DAILY TEXT, Monday, July 7, 2025, Serve the Lord with gladness. Enter into his presence with shouts of joy (Ps. 100:2).

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Monday, July 7, 2025

Serve the Lord with gladness. Enter his presence with shouts of joy (Ps. 100:2).

A sister from Poland named Lucyna says: “Sometimes I don't want to go preaching, especially when I'm tired. But the happiness I feel when I return home is priceless; it's a great gift.” Now let's look at what we can do when we're feeling unmotivated.

Is it okay to strive for a goal if we don't feel like doing it?

Jehovah wants us to serve him with joy and from the heart. (Ps. 100:2; 2 Cor. 9:7) So why strive for a spiritual goal if deep down we don’t feel like it? Consider the example of the apostle Paul. He said: “I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave.” (1 Cor. 9:25–27, footnote) Paul forced himself to do what Jehovah expected of him even when he didn’t feel very motivated. Was Jehovah pleased with Paul’s service? Of course he was. And he rewarded him for his hard work. (2 Tim. 4:7, 8)

What are the benefits of striving to achieve a goal even when we don't feel motivated?

Jehovah is also pleased when he sees us working hard toward a goal even if we're not motivated. Why? Because we do it out of love for him, even if we don't always enjoy the activity we've set out to do. Jehovah blessed Paul, and he will bless us too if we try hard. (Ps. 126:5) And when we see that Jehovah blesses our efforts, we may begin to feel more motivated.

How does Jehovah help us gain more self-control?

Ask Jehovah to help you develop self-control. A person with self-control knows how to control his or her feelings and actions. This quality not only stops us from doing wrong things. The other side of the coin is that it moves us to do what is right, especially when it is difficult or we are not motivated.

Let us remember that self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. So, if we ask Jehovah for his holy spirit, we can cultivate this very important quality. (Luke 11:13; Gal. 5:22, 23) David, mentioned in paragraph 3, resolved to become more consistent in his personal study. For him, prayer was very important. He says: “I asked Jehovah to help me develop self-control. And he helped me. I began a good personal study program, and I continue with it.”

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