There will be seasons in your spiritual journey when faith feels like it’s drying up. You may find yourself struggling to pray, feeling distant from God, or doubting whether He’s still near. In those times, it can be easy to wonder if something is wrong with your faith or if you’re doing something wrong. It’s important to remember that spiritual dryness doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that God has abandoned you. It’s a part of the journey for many believers, and there’s still hope even in the wilderness.
It’s in these moments of spiritual dryness that we often feel the most vulnerable. The excitement of new faith can fade, and what once felt alive and vibrant may seem distant or flat. But rather than seeing these times as failures or setbacks, we can choose to see them as opportunities to dig deeper, lean into God’s presence, and trust that He is still working, even if we can’t see it.
Spiritual growth isn’t always experienced in the highs. Sometimes, it’s in the low points where we discover the deepest strength, where we learn to rely on God in new ways. If you’re in a season of dryness, take comfort in the truth that God is still with you. He’s still good, and His promises still stand.
Remember That Dryness Is Part of the Journey
It’s easy to assume that our spiritual growth should always be marked by excitement, clarity, and emotional highs. But life—and faith—are rarely that simple. Just like physical growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line, neither does spiritual growth. There will be times when your faith feels stale or distant, and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond in those seasons.
You can find reassurance in Scripture that even the most devoted followers of God experienced seasons of spiritual dryness. Elijah, after his mountaintop experience defeating the prophets of Baal, fled into the wilderness feeling utterly alone and defeated (1 Kings 19:1–18). David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote about his feelings of abandonment in Psalm 42: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5). Even Jesus, in His time of greatest need, cried out to God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
These examples remind us that spiritual dryness isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a part of the human experience. But in these seasons, we can trust that God is still present, and He’s still working on our hearts.
How to Grow in the Dry Seasons
When you feel spiritually dry, there are several ways you can continue to grow in your faith. First, remember that growth doesn’t always look like immediate progress. Growth can happen even when we don’t feel it. It’s like a tree in winter—it may seem dormant, but its roots are still growing deeper, strengthening the foundation for when the springtime comes.
Here are a few practical ways you can grow in the dry seasons:
1. Stay in the Word
Even when you don’t feel like it, continue reading Scripture. The Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and even the smallest encounter with God’s Word can encourage your spirit.
2. Pray Honestly
When you don’t have words to pray, simply talk to God about what you’re feeling. He can handle your doubts, your frustrations, and your questions. Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be honest.
3. Serve Others
Sometimes, when we feel spiritually dry, we forget that our faith is meant to flow out to others. Serving others can be a powerful way to experience God’s love and bring meaning back to your life.
4. Lean on Community
Don’t isolate yourself during difficult seasons. Even when you don’t feel spiritually strong, being surrounded by others can be a lifeline. Let others carry you when you can’t carry yourself.
Trust That God Is at Work
In times of spiritual dryness, it’s easy to think that God isn’t doing anything in your life. But the truth is, He is always working—even in the silence. Just because you don’t feel Him near doesn’t mean He’s not there. He is using this time to refine you, build your endurance, and deepen your trust in Him.
Remember that God’s love for you isn’t dependent on how well you feel spiritually. You are loved, accepted, and held by Him, no matter where your emotions or circumstances may lead. Keep trusting in His goodness. Even in the dry seasons, God is still making you into the person He wants you to be.
