Steps for Moving Out of a Spiritual Rut
Another day has gone by & slowly you’re feeling more and more drained and more and more stuck. You know God wants to meet you powerfully right where you are, but making time to sit and let Him in, feels like it will take so much energy and time that it honestly feels overwhelming at this point. Like it’s too far of a reach, when I already feel blah. Instead, things like laundry, mindlessly scrolling, or even watching sermons of other people sharing what God is speaking to them become more urgent than making time for Him yourself. MAN, HAVE I LIVED IN THIS, have you?
I’ve lived in that cycle for what felt like months. Not too long ago even. Your passion and motivation to grow in your relationship with Him, to steward what you have, to invest in relationships, to live more for Him than yourself and to make a difference in the Kingdom, all feel stunted. Covered up by feelings of being overwhelmed. They call it a “spiritual rut”. But you know what I think?! I think the Lord is TOO good & powerful & lovingly intentional for us to sit in the fact that maybe we’re in a “rut.” Because I believe He wants to offer us freedom and He came so that is didn’t have to complicated.
Moving out of a spiritual rut, and moving toward God, doesn’t have to be intimidating or daunting. It’s actually the rest and fresh air you’re craving & nothing is standing in your way from Him- so let’s step aside and choose what matters most.
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
Here are 7 steps that have seriously helped me get out of a Spiritual Rut:
Ask yourself WHY & WHAT. Write these down & look at them each morning.
“WHY do I want and need to move forward from this spiritual rut? WHAT could my life look like if I was setting aside time for God in my life? WHAT is holding me back, truly? & WHAT are some easy fixes (routines, schedules, commitments) I can make to move forward Christ instead of living in overwhelming feeling of this emotional jail?” **If you are bitter or letting someone else’s actions keep you from God, ask yourself these questions with forgiveness as the focus and let God into those broken places so He can begin to bring healing and wholeness. God is good even when people aren’t.**
Get filled up-recharged- rested. No, seriously.
My husband, Ry’s, spiritual mentor in college once said, “Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a NAP.” YA’LL- CAN I GET AN AMEN? Seriously take a few hours to go to a park and breathe out in nature, do something that is truly restful (NOT on your phone) and fills you up and makes you feel alive. Get pampered, watch a motivational video, go for a long walk, whatever fills you up- just start there. “A change of pace plus a change of space = a change of perspective.” - Mark Patterson.
Start Simply. Don’t overwhelm yourself & breeze by the simple because you feel you “should be past that” by now.
Start making time for Him in your day with just 10min at a time & begin to build your spiritual muscle by simply coming to Him. Grab this simple outline I made & am currently using to re-fresh my time with God, for free, just for you! <3
THE SATURATE BIBLE READING PLAN (SIMPLE!)
4. Go to the place or song where you encountered Him deeply.
I have songs that we worshiped to in youth group when I first got saved and encountered God so deeply, that every single time I hear those- I instantly feel His presence in such a strong way. Maybe there’s a place you used to meet with Him often, a song, etc.- go to that place and worship Him there. Breathe out and surrender. Let it all go, tell Him how you feel & let Him in afresh.
5. Take a Church leader of spiritual mentor out to coffee and let them into how you’re doing.
God speaks & ministers to us through others, especially those who are following Him intentionally. Community helps us feel refreshed, know we aren’t alone & receive wisdom. This is such a powerful one!
6. Go to a Christian based Conference or music concert.
Experiencing the invigorating movement of 100s of worshippers in one place seeking God together & positioning yourself to receive powerful, timely words through people from God will help you “reframe your perspective & reinvigorate your faith”- Frank Powell. Simply search online on google for these happening in your area- it is WORTH the small investment. These have been where I have encountered God so powerfully in ways that have changed my life and moved me forward in my walk with Jesus.
7. Swim Upstream.
Friends sometimes, we just have to get out of our own way and realize that HE is worth moving toward even when we DON’T FEEL LIKE IT. Because the reality is sometimes we just won’t. Pushing forward, enduring and seeking God’s face when it’s easier to let in someone' else’s voice will produce spiritual maturity. He is worth pushing past our comfort zone. & remember, consistency breeds habit & habit BEATS OUT MOTIVATION every single time. “Don’t let anything hinder you from pursuing Christ. Press toward the goal- Jesus Himself.” Read the Word anyway, attend Small Group anyway, choose Jesus anyway.
Friend, we were made for this. What could our lives look like if we got out of our own way & pressed toward the Father? You have everything you need to encounter God, exactly like you need Him, right where you are. Nothing is strong enough to stand in your way any longer.
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press ontoward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14
“Move your heart closer to God & He will come even closer to you.” James 4:8
xo,
Lanissa
