Is Procrastination Getting You Down?
Do you have a problem managing your time? Do you struggle to find energy and drive? Does your procrastination get you down?
It’s 1 pm on Saturday at my house. I finally turned off the TV and sat down to write this (hopefully) inspiring column. I already feel better about myself (and my day) because I pushed through and took the steps necessary to accomplish something.
But some days are harder to push through on than others, aren’t they?
Years ago I suffered from depression. I barely had the motivation to do anything. I felt judged by people. Even worse, I felt God’s disappointment almost every day. I saw myself as a failure, and the fear of watching my life slide into a worthless puddle of inactivity consumed me. I hated my life, and I hated myself.
I knew my depression caused my low energy. I also knew if I didn’t start accomplishing some of the most basic daily tasks, I’d continue my downward spiral.
One morning during my quiet time, I came across Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV), which said exactly what I needed to hear from God:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
After reading these beautiful words, I wanted to hug God. Probably because I felt like He was hugging me through those verses. His Word reminded me that He loves me unconditionally.
I don’t know what I would have done without God’s compassionate love at that time in my life. In the days and years following, I probably would have given up if His unceasing love hadn’t greeted me each morning. Not once in all those years of struggle did His mercy come to an end.
I no longer struggle with depression, but I still struggle (though, thankfully, not as much) to manage my time.
If you struggle with procrastination, lack of motivation or just plain laziness, instead of allowing guilt and anxiety to consume you, let’s discuss ideas that could help. In future articles, I’ll share some tips that have made a difference in my life.
In the meanwhile, please consider meditating on this week’s verse. I pray you’ll come to know God’s steadfast love and mercy.
And that you’ll discover them again and again every morning.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
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Sheryl,
I know God guided you to share your post today. So many folks suffer depression. I did in my late twenties. Being fifty years beyond that, I am blessed with God’s promises in His word to assure me of who I am in Him. It is Such a blessing to have the Bible, God’s instruction manual. I determined to continue reading through the Bible in a year for as long as I am able. Beyond that, there is audio. Since I am God’s child and He is always with me, (Joshua 1:9), I will be enjoying it as long as my days be here(Psalm 139:16).
Keep being a beacon as God’s plan for you mentors those in need.
Thank you, Sharri, for your very kind words. And for your wonderful example of someone who consistently seeks God!
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Excellent column. Thank you, Sheryl.
You’re quite welcome, Wendy. Procrastination used to be a HUGE problem for me.
Thank you for stopping by – and for the compliment.
“Great is Thy Faithfulness”! I’m so glad that God loves us no matter what!! Yes, I’m sure all of us procrastinate to a certain extent, but sometimes we are too hard on ourselves, too. When my children were younger, I was very busy with their sports and school activities, helping out in the first aide rooms, being a nurse, and I also worked in the front office. I also was a part of Bible Study Fellowship for many years. But now as my husband is retired and my kids are grown, I’ve slowed down, a bit. Of course, I help spiritually, as I mentor others, help others with medical advice being chronically ill, but I also rest when I need to for my health. I’m glad that the Lord gives us new mercies every morning!! ❤
You are amazing, Kim! I honestly don’t think I’ve EVER had your kind of energy. Even today, as we’re both slowing down, you probably could run circles around me. Haha
You obviously haven’t (or at least it seems) struggled with a real case of procrastination. I have. It was a HUGE problem years ago. Thankfully, and I do mean, THANKFULLY, it’s not nearly the problem it used to be.
But whatever I struggle with each day, I always find comfort that God’s mercy is still new every morning!
I can certainly relate! I’m glad those days of deep depression are behind me. You are so right Sheryl; we need to push through and get things done. When we start to slack off we really pay the price.
Indeed. I always feel better about my day – and about myself – when I have a productive day.
Thanks for commenting, Barbara. AND thank you so much for sharing this post on your FB page.
Sheryl, this article hit the nail on the head for me, I so needed it. I struggle with procrastination so very much, I feel like the queen of procrastination. It is encouraging to know I’m not alone in this and to see the responses of other people. Thank you Sheryl for your encouragement.
Melanie, you are not alone ~ as you can see by others’ comments, not to mention my own admission. Stay tuned for future articles. In the meantime, let’s pray for each other and BE ENCOURAGED that God will never give up on us! Aren’t you glad? 🙂
AND thank you for stopping by, Melanie.