What Has You Trapped? Learning to Cry Out When Life Feels Confining

H ave you ever felt stuck in a situation you didn’t choose—and couldn’t escape? I was reading the book of Jonah one day, and all I could think about was how awful it must have been to be trapped inside a fish. Not symbolically. Not figuratively. Actually trapped. The darkness. The fear. The complete lack of control. And yet, from inside the fish, Jonah prayed.

A Prayer from the Middle of the Darkness

Jonah 2:1–10 (NIV) tells us that from inside the fish, Jonah cried out to the Lord. He prayed from a place of distress. He prayed when he felt surrounded. He prayed when there was no visible way out. That’s what stood out to me. Jonah didn’t wait until he was free to talk to God. He prayed right in the middle of feeling trapped.

Can you imagine that kind of fear? Can you imagine being swallowed by a whale? Jonah had to be terrified. I imagine it was dark, cramped, and overwhelming. The fish moving through the water, while Jonah was stuck—planted—with nowhere to go. No control. No escape. Just waiting.

When Life Feels Like the Belly of a Whale

As I sat with Jonah’s experience, I started thinking about how often life places us in situations that feel overwhelming. Moments when fear and uncertainty wrap tightly around our thoughts. Moments when we feel stuck, unsure of what comes next. Moments when life feels heavy and completely out of our control.

Those seasons can leave us feeling confined—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—even when everything looks “fine” on the outside.

When the Feeling of Being Trapped Returns

Sometimes that feeling shows up again, just in a different form. Watching someone you love struggle—especially with something you can’t fix or fully understand—can feel overwhelming. Questions, uncertainty, and the desire to control the outcome can quietly tighten around your heart.

The pull to step in, take over, or make everything better out of fear can be exhausting. That sense of helplessness can feel just as confining as Jonah’s darkness.

Maybe You’re in a “Jonah” Season Too

I don’t know if you’ve had “Jonah” moments in your life—or if you’re in the middle of one right now. Maybe it’s a situation you can’t control. Maybe it’s a season of uncertainty. Maybe you’re waiting for answers that haven’t come yet. If so, you’re not alone.

Practical Takeaways: What to Do When You Feel Trapped

1. Cry out to God—right where you are. Jonah prayed from inside the fish. You don’t have to wait until things get better to reach out to God.
2. Be honest about what feels confining. Name what has you feeling stuck—fear, uncertainty, control, or unanswered questions.
3. Release what you were never meant to carry. Trying to fix everything in your own strength only adds weight. Surrender is not weakness—it’s trust.
4. Remember who is truly in control. God is sovereign. Even when it feels dark and tight, He is still working.

A Final Word of Hope

If you’re feeling trapped today, take heart.

God sees you.
God hears you.
God has not forgotten you.

It may look dark right now. You may feel confined. But just as God commanded the fish to release Jonah, He can command your situation—and bring freedom at just the right time.

“From my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.” — Jonah 2:2

A Personal Invitation from Me to You

If you’re feeling trapped in your current season and want guidance on how to navigate it with clarity, peace, and hope, I invite you to join me for a one-on-one coaching session. Together, we’ll explore what God is teaching you in this moment and take steps forward without rushing ahead of His timing.

💛 I would love to walk with you. Click below to schedule your personal coaching session with me today and take the next faithful step in your journey.