This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Getting Out of the Rut

Ever been in a rut? Sometimes we don't even know how we got into one...But hang on--help is on the way! A few tips to help you stay out of spiritual ruts in the days ahead.

Ever been in a rut? You know, a recipe rut. The kind that has you making the same handful of meals over and over. Well, after watching several cooking shows on Food Network, I decided it was high time to break out of the rut. I searched my library of cookbooks and decided on a dish that sounded tasty--Mexican Manicotti.

The recipe was pretty straight forward. I gathered the necessary ingredients and got busy. Combining the meat, refried beans, and spices was easy. Next, I was instructed to spoon the mixture into the uncooked manicotti shells. What?! The word 'spoon,' was the first thing that threw me off. There was NO WAY a regular spoon was going to fit into these shells. I searched my draws for a smaller spoon. No luck. In the end, a butter knife proved to be the perfect tool to stuff the maddening shells.

The minutes ticked by as I filled each shell with the meat mixture. Once that was accomplished, a combination of picante sauce and water was carefully poured over the meat-laden manicotti shells, and the dish was ready to be placed in the refrigerator.

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The next day, the casserole was ready for the oven. After cooking for half an hour, I added sour cream, sliced green onions and black olives to the top--completing the dish with a healthy sprinkling of sharp cheddar cheese. A few more minutes in the oven, and dinner was ready. Although stuffing the manicotti shells was a bit tedious and time consuming, and I had to refrigerate the dish overnight, the finished product proved worth the work. Everyone in the family gave it two thumbs up. Goodbye recipe rut!

Just like my recipe rut, sometimes I find myself in a spiritual rut. Reading my Bible, and praying become routine. I go through the motions in order to check these things off my To Do list, but I'm not really getting much out of the exercise. Time to re-evaluate and break out of the rut.

Find out what's happening in Cummingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What am I dealing with at this point in my life? What are the stressors that are causing anxiety? The Bible is such a timely, practical book. Am I viewing it as a love letter written by my Heavenly Father  specifically to me? Focusing once again on the greatness of God, goes a long way toward pulling me out of the rut. His Word reminds me, "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods," (Psalm 95:1-3; KJV).  

Instead of reading the same, familiar verses, I can study an unfamiliar passage of Scripture to glean new insights. Breaking out of my rut might involve using a Bible software program that allows me to look up verses that will encourage me as I deal with life's challenges (i.e. www.Blueletterbible.com). Journaling helps me record what God is teaching me on a daily basis. And sharing my struggles with God takes a big weight off my shoulders (1 Peter 1:7).

Human relationships are prone to ruts. My relationship with God can be too. He is always available, but sometimes I drift. I need to recognize the rut, and be willing to invest quality time in our relationship. When I do, I realize I'm no longer just going through the motions, but I'm enjoying my Savior and experiencing much-needed growth!

Are you in a spiritual rut? What will you do today to revitalize your time with God? Leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patience with me. Help me to avoid spiritual ruts. I desire a close relationship with You. Let Your Word be alive to me. In Jesus' name, Amen.  

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?