Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a key role in motivation, reward, and pleasure. It’s often called the “feel-good” chemical because it’s associated with positive emotions and the drive to achieve goals.
The way dopamine works in our brains is part of God’s intricate design, meant to encourage perseverance and faithfulness. When we make progress toward our goals, it aligns with Philippians 1:6, which says:
He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Just as God is faithful to complete His work in us, He’s also given us the ability to find joy in completing steps toward the purposes He’s called us to.
Even small victories are worth celebrating because they are part of the journey God has set before us. Zechariah 4:10 reminds us:
For who has despised the day of small things?
Every step forward—no matter how small—is valuable in God’s eyes, and He rejoices with us.
The dopamine reward system is a reminder of the ultimate joy we experience when we fulfill God’s purposes. This aligns with Hebrews 12:1-2, which says:
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 2 Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…
Just as Jesus endured for the joy of our redemption, we can stay motivated by looking ahead to the joy of fulfilling God’s will.
When setbacks happen and progress feels slow, remember Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13-14:
Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The dopamine God designed in us reminds us that perseverance brings reward—both in this life and in eternity.
When discouragement sets in, God offers to renew our strength to keep going. Isaiah writes in Isaiah 40:31:
but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.
Trusting in God ensures that we will have the strength and motivation to achieve His purposes for our lives.
How to Stay Encouraged
Instead of focusing only on the final goal, take small steps of faith. Psalm 37:23 reminds us:
The steps of a man are made firm by the Lord; He delights in his way.
Each faithful step brings us closer to the purpose God has for us. Celebrate each moment of progress as a reflection of God’s work in our lives. Remember to give thanks for the small victories, as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages:
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
When earthly rewards feel insufficient, remember Galatians 6:9:
And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.
When we feel weak or tempted to give up, turn to 2 Corinthians 12:9:
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
God wired us to find joy and motivation in progress, but He also calls us to rely on Him for strength and perseverance. By celebrating the small victories and trusting in God’s faithfulness, we can stay encouraged even in challenging times.
God is walking with us every step of the way. Just as dopamine motivates our brains, the Holy Spirit works within us to guide and strengthen us. As Jesus said in John 16:33:
In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.
Keep pressing on, knowing that God’s reward is not just temporary but eternal!
FLY 2019