Luke 6:45 says, “Good comes from a good man because of the riches he has in his heart. Sin comes from a sinful man because of the sin he has in his heart. The mouth speaks of what the heart is full of.” This verse articulates the simple truth that our actions, feelings, and motivation begin in our minds. What we ruminate on influences the ways we interact with our world.
If we are thinking continuously about how discouraged we are feeling, then when we are presented with a challenge our inclination will be to give up quickly. Our minds are already telling us before the work gets hard that we don’t have what it takes to keep at this task. If we want to find success, stay focused, and motivated we have to fuel our minds with truth. Truth reminds us that we are never alone, and God is with us and there to help us through every part of our lives. Motivational Bible verses remind us that we have the inner strength to persevere through difficulties. They emphasize the idea that with God's help, we can overcome obstacles, which builds resilience and determination.
When we meditate on the Scripture, we are reminded that we work not to please men but to serve God. The Bible tells us that when we live lives in service to Jesus then all we do is for his glory. These words plant seeds of hope into our minds that then can bloom into beautiful fruitful actions coming to pass in our lives. The battle for righteous living begins in our minds and the Word of God is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our minds fixed on the Lord.
Here are twenty verses that you can meditate on to fill your mind with the truth that can help keep you motivated as a believer. When we read motivational Bible verses regularly, they serve as reminders of our purpose and calling. They can reignite our passion for our goals and aspirations. This renewed focus helps us stay on track, even when the path becomes difficult.
20 Motivational Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
We know that when we dedicate our efforts to the Lord, he will use them for his glory!
Matthew 19:26, "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
There is no situation too difficult for the Lord to walk us through. We have to keep taking the next step forward with him, trusting that he will carry us through.
2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
What we see as weakness and failure, God can use as a way to show up big in our lives. Don’t give up just because you feel you are inadequate in some way. Allow God to use your weakness to show how great a God he is!
Romans 12:11, "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
Zeal refers to passion. We are called to serve God with passion!
Galatians 6:7-8, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Each of our actions sets off a reaction. Be diligent to sow into the Spirit as to store up eternal treasures in Heaven.
Galatians 1:10, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
All we do should be unto service to the Lord. We don’t serve or work so we can win over others. Our motivation should be honoring God not the praise of men.
Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also 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, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
God and the angels in Heaven are cheering us on! Set aside sin and focus on Jesus as the one that supplies the endurance you need to live this life well.
Psalm 37:5, "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
When you commit your ways to God, he is busy working on your behalf! You can move ahead with confidence knowing that God is helping you with each new step.
James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
When life gets hard, stand strong, because God is with you! The reward we are working for is a heavenly one. The God who loves you has promised this to you.
Psalm 16:8, “I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.”
God goes ahead of us, clearing the way for us to find joy and spiritual growth.
Joshua 1:9, “I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Don’t let fear stop you from taking a step of faith. God has called you to be brave and strong!
Romans 8:31, “So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
If God has called you to something then what may seem impossible becomes possible with him.
Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.”
When you begin to feel weary, look to the Lord. He will renew your strength!
1 Peter 5:7, “Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you.”
Fear, anxiety, and depression can leave us depleted and without motivation. Cast those feelings upon the Lord because he cares about you and keep on going.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day. Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison. We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal.”
We have to keep the proper focus to stay motivated. Focus your mind on the things that are eternal.
Philippians 4:13, “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”
There is nothing that we face in this life that is too big for God. He will give you the strength you need.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Stay awake, stand firm in your faith, be brave, be strong. Everything should be done in love.”
God’s word encourages us to keep at it. Stay strong, firm, brave, and let love be your guide.
Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever!”
Remember that God is good. Give thanks for what he has done and the ways he has carried you through tough times.
1 John 3:22, “We receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.”
God hears our prayers. Go to God in prayer to ask for what you need to be able to move forward joyfully.
Hebrews 10:24–25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Lean on your tribe when you need encouragement to keep on showing love and doing good.
What Does the Bible Teach Us about Motivation?
We all find motivation in different places. Some of us are motivated by the joy of checking something off a list. Others of us let guilt or shame push us into working hard to please others. Success, money, materialism, pride, people-pleasing, and on goes the list of ways that we can gain motivation.
While meeting goals, helping a friend, or losing that weight are things we should feel good about accomplishing. Setting and meeting goals is a great way to try to create rhythms of discipline in your life. Yet, when you become a Christ-follower there is a new lens we have to view all of our actions through and that lens asks us to examine what is in our hearts not just what is visible on the outside. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (emphasis added).
This means even if we are checking off all the boxes of life ... if our every action appears to be good but if in our hearts evil intentions are motivating us, then God isn’t impressed. He sees and examines our hearts. He cares about the “what” and the “why” of our lives. God wants you to live your best life for his glory. He is on your side, continually transforming you, ready to see you succeed! Romans 8:28 reminds us that he is working out all the details of your life for your good. God is there to cheer you on and see you through each challenge and victory that comes your way. He offers a warning in Proverbs 4 which tells us to guard our heart because everything we do flows from it. Fix our eyes on him and he promises then he will guide us.
Keeping motivated is an important part of not losing faith and not growing weary but as Christ-Followers our motivation has to come from the Lord. All we do is to be done as service unto the Lord.
A Prayer for Motivation
Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
Father, as I set goals for my life and set out to serve those around me would you remind me that all I do is for you. Help me to examine my intentions so that I can approach you with a clean and pure heart. Let all I do be acceptable in your sight…everything from my thoughts, actions, words, and meditations. Strengthen my heart and my hands to do the good work you have called me to. Help me to not grow weary but renew my strength. Inspire my heart with dreams and speak to me about what it is you desire me to be working toward. Help me not to be busy just for busy’s sake but to give my best and all to the world you have called me to. Amen.
Life never seems to go quite how we expect it should go but if we are trusting God he promises to make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Whatever you are working towards, bring it to Jesus in prayer. Ask him to give you what you need to find the motivation to move forward in your life. He is able and when we surrender our lives to him he is able to do immeasurably more than we could think, ask, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
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Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.