Stuck in a rut?

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RachelP03

Guest
#1
#1
What do you do or maybe some ideas when you feel like you're stuck in a rut? I know we all get to a place where life might seem boring or you want something new and exciting in your life like a job, relationship or scenery. I remember last year wanting a new job so bad and prayed and prayed and finally God answered my prayers, but I remember being so bored with life like I was stuck. I feel the same way now too with other situations, feeling like I am made for so much more. I've noticed I'm getting impatient as I am seeking the Lord with everything and obeying as much as I can as a human. Anyone have any ideas? Or things that they did that helped them when they were in a rut?
 
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Raine

Guest
#2
#2
I am stuck in a rut as well... I heard something interesting recently that I would like to share regarding waiting.

There is Good Friday, then Easter Sunday. For the disciples it was only three days. Their Saturday was only a day. For Abraham and Sarah, their Saturday was 25 years. For us, we do not live on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. We live on Saturday, which is why the waiting is hard. We live in the in between days. We have only heard of Good Friday and we are waiting for Easter Sunday to arrive.

I think many people feel stuck because we are stuck in the waiting days... However, we should live each day anticipating the arrival of Sunday . :). I have been stuck for about a year and a half now, and I have definitely had my moments of feeling frustrated with God, but then he tells me I'm not ready for whatever it is he has for me... So each day, I try to prepare myself for his plans. I do this through spending time with him, challenging myself to have more boldness in proclaiming my love for him, leading a healthy lifestyle, getting in shape so I can be prepared for wherever he leads me, learning how to love my family more and more. How can God bless me with more when he can't trust me with what he's already given me?

The waiting time is also a great time to develop your trust and deepen your faith in God and in His ways... For all His ways are perfect.

What is God asking you to work on? How is He challenging you to become a tool that He can use?
 
gypsygirl

gypsygirl

Senior Member
#3
Sep 19, 2012
1,394
60
48
#3
+ volunteer, get involved in some cause that is important to you. you'll meet like-minded people and stop focusing on yourself so much (and the rut you're in)

+ if you don't already, exercise. nothing makes my brain and body happier than when i'm getting a steady, rich supply of oxygenated blood and all those other fabulous chemicals that are manufactured via that process

+ challenge yourself! take a class. learn something new. do something outrageous, like take a belly dancing class or learn a new language. try something that will make your wheels fly, mentally.

+ do some bible study, or read a book that challenges your (comfortable) faith. i can make several recommendations, or ask your friends or someone at your church. : )
 
M

MissCris

Guest
#4
#4
When I get stuck in a rut, I like to sit in it a while, look around, you know, really get a feel for it...so that when I get out, I can remember how I ended up there in the first place and avoid it happening the same way again.

Effective ways to remove oneself from a rut-

Basically, everything that's already been mentioned.

Doing things that take me outside of myself- outside of my selfishness, outside of my routines, outside of my house, outside of what I think are my limits- is the best solution I've found.
 
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Ella85

Senior Member
#5
May 9, 2014
1,414
106
63
#5
Raine said:
I am stuck in a rut as well... I heard something interesting recently that I would like to share regarding waiting.

There is Good Friday, then Easter Sunday. For the disciples it was only three days. Their Saturday was only a day. For Abraham and Sarah, their Saturday was 25 years. For us, we do not live on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. We live on Saturday, which is why the waiting is hard. We live in the in between days. We have only heard of Good Friday and we are waiting for Easter Sunday to arrive.

I think many people feel stuck because we are stuck in the waiting days... However, we should live each day anticipating the arrival of Sunday . :). I have been stuck for about a year and a half now, and I have definitely had my moments of feeling frustrated with God, but then he tells me I'm not ready for whatever it is he has for me... So each day, I try to prepare myself for his plans. I do this through spending time with him, challenging myself to have more boldness in proclaiming my love for him, leading a healthy lifestyle, getting in shape so I can be prepared for wherever he leads me, learning how to love my family more and more. How can God bless me with more when he can't trust me with what he's already given me?

The waiting time is also a great time to develop your trust and deepen your faith in God and in His ways... For all His ways are perfect.

What is God asking you to work on? How is He challenging you to become a tool that He can use?
Click to expand...

You know what?? I just love you!!! Every time I read your posts I just think how much of a switched on young lady you are. Xxx
 
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Ella85

Senior Member
#6
May 9, 2014
1,414
106
63
#6
When I'm stuck in a rut I clean!!!! Hahaha!!! Like insane cleaning, then I end up spilling things, smashing things and walking into walls...lol
 
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Raine

Guest
#7
#7
Ella85 said:
You know what?? I just love you!!! Every time I read your posts I just think how much of a switched on young lady you are. Xxx
Click to expand...
Ella,

Thank you! Love you too girly! <3. Definitely blessed to have you in my life. :)
 
tourist

tourist

Senior Member
#9
Mar 13, 2014
42,556
17,025
113
69
Tennessee
#9
Yesterday was Saturday and I was stuck in a rut. Today is Saturday and I am still stuck in a rut. Tomorrow is Saturday...
 
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RachelP03

Guest
#10
#10
MissCris said:
When I get stuck in a rut, I like to sit in it a while, look around, you know, really get a feel for it...so that when I get out, I can remember how I ended up there in the first place and avoid it happening the same way again.

Effective ways to remove oneself from a rut-

Basically, everything that's already been mentioned.

Doing things that take me outside of myself- outside of my selfishness, outside of my routines, outside of my house, outside of what I think are my limits- is the best solution I've found.
Click to expand...
Ella85 said:
When I'm stuck in a rut I clean!!!! Hahaha!!! Like insane cleaning, then I end up spilling things, smashing things and walking into walls...lol
Click to expand...
tourist said:
Yesterday was Saturday and I was stuck in a rut. Today is Saturday and I am still stuck in a rut. Tomorrow is Saturday...
Click to expand...


Those are all great ideas.... I've been doing majority of them. I have to trust God that he has me here for a reason even tho I'm totally bored and know that I was made for so much more..... :)

Thanks guys!!
 
Nautilus

Nautilus

Senior Member
#11
Jun 29, 2012
6,488
53
48
#11
gypsygirl said:
+ if you don't already, exercise. nothing makes my brain and body happier than when i'm getting a steady, rich supply of oxygenated blood and all those other fabulous chemicals that are manufactured via that process
Click to expand...
Pssshhh when would I have time to post?
 
D

Donkeyfish07

Guest
#12
#12
Ella85 said:
When I'm stuck in a rut I clean!!!! Hahaha!!! Like insane cleaning, then I end up spilling things, smashing things and walking into walls...lol
Click to expand...
Next time your stuck in a rut, let me know. My house could use some serious cleaning :p
 
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jeremyPJ

Guest
#14
#14
I'm always stuck in a rut somehow. Funny thing is, i'm thankful I'm not in the old ruts anymore...
And after my dreams come true, of being out of the ruts and lived a great life, the Lord will pluck me out with open arms and tell me "come on in, you did the best that you could do" like in the old country song (Statler Brothers or Oak Ridge Boys...?)
 
Jilly81

Jilly81

Senior Member
#15
Jan 16, 2011
2,367
138
63
#15
I asked Jesus to give me more to do for Him; that helped me out a lot. If you choose to do this as well, when He prompts you to do something for someone, or say something to them, especially if it's about Him, DO IT. Even if you don't want to. Also, first ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit's power :).
 
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Gojira

Guest
#16
#16
I'm stuck in more than a rut. It's hard to describe, actually. I feel like I'm in a hole, and I am supposed to be there.

Back in 2006, I was content with life. I was married and work was going well. Things were kind of where I wanted them to be. Not perfect, of course, since nothing ever is. But, they were good enough.

Since 2009, things have become much more rocky, tempestuous, and unpleasant. Work is not going well. My wife died that year, and Christian women want nothing to do with me (this is not my imagination... 15 years of trying are telling me this). I have no friends or buddies here in Arizona. I want a life with meaning and purpose, but have none. I do not look forward to each new day.

I pray about this constantly, but I am greeted by silence. Not even crickets. The only semblance of an answer I may be getting is "Life sucks and is going to suck. So, hold on to Me until I bring you into glory."

To think that the remainder of my days will be about refinement / discipline is not encouraging, but makes me want to leave now.

At a buddy's advice, I wrote down what I'd like my life to be like now. Then, he recommended thinking about what it would take to have gotten there. But, some of the things I have no idea how to bring about. Other things would require schooling, and at 59yo, is it worth it?? I've prayed about this list, too, but the abject silence continues.
 
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RodB651

Well-known member
#17
Feb 11, 2021
723
443
63
59
#17
Gojira said:
I want a life with meaning and purpose, but have none. I do not look forward to each new day.

I pray about this constantly, but I am greeted by silence. Not even crickets. The only semblance of an answer I may be getting is "Life sucks and is going to suck. So, hold on to Me until I bring you into glory."

To think that the remainder of my days will be about refinement / discipline is not encouraging, but makes me want to leave now.
Click to expand...
I understand the feeling, especially the part in bold. Its the "same ol same" greeting you each day... I could offer to quote some verses, but I suspect you already know what I would quote. I will let others do that.

I haven't experienced loss as you have and the experiences I do have over the last thirty years are largely of my own doing.

I will say also that like you, the remainder of my days are going to be filled with refinement and discipline. I will encourage you to accept this. Paul aimed to finish the race well and win the prize. We should do the same...

I hope this helps! .. Rodney
 
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Gojira

Guest
#18
#18
RodB651 said:
I understand the feeling, especially the part in bold. Its the "same ol same" greeting you each day... I could offer to quote some verses, but I suspect you already know what I would quote. I will let others do that.

I haven't experienced loss as you have and the experiences I do have over the last thirty years are largely of my own doing.

I will say also that like you, the remainder of my days are going to be filled with refinement and discipline. I will encourage you to accept this. Paul aimed to finish the race well and win the prize. We should do the same...

I hope this helps! .. Rodney
Click to expand...
Not really, just makes me think about making a hard turn through a guard rail on the freeway... but I won't. But, I'm not going to be happy, either. Paul had a purpose and was passionate about what he was doing -- despite the thorn. And, what I'm dealing with is more than a single thorn.
 
K

Karlon

Well-known member
#19
Mar 8, 2023
2,529
1,136
113
#19
RachelP03 said:
What do you do or maybe some ideas when you feel like you're stuck in a rut? I know we all get to a place where life might seem boring or you want something new and exciting in your life like a job, relationship or scenery. I remember last year wanting a new job so bad and prayed and prayed and finally God answered my prayers, but I remember being so bored with life like I was stuck. I feel the same way now too with other situations, feeling like I am made for so much more. I've noticed I'm getting impatient as I am seeking the Lord with everything and obeying as much as I can as a human. Anyone have any ideas? Or things that they did that helped them when they were in a rut?
Click to expand...
are you performing the Lord's work He has for you? (Phillipians 2:13). how about praying, praising, volunteer work, assisting the elderly, being unselfish, studying the Bible? the meaning of anxiety in a Christian's life is "misplaced priorities in life". 1 of the greatest joys is assisting others. establish a daily Christian routine & stick to it placing yourself last. do all your deeds wearing a smile. blessings to you.
 
Snackersmom

Snackersmom

Senior Member
#20
May 10, 2011
1,645
260
83
#20
Hi Gojira, I've been in a rut too. It stinks. :confused: I won't get into the details of my rut, but I can share that something that helped pull me out of it was realizing that I did have gifts and talents to use for Kingdom purposes.

It does seem like your confidence and self-worth is pretty low right now. Have you talked to anyone about what your individual gifts might be? I wish I knew you better or I would give it a shot myself.....but I did a little poking around your posts (Creepy, I know! :eek:), and it did seem like you have a gift for making a good point clearly and succinctly, without resorting to insults or excessive snarkiness. That's actually a pretty rare and powerful gift :cool:.

Watching a guy use his talents for God is pretty darn attractive to us ladies, too..... not that you should do it for that reason...but just sayin'. :sneaky:
 
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