• “I feel like I’m just going through the motions.”
  • “I’m not getting anything out of my devotions or church.”
  • “I don’t feel close to God right now.”
  • “I used to be on fire for the Lord, but now I feel so cold.”

Every Christian goes through times when they feel spiritually dry. Maybe you’re going through a dry season right now. You love the Lord, but don’t feel close to Him. You used to be zealous for the things of God, but that passion seems to have waned. Practicing the spiritual disciplines seems more like drudgery than delight.

When you’re feeling spiritually dry, what should you do?

Take Time for Earnest Reflection

Feeling spiritually dry can be an indicator that things aren’t right in our relationship with God and others. We can ignore this gracious warning, or we can take time to reflect and evaluate where we may have gone wrong. During times of dryness, we should ask ourselves:

  • Are there patterns of unconfessed sin that hinder me from drawing near to God (Ps. 66:18)?
  • Am I numbing my soul with excessive entertainment and mindless distractions?
  • Am I truly satisfied in Christ, or am I looking to something else for a sense of worth, identity, or purpose?

Like the Psalmist, ask God to search your heart and lead you in the way everlasting (Ps.139:23-24).

Realize That Spiritual Dryness Can be a Time of Testing

The Lord often uses seasons of spiritual dryness to mature us in the faith. Naturally, we’re inclined to depend more upon our feelings than on the truths of God’s Word. If we “feel” close to God, we assume that we are. But feelings in and of themselves are not an accurate gauge of our spiritual maturity. It is precisely when we don’t feel close to God that our obedience, faith, and depth are being put to the test. It’s one thing to pursue hard after holiness when God is near. But will you faithfully seek Him when He seems distant? Will you lay hold of the provisions of God for your spiritual growth even when you aren’t “getting anything” out of them? Only through testing can these questions truly be answered.

Recognize and Reject Superficial Solutions to Spiritual Dryness

In times of dryness, we’re tempted to think a change of scenery will revitalize our spiritual zeal. Far too many Christians hop from thing to thing, church to church, relationship to relationship in their attempts to reignite their spiritual life. A change of scenery, however, is no substitute for a change of heart. Don’t settle for superficial changes when a deep heart change is what’s really needed.

Rejoice in the Sufficiency of Christ and His Gospel

Our standing with God is not dependent upon our circumstances, feelings, or performance. Rather, our standing with God is in Christ. In Christ, we who were once far off have been brought near to God (Eph. 2:13). Through His sinless life and sin-bearing death, we are forgiven, justified, secure, accepted, loved by God, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (see Ro.3:22-26; 8:28-39; Eph.1:3-14). Because of grace, we need not fear God’s condemnation, disapproval, or wrath (see Ro.8:1, I Jn.2:2). In Him we have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). These realities are always true of us, whether we feel like they are or not.

When you’re tempted to doubt the intensity of God’s love for you, don’t listen to yourself. Preach to yourself! Let the gospel inform and shape your emotions. Take time to prayerfully meditate on the many blessings that are yours because of grace. As you do so, actively thank God for all that He has done, is doing, and will do for you in Christ.

Conclusion

Much more could be said, but this post serves as an introduction to a series of upcoming posts addressing the topic of spiritual dryness. May the Lord use His Word to encourage your heart and reignite your love for Him.

Spiritual dryness can occur for many different reasons. This article is part of a series in Rooted Thinking. Read more about other factors in the related posts: #1 Introduction, #2 Quietness, #3 Misplaced Hunger, #4 Double-Mindedness, and #5 Narcissism.