online thesaurus, I found it: listless ~ meaning spiritless, or without energy. 

Although the word described me perfectly, it contrasted sharply with my characteristically driven nature. Normally I wake up with an agenda, hit the floor running, and delight in checking things off my long To-Do List.

But this day I did not want to do any of the many tasks planned for the day, and I could not think of anything I’d rather do instead. Despite my prayers and soul-searching, I couldn’t pinpoint the cause of my apathy. A number of things routinely plague me: fear of failure, the absence of a clear and immediate result for my efforts, and physical exhaustion. But in the end, the Spirit pressed this Scripture on my heart:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

The verse comes from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Just before these words, Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift he received from God (2 Timothy 1:6). Like me, there may be several reasons why Timothy hesitated to use his gift for God. He may have felt disqualified to serve as an evangelist because of his young age (1 Timothy 4:12). His frequent illnesses may have robbed him of energy (1 Timothy 5:23). Or he could have simply been tempted to give in to the fear of failure or the threat of persecution.

Regardless of the cause of my listlessness, Paul’s advice for Timothy is the answer for me. Even when I can’t determine why I lack motivation, I can still rely on the Spirit to help me move forward. He gives us everything we need:

Power ~ when we lack the physical or spiritual energy to move forward, we can rely on the power of the Spirit. Since the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11), He can lift me out of my doldrums and get me moving. 

Love ~ when results are not immediate, or visible, the Spirit helps us rekindle our love for God and others, which then becomes our driving force. I can express my love for God by using my gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). 

Self-discipline ~ when we lack the willpower to obey God’s calling, the Spirit gives us self-discipline. He will help me take the first step, and then the next, and then the next (Galatians 5:25). 

I’ve never known anyone who is purely motivated and zealous for God at all times. We all experience times where we lack self-discipline and struggle with our desire to serve God. Thankfully we have God’s Spirit to rekindle our zeal and to restore our joy as we follow Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for sending us your Spirit. May we rely on Him as we serve You and others with the gifts You have given us. When we feel weak or listless, help us remember we have everything we need through Your Spirit who lives in us. We pray all of this in Your name. Amen.