Why We Get Stuck (and How to Get Unstuck)

Ever found yourself spiralling—emotionally, mentally, spiritually—wondering why you can’t move forward?

Yeah, me too.

I’ve learned that the reason we often get stuck is because of:

…where we are looking.

The Trap of Misplaced Focus

When life feels heavy, it’s natural to look around for answers—or blame.

We look at:

Our circumstances: “If this situation would just change…”
Other people: “If they hadn’t done that…”
Ourselves: “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just get it together?”

But here’s the thing…

The more we stare at what’s broken, unfair, or beyond our control, the more we slide into:

Discouragement
Depression
Jealousy
Anger
Resentment
Stagnation

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” – Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

And then we wonder why we feel stuck.
Why we can’t sense God.
Why the joy is gone.
Why everything feels like a grind.

Flip the Focus

But there’s a subtle, sacred shift that changes everything:

👉🏼 Flip your focus from people and circumstances… to who God is.

Because when we look at Him—really look—something shifts.

We remember:

He is faithful. (“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.” — Lamentations 3:22 ESV)
He is good. (“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” — Psalm 34:8 NIV)
He is in control, even when we feel like we’re not. (“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” — Psalm 103:19 NKJV)
He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. (“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” — Genesis 22:14 KJV)
He is El Roi, the God who sees. (“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me.’” — Genesis 16:13 NIV)
He is Emmanuel, God with us—in the middle of our mess. (“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 NIV)

Look Up, Breathe Deep

This isn’t spiritual denial.
It’s not pretending life is easy.
It’s about changing your gaze.

When Peter walked on water, he only sank when he looked at the wind and waves instead of Jesus.

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” – Matthew 14:29-30 (NIV)

The same goes for us.
We rise or sink based on where our eyes are fixed.

A Simple Prayer to Re-Focus

Jesus, I’ve been staring at the wrong things again.
I’ve let my circumstances, emotions, and others’ actions dictate my perspective.
Right now, I choose to lift my eyes.
I fix my gaze on You—Your goodness, Your faithfulness, Your unshakable love.
Remind me who You are.
Help me live from Your truth, not from my surroundings.
Amen.

Unstuck Starts Here

The key to getting unstuck is not striving harder—it’s looking higher.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

So if you feel stuck today, stop scrolling, stop spinning, stop staring at the storm.

Lift your eyes.

God hasn’t moved.

He’s just waiting for you to look His way again.

Wait… Does He not look good to you?

If so, you’re either looking at a false god, or false perception of Him. Go back to the Word to see His true nature. Start with the Gospels, such as the book of John, to look back at Jesus. Notice His heart for each person who He encounters in the stories. Which person, who encountered Jesus, do you relate to?

Reflect + Respond:

Take a moment:

What is one simple step you can take today to “lift your eyes” and realign your focus?

Where has your focus been lately — on circumstances, people, yourself, or God?

What “storm” in your life have you been staring at instead of fixing your eyes on Jesus?

How does remembering who God is shift your perspective right now?

What truth about God’s character do you need to hold onto today?

Merri Ellen Giesbrecht / www.merriellen.com
Connect with one of us: www.coachinginfreedom.com

Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box