“If I am doing good, why don’t I feel good? I feel empty—worthless. No one recognizes the good things I am doing.”
At some point in our Christian lives, all of us have said something like this. We feel exhausted and unappreciated. We work hard volunteering for tasks no one else wants to do. We may start enthusiastically, but when others do not follow through, the joy leaves. Their criticism stifles our spirit.
In my experience, when worthlessness sets in, it is due to one or more of the following reasons.
Lack of prayer: I thought it was a great opportunity to serve, but I did not pray about it. It is so easy to quickly say yes then realize later that this service is taking precious time and energy from other activities that are higher priorities in my Christian life. Taking time to pray gives me a clearer understanding of all that will be involved. I get some direction from God as I lay out my heart to him.- Lack of humility: I have been known to accept a job because I want others to notice my talent. Hey, I am human. I enjoy recognition as much as anyone. However, accolades are the wrong reasons. The only pure motivation for accepting a position is so God can use me to bless others. Such an attitude makes service a joy instead of a self-promotion extravaganza.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16
May you find pure joy as you serve God for the right reason—God has given you the task.