The Rut

The Rut

Ever feel like your road needs to change?

Ever feel like your zeal meter is running low?

Maybe it is time to make a change in the way you do things.

Someone once said,

“A rut is a grave with the ends knocked out.”

Ruts are created by traveling the same path over and over again.

Our spiritual lives can get into a rut.

We can be doing all the right things

but feel like we are in a rut.

When we pray…

we pray for the same things

in the same way.

When we read God’s Word…

we get into a habit of getting through

so many verses or chapters.

When we serve…

we do it the same way

as we always have.

Everything we do can become a rut.

I can tell when I start getting into a rut,

it’s when my zeal starts to diminish.

I start to get nervous energy.

The nervous energy can serve me or hurt me.

When you find nervous energy building up,

you want to do something

and there is a tendency to become impulsive

and take action you will later regret.

But that same nervous energy can also be the catalyst

to move you into a new and fresh place with the Lord.

Sometimes ‘in the rut’ can become a comfort place.

There are many time when my life is changing

and uncertainty is all around me

that I look back to the days I worked at Jeep.

I got up every morning at the same time,

did the same job every day,

and came home to my family every evening at the same time,

and the Friday pay check was always there.

It was a no brainier life –

I have to confess I miss it at times.

I am not saying that routine isn’t good, we need it in life.

But when the routine makes us dull minded

and our spiritual zeal wanes,

the routine is becoming a rut.

Don’t be impulsive;

but ask yourself the question:

“How’s my Spiritual Zeal Meter doing?”

“How fresh is life?”

Maybe it is time to cut a new trail!

Scripture Reading

Romans 12:9-21 NIV

9 Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil;

cling to what is good.

10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

 11 Never be lacking in zeal,

but keep your spiritual fervor,

serving the Lord.

12 Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

13 Share with God's people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you;

bless and do not curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice;

mourn with those who mourn.

16 Live in harmony with one another.

Do not be proud,

but be willing to associate with people of low position.

Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  

21 Do not be overcome by evil,

but overcome evil with good.