It happens to all of us at one time or another. You’re plugging along, doing just fine, and then it happens. Paralysis. Lack of motivation. Maybe even rejection or a  sense of defeat everywhere you turn. You feel stuck.

In whatever way you feel you are lacking forward motion, there’s a way to climb out of the trap you feel you’re in.

First of all, did you notice that I used the word “feel” three times already? That’s because sometimes we just FEEL like we’re stuck when actually God has us in a holding pattern for a reason.

If you are feeling stuck right now, here are three things to consider:

1. God may want you to slow down, get quiet, and listen for Him.  Many times in my life God has stopped me from doing something that would have eventually been harmful, but of course, I didn’t see it at the time. I just focused on the frustration I felt at not being able to move forward. It’s possible no forward motion in the area you are hoping is God’s protection or warning. If that’s the case, don’t stress that you’re stuck. Instead, use this “stuck mode” to seek His direction and what He wants you to learn during this wait.
2. It might be time to re-evaluate. I’m one who constantly wants to grow. But growth always means change, and I’m also a creature of habit who is reluctant to change. How long have you been doing things the same old way? More of the same doesn’t mean change. And growth — forward motion — always means change. So, re-evaluate how you are approaching work, your relationships, your finances, your spiritual life. It might be time to open your mind and heart to ways you can improve in some of these areas.
3. Focus on praise, not the problems. I love how the Bible gives me real-life examples of how to keep moving forward. In Psalm 40, David found himself in a “slimy pit” (I’d call that “feeling stuck”) and said:

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;  he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God” (verses 1-3).

Even when I can’t see anything positive on the horizon, if I choose to count my blessings, rather than list my complaints, I find myself moving forward in one way or another. When all else fails (actually before that point), get on your knees and thank God for what you DO have. He’ll get you back up on your feet again and give you something to praise Him about. I guarantee it.

How does God have you in a holding pattern right now? And what might He be wanting to teach you in it?