How to Get Unstuck: A Journey of Renewal

Understanding Stuckness

Feeling stuck is a common experience. You might feel like it's hard to see your next steps clearly. Tasks that once felt normal can become burdensome. Even breathing may feel like an effort. It's tempting to isolate yourself and pull away from others.

But here's the good news: this feeling is not new. God understands our struggles. The Bible is full of examples of people who felt stuck and how they found their way out.

Bible Verses on How to Get Unstuck with Journaling Prompts

1. Psalm 40:1-3

   "He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along."

   Consider what it might look like for God to pick you up out of this and set you on solid footing.

   
   

2. Matthew 11:28

   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

   What might it look like to rest in Jesus in this season of life?

   
   

Getting Unstuck: Four Quadrants of Life

For the past few years, I've divided my life into four quadrants. Gaining clarity over each of these areas helps me get unstuck every time.

1. Abiding and Lifestyle

2. Health, Rest, and Body

3. Family and Relationships

4. Work, Dreams, and Finances

   
   

Abiding and Lifestyle

This is, in my opinion, the most important area of life. It’s about abiding in your relationship with God and how you live. Lifestyle might sound leisurely, but it focuses on the little joys that make life worth living.

Example:

Here's my processing today to get out of my own stuckness:

• My main purpose is to be a disciple of Jesus; everything else is secondary.

• What can I do today to infuse life with joy? (light a candle, pick a flower, cook slowly)

• I want to be someone whose thoughts are fixed on God's ways, living a beautiful, intentional life.

  
  

Health, Rest, and Body

It's impossible to pour from an empty cup. Your body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit, and how you look after it matters. Don’t disembody your faith. Consider Jesus, who walked with us as a human being in a body.

Example:

Here's my processing today to get out of my own stuckness:

• I've been feeling a bit down: tired, craving movement and energy.

• I can drink my immune booster again and go for a walk after work tonight.

• I want to be healthy, well-rested, and comfortable in my own skin. This way, I won’t use that as an excuse for serving others, joining in on the fun, or doing whatever God asks of me.

  
  

Family and Relationships

Life is not just about yourself, despite what the world tells us. Your social circle is of utmost importance and will significantly impact how you feel. Seeking support and companionship can lift the heaviness.

Example:

Here's my processing today to get out of my own stuckness:

• How can I serve and support my husband today instead of only looking at my own stuckness? (I can hold space for him to just be.)

• We're seeing family and friends on Saturday for a birthday. It’s helpful to remember I’m not disconnected or alone.

• We’re starting the adoption process soon—yay! How can I prepare my heart for becoming a mother? (I can pray about it or start slowly setting up the baby's room.)

• I want to be friendly, open, and honest with my close family. I want our marriage to shine God's light and offer a safe space to land after a hard day.

  
  

Work, Dreams, and Finances

These three common stressors deserve our intentional attention. Spending time thinking about these things—not just reacting on autopilot—is essential. Remind yourself of your deep hidden dreams that may be collecting dust.

Example:

Here's my processing today to get out of my own stuckness:

• Oh, I forgot I need to update the budget spreadsheet (made a note now).

• Posting this blog post works on my dreams. I'm diving into writing and editing contracts after completing this. Work is a bit stressful right now; it’s okay to admit that and take it one task at a time.

• I want to learn what is "enough." I want to be a faithful steward of both my finances and my dreams (calling). I want to glorify God in all I do, even if that looks different from what the world might expect.

  
  

Reassess: How Do You Feel Now?

At the end, when you've processed through all four areas, it's a good idea to zoom out and ask yourself: How do I feel about the stuckness now? Does the feeling still exist? Is it bigger or smaller now?

I like to identify 2-3 actionable items from my writing points to pay special attention to in the coming days. It can feel overwhelming to try to do it all at once, so just take it slowly and prayerfully.

Prayer

God, You are exalted HIGH above my emotions.

No feeling of stuckness can compare to Your greatness.

Help me to seek Your face in every area that feels hard right now.

May I always continue to abide in the Vine. Amen.

P.S.

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