Stuck In A Rut

At times in our lives we find ourselves stuck in a rut. If you've ever spent time in the country or in a place that gets a lot of snow and ice then you know what I'm talking about when I refer to a rut. Some ruts are so deep that once your tires get into them you can't get out, you can't turn to the right or left, your only option is to keep going hoping you will eventually "drive out" of them. When we find ourselves in life's ruts we have to make ourselves continue, if you ever stop in the ruts you're stuck. Sometimes we don't even realize we are in a rut until it's too late. If you find yourself in a rut don't give up. Maybe you are feel that you are stuck or just don't know what to do. If this is you, don't despair, call on the name of Jesus. First of all, turn your life completely over to Him, realize that you can't do it on your own, then ask God to send people into your life that can help guide you out of the "rut" and back onto "solid ground". Get plugged into a Bible believing church with a leader who can speak into your life and begin to grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

You may be a Christian but you have become ineffective in you ministry or Christian walk... now is the time for Spiritual renewal for your life. Here are some symptoms of Soul Neglect. If any of these apply to you I want to encourage you to find some quiet time, slow down and take a few moments to reestablish the communication lines with God and let Him begin to heal your heart and soul and turn the reins of your life back over to Him. Here are 10 symptoms of soul neglect:

1. Low-Grade "Depression Fever"
    A spiritual depression in which a person, feeling fine in most other ways, feels distant and cut off from God.

2. Busy but bored
    We have a calendar that is full but a heart that is withering, shrinking, unable to care deeply or to experience pleasure fully.

3. Loss of control over life's routine
    We are not questioning the meaning of what we are doing but we are unable to keep all the fires that
    we've started fueled. Life has become overwhelming.

4. Loss of responsiveness to others
    We find it difficult to be with people we used to enjoy. Comments or actions you used to overlook now
     provoke a negative reaction.

5. Withdrawal from responsibility and leadership
     When the inner lake has been drained, it's too low to support the weights of life. When our reservoirs are
     drained we have all we can do just too manage our own lives.

6. Preoccupation with projects of lesser importance
    We keep doing things, but we turn to those things that are less demanding, Your lack of energy and
    motivation may be a signal that your inner life needs more attention.

7. Restlessness and dissatisfaction
    The loss of contentment is a spiritual problem. Restlessness is a symptom of an unmet need. Discontent
    and envy drain our joy, leaving us with bitterness and dissatisfaction.

8. Resurgence of unhealthy habits
    When our souls need attention, we may try to satisfy the wrong appetite. We may misread the inner
    discomfort we feel and do exactly the opposite of what we really need to do.

9. Guilt and shame
    Deliberate sin shrinks the soul, wringing vitality from it. Shame is the lingering echo of a guilty conscience.

10. A hard heart
     The most frightening symptom of soul neglect. We knowingly refuse to do what we know is right or are
     unwilling to stop doing what we know is wrong.(from "Soul Shaping" by Douglas J. Rumford)

Admit to yourself and God where you are right now then ask Him to come in and Change You. Until next time,  
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP) 
²⁴ The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
²⁵ The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
²⁶ The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).