Bhagavad Gita 9.14

satataṁ kīrtayanto māṁ yatantaś ca dṛḍha-vratāḥ

namasyantaś ca māṁ bhaktyā nitya-yuktā upāsate

 

Forever, they sing my glories unending,

Endeavor for me with resolve unfailing,

Bow before me, with hearts unswerving,

Engaged in me, with devotion unerring.

 

My dear Lord, you emphasize that even those who are purely and fully devoted to you must still endeavor consistently—sometimes through pain and perseverance. Nothing worthwhile in this world comes easily; everything meaningful takes effort, time, and energy.

Help me to see that your mercy lies in showing me the way to a fulfilling life, not necessarily in removing the obstacles along that way. Of course, O merciful Lord, you can and do remove obstacles, but you do not want to deprive me of the growth that comes only through them. Often it is by pushing through obstacles that I demonstrate the earnestness and seriousness of my desire to come to you. In fact, it is through such pushing that I consolidate my resolve to seek you as my purpose and priority, not just as a hobby or a novelty.

For my worldly desires, I am often ready to push through obstacles without hesitation. Please, O supreme benefactor, guide me so that I may do the same for you. When I face challenges, let them not trigger in me resentment toward you, but inspire me instead to see them as opportunities: to demonstrate my emotional investment in our relationship and my practical commitment to your service.

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09.14 Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.