A Spiritual Drought
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!
Psalms 42:5 NLT
*all scripture is from the NLT unless otherwise noted
Have you experienced times of spiritual drought? Times when you feel very distant from God? Times when you don’t feel like reading your bible, praying for yourself or anyone else for that matter? Or even times when you don’t feel like going to church? The truth is, that at times, we all have. And you know what? It is OK.
Psalms 42:5 starts with David asking this question, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?” It is perfectly natural to go through these times of distance from God and the body of believers. We are human. We are not perfect. And there is nothing wrong with us when we feel this way. However, if we sit in those feelings too long, they become quicksand to our soul and can slowly overcome us to the point of despair.
Psalms 42:5 goes on to say, “I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!” The key is to recognize where you are in the moment, or season, allow yourself to feel the feels, then make a choice to follow Truth.
Taking the action that you don’t feel like taking will always help you get out of the funk! It’s true. Think about it. Let's take exercise as an example. When you don’t want to exercise, but you do it anyway, doesn’t it always feel good after you are done. Hardly anyone regrets taking the action.
Though the feelings of distance may be real, God promises that when we seek Him, He will respond and draw near. So let’s take a look at some of these feelings and how scripture can help refocus our mind and revive our body.
Not Feeling Like Reading the Word of God
It's not uncommon to feel disconnected from reading the Bible, even though we know it's essential for our spiritual growth. These moments of disinterest can stem from spiritual attacks, busyness and fatigue. Even in times of spiritual fatigue, staying connected to God’s Word will help sustain us. The feelings of distance are real, but that doesn’t diminish the power and relevance of Scripture.
Encouragement:
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Even when you don’t feel like reading, know that God’s Word is a guiding light, offering wisdom and direction, when you are ready to receive.
Romans 14:4 AMP– “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” The Bible isn’t just words on a page; it’s filled with encouragement that will allow our joy to not only to be restored, but also overflow.
Not Feeling Like Praying
There are seasons where prayer feels like a chore rather than a conversation with God. Sometimes it’s because we feel unworthy, frustrated, or just weary. God understands when we struggle to pray, and the Holy Spirit is present to assist us. Uttering even the smallest, honest prayers (even cries and moans) can help restore the connection during these tough seasons.
Encouragement:
Romans 8:26 ESV – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Even when you don’t have the words or the energy, the Holy Spirit is interceding on your behalf.
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Even when we don’t feel His presence, God is close to us, especially in times of pain and struggle.
Not Feeling Like Going to Church
Many people wrestle with not wanting to attend church during times of spiritual dryness. Whether it is the feeling of being a fraud, having to fake a smile, or knowing yet once again you are not going to sense the spirit move, being around others can be hard. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings while remembering that attending church isn’t about fulfilling an obligation, but about being part of the body of Christ, where God’s presence is with His people. Church, Bible Study, and Connect Groups can offer the encouragement and community that’s hard to find in isolation.
Encouragement:
Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” There’s power in gathering with other believers, even when we don’t feel like going.
Hebrews 10:24-25 HCSB: "And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" Being around other believers who can lift us up in times of need can be the breath of life we need right at that moment.
Reflection and Prayer
It’s important to remember that God meets us in our struggles, and His love for us is not dependent on how "on fire" we feel spiritually. Even in moments of spiritual dryness or fatigue, God is near, and His Word offers the hope and encouragement we need to keep going. So, whether you're feeling distant or disconnected, trust that God is still with you, drawing you closer, and working in your heart—even when you can't feel it. Keep pressing in, even in small ways, because God honors every step you take toward Him.
Spend some time praying these scriptures back to the Father, in a way that makes them real to you in your situation, personal, and true. Example: Father, Your word says that you are near to the brokenhearted. Why don’t I feel you? Please help me feel Your loving presence in this moment. Speak to my heart in a way that I know it is you.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you…” James 4:7-8a
