Fruitful Living
7 Steps to take when you feel spiritually dry Final Part
2. Get honest with a few trusted friends (and surround yourself with Godly people).
You might be surprised by how many others have had similar experiences. Not only will a few close friends be able to encourage you or give you some fresh ideas, they will also provide accountability. Discouragement is common in the desert, and having someone check-in with you regularly will help keep you moving in the right direction.
3. Remember that feelings are only a part of any relationship
It’s no different when it comes to your relationship with God. Your feelings, while important, are only part of the picture. When you’re not feeling it, don’t forget that not only have you made a commitment to God – He’s made a commitment to you! And although your feelings indicate otherwise, He’s not going to break His word. He is truly faithful, and He will bring you through any desert. This time is not wasted, and He will use it for some good purpose in your life!
4. Dig deep into God’s Word.
When you’re in the middle of a dry spell, opening your Bible might seem like a waste of time. In fact, it’s exactly what you need, whether it feels like it makes a difference or not. Here’s a few things that might help:
- Enlist accountability. Ask someone to check in on you regularly in order to make sure you’re faithful in your daily devotions.
- Join a Bible study, or start one that challenges and intrigues you. There are so many wonderful studies available-online, with a small group, or individually
- Refresh regularly. A few little bits of encouragement throughout your day can add up to making a big difference. You could spend some time in the morning with your Bible study, read an encouraging devotion or blog post on lunch break, and wrap your day up with a few more moments of Bible study. Figure out what works for you.
5. Pray.
Ask God to show you if there’s anything that is obstructing your relationship. Ask Him to help you through this tough season. Ask Him to give you endurance, encouragement, and to learn through this time.
6. Memorise Scripture
Memorise Scripture that speaks to your season of struggle. Here’s one to start with: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19)
7. Speak truth over yourself.
Similar to memorisation, reminding yourself of the truth is crucial to changing faulty thinking patterns. When you’re tempted to despair that God has left you for good, remind yourself instead that God will never leave you (Isaiah 42:16). When you feel like God’s love for you is gone and over, remind yourself that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Identify what you’re wrestling with, and work on replacing lies with truth.
There have been multiple, “dry seasons” in my walk with God – some long, some short. I can tell you, though, that they have always had a purpose, they have always come to an end, and I am utterly convinced that they happen to every believer at some point or another.
So, if you’re in the Dust Bowl, too…hang in there. Rains in the forecast.
Grace, peace, and we’re in this together,