Everybody is visited by depression, lethargy, and moodiness. Like the Bible says, it’s not being tempted by sin that’s the problem, everybody’s tempted; it’s yielding to sin’s temptation that gets you stuck in a rut. Like depression, lethargy, and moodiness, it all depends on how long you decide to visit them. Visiting them for extended periods of time and you’re gonna see grass growing under your feet and between your toes. Professional help is available and they help sort out what’s ailing you, but ultimately it’s up to you to do the changing to get yourself better.
“Stuck In A Rut” was an old 1800’s phrase coined when covered wagons got their wheels stuck in a ‘rut’ or worn groove in their path or road. They would often rock their wagon, buggy or mode of transportation back-and-forth, sometimes with a personal push, to get the vehicle out of the rut. Today we often use the phrase referencing the feeling of doing the same thing over-and-over which leads to boredom. Some businesses making a $100 million a year without any gain complain that they’re ‘stuck in a rut’. What rut to be stuck in?
People who have a few years under their belt come to realize, that most of our “personal” problems are self-inflicted. Health concerns are a medical matter. Life’s problems are often focused too much on us, and too little attention focused on others. D.L.Moody had trouble getting to sleep if he hadn’t witnessed to someone or tried to help someone every day. Jesus didn’t complain about all the splinters and calluses he suffered from being a carpenter. Peter the apostle was a professional fisherman and he was good at his trade, so good that Jesus told him that he would be a “fisher of men”. What an insightful observation that came true over and over.
It is a certainty that if you dwell on yourself exclusively, your ego will become as large as the great outdoors and you will grow to neglect others and be self-consumed with your own uncomfortable situation. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:17 Use your time here on earth wisely. Paul was saying “the days are evil”, they still are, so we need the same sense of urgency to keep our standards high, act wisely, and do good whenever and wherever we can. Apart from God life is fleeting and empty.
Bottom Line
If your mountain bike gets a flat and you’re without a spare tube, stuff the tire with grass. Leave one side of the tire bead on the rim, pack the inside with wads of turf, and then pop in the other bead. It’ll save your wheel until you get home or help. Wallah! You’re out of another rut.
