Why You Know the Truth But Still Feel Stuck—And How to Fix It

In every life journey, the most difficult path is often the shortest: the journey from the head to the heart. It’s where our intellectual understanding of God’s truth becomes a lived reality—a transformation that changes how we see ourselves, others, and God.

So, let me ask: how does God want to transform your heart today?

Most of us don’t struggle with knowing what to do; we struggle with making it a lifestyle. We’ve heard countless sermons, read countless scriptures, and understand with our minds what God wants from us. But when it comes to living it out—whether it’s letting go of insecurity, taming compulsive behaviors, or trusting God fully—we find ourselves stuck.

Timothy’s Micro-Journey

Take Timothy, for example. Paul selected him to join his missionary journey, mentoring him to become a leader and eventually leaving him to pastor the church in Ephesus. Timothy had a calling, gifts, and anointing, but he also had a problem: he lacked confidence.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul writes, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young...” Later in 4:14, Paul reminds him, "Do not neglect your gift...”

Four years later, Paul addresses the same issue in 2 Timothy 1:6-7:

Despite Paul’s encouragement, Timothy was struggling to move this truth from his head to his heart. Sound familiar?

Acknowledging the Struggle

Transformation begins with honesty. Jeremiah exemplifies this in Lamentations 3:19-20:

Jeremiah doesn’t sugarcoat his pain or mask his discouragement. He’s raw and real. His honesty is a lesson for us. If you can’t acknowledge where your heart is—your fears, insecurities, pain, or shame—you’ll never experience transformation.

Let’s be honest: many of us struggle to be truthful about the state of our hearts. We say we’re fine, put on a smile, and live with a veneer of strength while our hearts quietly wither.

I spent years ignoring parts of my own heart. It wasn’t until I admitted my fear of abandonment—a fear rooted not in abusive parents but in painful moments I’d suppressed—that I began to experience freedom.

Here are three ways to acknowledge where your heart is:

1. Journal: Write down your raw thoughts and emotions. Let the truth flow, uncensored.

2. Confide in a Friend: Share openly with someone you trust. Vulnerability with others can lead to healing.

3. Pray through Lament Psalms: Read Psalms like 22, 44, and 86. Notice how the psalmists pour out their hearts to God.

Believing in God’s Providence

Acknowledging your heart is the first step. The second is to believe in God’s providence.

After pouring out his despair, Jeremiah shifts his focus:

Jeremiah moves from despair to hope by calling to mind God’s faithfulness. This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s a reflection on God’s proven character and past actions.

The tightrope walker Charles Blondin provides a powerful illustration. In 1859, Blondin walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope, stunning the crowd. Later, he pushed a wheelbarrow across and asked the audience if they believed he could carry someone in it. They all said yes, but no one volunteered.

Faith is stepping into the wheelbarrow. It’s more than intellectual agreement—it’s trust in action.

From Head to Heart

Transformation happens when we:

Acknowledge where we are. Be honest with yourself and with God.

Believe in God’s love, faithfulness, and providence. Reflect on His character and past work in your life.

Commit to trusting Him in the journey, even when it’s hard.

As you wrestle with this journey, remember you’re not alone. God is with you every step of the way, guiding you from head knowledge to heart transformation.

What’s one step you can take today to begin this journey?