Stay Creative and Productive When We’re Stuck

When we’re stuck, we can feel like a turtle that’s tipped over on its shell. It’s a vulnerable place to be. We expend energy to break free without much progress.

We give ourselves pat answers, skimming over the need to both lean into God and stand firm against the enemy. Like:

God is good and He is faithful (and He is)

Trials are temporary (which they are)

These truths can become passive attempts to submit to His work in us. Yet, the struggle remains. Times of being stuck can be faith-building in our walk with Him. But they are also times to put into practice what we have learned in the past. 

When We’re Stuck, We Can Tell Ourselves There’s Hope

As a believer in Jesus, we can begin with all the verses that tell us to hope. We throw in a dose of all things work together for good, and His promise to never leave us. We place our hope in tomorrow because of the cross and spending eternity with Him. But…

When the rubber meets the road and we need hope for this day, we need practical ways to make that happen. We need fresh glimpses of His glory to spur our faith into action. And we need a refreshing jumpstart to accomplish the work He has given us to do.

We need fresh glimpses of His glory to spur our faith into action. #Refreshing a #WearySoul Click To Tweet

How to Jumpstart Creativity and Stay Productive When We’re Stuck

Be Grateful – Even when circumstances are bad, there is always something good we can focus on. Write it down and speak it out loud because gratitude has the potential to change our outlook and do our heart good – Philippians 4:6-9.

Focus – On Jesus and all He has done. Dwell on the truth that says He is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine. Stay focused on Jesus no matter what the storm looks like. Know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He sees you—He hears you—and He will meet your need even though it may not be in the way you imagine – Ephesians 3:20-21.

God's faithfulness fuels our faith. #Remembering all He has done and passing it on to others helps to #buildoneanotherup. Click To Tweet

Rest – When we’re stuck, so often we are exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We desperately need rest, to replenish our depleted storehouse of energy, and to practice self-care: good food, plenty of water, and enough sleep. Clear your calendar rather than pushing through the fog, and allow God to renew your heart and mind – Mark 6:31.

Play – Because we become so serious and driven, our play muscles need exercise. As adults, we forget how to play. Spend time with a child. Dig in the sandbox. Build a sand castle. Do something crafty. Go on a treasure hunt. Play in the water. One hint to find your play button is to look back at something you used to enjoy as a child – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Remember – the ways God has been faithful to provide. This provides the memorial-stone-moments we can share with others. And they become the story of His story in our lives – 1 Samuel 7:7-12.

Be Intentional – to seek constant revival and refreshment. When Jesus says He is our daily bread, I firmly believe it extends far beyond the metaphor. He gives daily forgiveness, grace, mercy, sustenance, and more. Make time for pondering, play, and purpose. We can’t let weeks or months go by without rest or remembering His goodness – Philippians 1:6.

When Jesus says He is our #DailyBread, I firmly believe it extends far beyond the metaphor. #DailyBlessings from God. Click To Tweet

Being Creative Should Bring Us Joy

As responsible adults, we are too good and efficient about work, pushing harder, seeking success, and making our mark. But without being intentional to practice gratitude, focus, rest, and play, our lives will become lopsided and drained of joy.

Life is full of hard moments. We need permission to power down and refuel our souls—for that’s where our creativity comes from. I remember going on a scavenger hunt downtown to find hidden fairy doors. As I checked them off my list, this sense of playfulness bubbled up within me. It truly did bring me joy.

Discover Ways We’re Stuck and How to Replenish Our Joy

Which creative jumpstart do you need most right now?

Do you have a story to share of how putting some of these things into practice helps you?

What are some ways you like to play?

What activity refuels your creativity?

Every motion in faith begins with a first step. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective.

And if you have a moment, Lynn Blackburn has written some wise words that can relate to our topic. She calls these “Adjacent Activities” because when we’re stuck, we need to take a breath and do something fun. And her advice isn’t just for writers and artists.

Let's brainstorm together on ways to free our #creativity and #RefillOurJoy. Click To Tweet

Until next time,

Jeanne 

 

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