Saturday Morning Devotional

Blessings Beyond the Rut – By Jay Sikes

Have you ever found yourself in a rut?  Take my word for it, your answer is yes.  In most cases, it actually takes me a while to realize I’m in a rut.  Let me tell you, it is not fun!  A few months ago I realized I was in a rut.  I was miserable, stressed, and unhappy.  I think I “faked it till I made it” pretty well.  However, once I decided to do something about it, I’ve had a couple people tell me that I seem much happier now.  That was with no explanation, information, or situation shared.  It was simply a recognizable change, and I’ve felt it as well.  It’s awesome – there are blessings beyond the rut!

A rut is simply an open ended grave.  A grave pertains to death.  In other words, living in a rut is the opposite of living.

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I (Jesus) have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
John 10:10

A rut steals our joy, happiness, good attitude, etc., while offering a host of negative things.  That is not living life in abundance.  That is not taking advantage of all Jesus gave His life for us to have.

However, getting out of a rut doesn’t just happen.  I would like to encourage you to take time and read Genesis Chapters 42 through 46.

“When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, ‘Why do you just keep looking at each other?’ He continued, ‘I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.'”
Gen. 42:1-2

Jacob’s family was living in a rut while Jacob’s sons were looking at each other and not doing anything to get out of the rut.  In Genesis 42 – 46, you find how to get out of a rut and the blessings beyond the rut.  Here is what I’ve found in these chapters.

In order to get out of a rut you must…

• Have insight to look for a way out.
• Be willing to take risk.
• Be willing to take action.
• Be willing to use your resources (whatever they may be).
• Have a desire to truly live.

If you desire life to be good, change your circumstances and climb out of that rut!  God provided for each of us to have life in abundance.  That is His will!

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Phil. 4:13

“For nothing is impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37

Come out of the rut and experience the blessings beyond the rut!

• Be able to relate to others and help them.
• Receive added blessings.
• Restore relationships.
• Find forgiveness.
• Have the best of provisions.
• Best of all – have the relationship with the Heavenly Father that you were created to have.

Out of the Rut Illustration

A child psychologist wanted to observe how different children respond to negative circumstances.  So the psychologist got a room and filled it with horse manure.  She first put a pessimistic child in the room and observed how he responded.  He whined and cried because of the smelly manure in the room. The psychologist then put another child in the room.  This little guy started tearing around the room, digging in the manure with excitement.  Onlookers were baffled!  After a few minutes of watching, the psychologist asked the boy why he was so excited. 

He replied, “With all this manure in the room, there’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!”

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Unfortunately, we live in a world that has a lot of manure.  We can wallow in the rut and whine about the stink, or we can come out of the rut and look for the ponies.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28

The choice is yours, live in an open-ended grave or experience BLESSINGS BEYOND THE RUT!

Quotes

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Testimony in Song – From Susan

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Does your mind ever wander down a path of a rut for no reason? Jay preached a message about this devotional last Sunday, and without a particular reason, I found myself going down one of those rut paths Monday morning.

Of course I had a song stuck in my head and was singing it, without even noticing. I stopped my “rut thinking” to figure out what song was in my head. It was one of the songs we sang at church Sunday, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” As soon as I sang the lyrics to myself, I knew that was my answer – Focus on Him, and everything else will fade away:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
(Helen H. Lemmel)

This snapped me off of that path, so I could experience blessings beyond the rut! I am grateful I was there Sunday to get the song in my head and the message in my heart.

Related Post

Music is so important. The lyrics can really speak to your heart. Here are two other posts that share how music can speak and minister to you. Please share songs that have ministered to you.

Keep a Song In Your Heart

Is It Possible to Grieve With Grace and Joy?

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Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!

Susan

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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19