Understanding Excitement: The Power of Enthusiastic Anticipation

Excitement is a profound emotional force that captivates our imagination and energizes our spirit, driving us toward new possibilities and experiences. It manifests as an intense feeling of eagerness and enthusiasm, often accompanied by physical sensations such as increased heart rate and heightened awareness. This powerful emotion can inspire creativity, motivate action, and transform ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for growth and discovery.

The Nature of Excitement

This is emotional enthusiasm, an all-consuming eagerness about something that is new, about to happen, or that has caught the imagination, causing the human body to produce adrenaline and endorphins, making us feel more alive and engaged in the world. The mind visualizes or conjures up a vast array of scenarios that could become reality as our creative minds are stimulated by an idea. Yet it is wise to pause and responsibly consider with discernment and wisdom the path before us (Prov 4:26, 19:2).

The eagerness to bring it into reality can lead to reckless abandonment of rational thought and sound principles, as often experienced by impetuous youth who later regret some of their choices as they live with long-term consequences. The impetuous nature of youth is characterized by a tendency to act on sudden impulses without careful consideration of the outcomes. Young people, caught in the thrill of the moment, frequently make rash, spur-of-the-moment decisions that seem exciting in the heat of enthusiasm but ultimately lead to profound regret. These hasty choices can result in lasting consequences that affect relationships, career paths, financial stability, and spiritual well-being. The passion and energy of youth, while valuable, must be guided by wisdom to avoid the heartache of hindsight. Don't let the excitement and endless possibilities offered in your teenage years crowd out the eternally significant experiences (Eccl 12:1). We should commit our way to the Lord in prayer, and especially in major areas solicit the input of independent, mature, Godly people who can offer valuable common-sense insights.

If it seems we are to proceed, do so without undue haste, thoughtfully, with logic and wisdom. Be open to the unfolding of ongoing guidance and refinement of the goal by keeping an open heart to the Lord. Zacchaeus was delighted when Jesus noticed him and said He wanted to come to his house (Lk 19:6).

Excitement as a Powerful Motivator

Excitement is a powerful motivator that stimulates enormous energy and drive to passionately accomplish things we might not have thought possible and so unlock our full potential and achieve our goals as we overcome obstacles and push past our comfort zones. However, from the mountain top experience of ecstasy where boundless opportunities are seen, we will come down into the valley of realism with its problems, where patience and tedious, hard work are required to outwork the dream seen on the mountaintop.

What Godly vision excites me?

Reflect on the initial vision to keep you inspired, utilizing the necessary quality of endurance to see the venture through to completion. The Bible says, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord" (Rom 12:11). This requires the inner stamina of endurance; to continue the hard slog when the novelty and excitement of something new and exhilarating has worn off.

Balancing Enthusiasm with Wisdom

While excitement provides the initial spark and energy to embark on new ventures, it must be tempered with wisdom, patience, and careful consideration. The journey from vision to reality requires both the passion of excitement and the discipline of perseverance. By maintaining this balance, we can harness the positive energy of enthusiasm while avoiding the pitfalls of impulsive decision-making.

When Excitement Wears Off

The inevitable reality is that the excitement will wear off, and drudgery sets in. What once seemed thrilling and full of possibility becomes the routine, the mundane, and sometimes the difficult tasks that must be accomplished day after day. This transition is not a sign of failure but a natural part of any meaningful endeavor. The initial emotional high fades, leaving us with the real work of bringing the vision to fruition.

In this season, freshness and persistence become essential qualities to see the goal completed. Freshness comes from continually renewing our perspective, finding new aspects of the work to appreciate, and maintaining our connection to the original purpose and passion that inspired us. It requires intentional effort to stay emotionally and spiritually engaged when the novelty has long since passed.

Persistence is the steadfast commitment to keep moving forward despite the lack of excitement, the obstacles that arise, or the slow progress that seems to characterize the middle stages of any significant undertaking. The Apostle Paul speaks to this need for endurance: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9). This promise reminds us that the friction and weariness we experience are temporary, and the harvest awaits those who persevere.

When drudgery threatens to overwhelm us, we can find strength in remembering why we started. Reconnecting with the God-given vision and the eternal significance of our work can reignite a deeper motivation that transcends fleeting emotions. We can also seek fresh inspiration through prayer, Scripture, and the encouragement of fellow believers who understand the journey.

How will I persist when excitement fades?

The discipline of showing up day after day, doing what needs to be done even when we don't feel like it, is where character is forged and where dreams move from possibility to reality. As we embrace both the mountaintop moments of excitement and the valley plains of persistent work, we develop the maturity and stamina necessary for long-term fruitfulness in God's kingdom.

Reflection and Application:

Consider a current situation that excites you—how can you ensure wise counsel guides your enthusiasm?
Reflect on past experiences where excitement led to positive outcomes or valuable lessons learned.
What Godly vision or purpose currently motivates and energizes you to action?
How can you maintain spiritual fervour and endurance when initial excitement fades?