Do you feel stuck?
I am stuck. Old beliefs and thoughts are the current sound track in my mind. Have you ever been there? It’s not a great place to be. But how do you leave? Today I want to share what I do when I’m stuck. I have pulled out my journal and sharing it all with you. Why? I hope you can take some of what I’ve done and apply it. I don’t want you to stay stuck either!
Being stuck - sucks.
For me I started with a question, its the same question I’m going to ask you. What curses and lies have been spoken to you that you have agreed with? I realize that can sound dramatic, but if you are stuck I can guarantee there is an answer to that question. It could be from your childhood, an employer or even your Aunt Martha.
Grab a piece of paper, a computer, your journal.
Jesus, I ask you come and be with me. As I ask hard questions and search my mind and heart, may you reveal what lies I have agreed with. What thoughts have I taken as truth - that are really lies? May your Holy Spirit come and reveal the thought or thoughts that are contrary to your word and in opposition to the life you have for me, an abundant life.
What came to mind? What thoughts or phrases are in there? It may start as a feeling, but then ask why am I feeling that? What thought is connected to making me feel that way? Write it down.
Here were ones that came to my mind when I got quiet, prayed and listed.
Things will always be a struggle.
It might be good for awhile, but it will never last.
There is not enough money.
I will always be lacking.
This is my life - it won’t get better. I’ll just learn more ways to manage it.
If I don’t control and manage things, life is going to get out of control.
I couldn’t believe all of that was on repeat in my brain most of it like an undercurrent, unnoticed. No wonder why I was feeling stuck and overwhelmed and quite frankly a little sad. Now what?
I knew these were lies, but I had to line them up against truth. And where do I find that truth? God’s word. Always. If I find my truth within myself, my friends, or anywhere else - it can change. I need something that doesn’t change and so do you.
So the lies that were on replay in my mind were connected to provision and a bit about protection. So I went to Mr. Google and asked, “What does the bible say about Provision?” And I asked, “What does the Bible say about protection?”
These are some of the verse that I found that contradicted the lies.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phillipains 4:19
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1
“I will bless her with abundant provisions….” Psalms 132:15
“Your heavenly Father knows what you need…” Matthew 6:32
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord, your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 3:16
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. he will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all hard - he will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121
There were a lot more, but these are the ones that spoke to my heart that day. After I wrote out Psalm 121 I had a huge exhale - it was like the weight, the stuck-ness was released. Then I wrote out this prayer.
Dear God, I ask that you break off any agreements, beliefs I have with these lies. Pull up the root, dig out the belief. They do not align with your word and need to go in Jesus’ name. Please cover me with your precious blood. Protect me, purify me. I am free. I am whole. I am His.
God, you are my generous provider. You are my diligent protector. You are my loving, attentive Father. You are always with me and caring for my needs. I do not need to worry, because you are there - always. You are reliable and dependable. I can trust you. I can rely on you. I can rest and relax because you are there.
Maybe you can write out a prayer too. If you aren’t sure what to write - take mine and tweak it to fit. And there are times my prayer has been “God, I’m hurting and I need you to show up.” He’s never impressed with length or fancy words. (that’s in the Bible too!)
Now here’s the thing - I don’t always live in a stuck place, but stuck can happen. And when it does you need to have a plan in place to get unstuck. It’s not where I’m suppose to be and it’s not where you are suppose to be.
This is just one activity you can do when you feel stuck. I also recommend limiting social media and tv. Fill your mind and heart with truth. Worship music (Maverick City, Bethel, Brandon Lake) and God’s word. You can get an app that reads it all day long. Make sure you are taking in a healthy does of truth if you are feeling stuck. It will help you get unstuck.
If you follow me @myshannonlife you know I often talk about Jesus. I don’t believe you an get unstuck without him. Without Jesus there is always a piece of you that is unsettled, why? Because you were created for God, by God - period. (Colossians 1:16)
It’s like you can complete the 1,000 piece puzzle, but there is always one piece missing. Jesus is the piece.
Now I feel like I need to put in a disclaimer - even with Jesus life can be challenging, sad, and difficult. Jesus doesn’t promise easy, but he does promise a whole lotta other stuff that makes a difference when you are in those challenging, difficult and sad seasons.
Did you do this? What did you discover? What verse did you find that connected with you?
And I’m never one to give false hope - you may have to revisit what you wrote again and again. I guess this isn’t as inspiring as a post as I was hoping. ;) At times I get stuck again or I start to say things that resemble the lies I wrote down - when that happens. I pray, read the verses that I wrote and God meets me every time. He is my generous provider and diligent protector - this I know.
