How to Survive a Spiritual Drought

Have you ever felt like your faith is dry and barren? Like you are going through the motions of praying, reading the Bible, and attending church, but nothing seems to touch your soul? You don’t feel any connection to God? You may even be reluctant or feel that you cannot pray. It's like when it is raining in your city all the time, but there is no rain falling in your area or zip code. You are not alone. Many Christians experience seasons of spiritual drought, where they feel distant from God and struggle to find joy and peace in their relationship with Him. 

 

We want you to know that there is hope. God has not abandoned you, and He is still working in your life, even when you can't see or feel it. The devil may want to tell you that you are on your own, that God doesn’t care, or you are too insignificant for him to even remember you, and that you are better off just forgetting about Him and relying on yourself instead. Friend, beware! Do you remember how he tried to tempt Jesus? He dared Jesus to cast himself down from a mountain. He is a trickster and a liar. The Bible tells you to resist the devil and he will flee from you. We have to overcome him daily. Here are some practical steps that you can take to survive and overcome a spiritual drought.

 

1. Acknowledge your situation. Don't deny or ignore your feelings of emptiness and frustration. Be honest with yourself and with God about what you are going through. Trust God and exercise your faith in His word.  Tell Him how you feel and ask Him to help you. He already knows your heart and is not offended by your emotions. He wants you to come to Him with all your burdens and cares.

 

2. Seek the root cause. Sometimes, a spiritual drought can be caused by sin, disobedience, or unconfessed issues in your life. If that is the case, you need to repent and ask God for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Other times, a spiritual drought can be a result of a trial, a loss, or a change in your circumstances. If that is the case, you need to trust God's sovereignty and goodness and remember that He works all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Still other times, a spiritual drought can be a part of God's refining process, where He allows you to go through a season of testing to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to Him. If that is the case, you need to persevere and endure hardship as discipline (Hebrews 12:7).

 

3. Renew your mind. A spiritual drought can affect your thoughts and emotions, making you feel depressed, anxious, or hopeless. That is why you must renew your mind with God's truth and promises. Read His Word daily, meditate on it, memorize it, and apply it to your life. His Word is alive and powerful, and it can transform your mind and renew your spirit (Romans 12:2). Also, seek Christian inspiration and Christian motivation. Listen to uplifting music, podcasts, sermons, or audiobooks that can inspire you and fill you with hope. Hebrews 10:25, “… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”

 

4. Reconnect with others. A spiritual drought can make you feel isolated and lonely as if no one understands or cares about what you are going through. That is why you need to reconnect with other believers who can support you, encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable. Don't isolate yourself or withdraw from fellowship. Seek out a trusted friend, a mentor, a pastor, or a counselor who can walk with you through this season. Enlisting sources of Christian encouragement is important. Join a small group, a cell group, a Bible study, or a ministry where you can serve others and grow in your faith. Attend church and fellowship with other believers. This is something that the Bible implores and encourages us to do. 

 

5. Be patient and hopeful. Don't expect your spiritual drought to end overnight. It may take some time for God to work in your life and restore your joy. But don't lose hope either. Remember that God is faithful, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He loves you and He has a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). He will complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Trust in His timing and His ways.

 

6. Rekindle your passion. A spiritual drought can dampen your passion and enthusiasm for God and His kingdom. That is why you need to rekindle your first love for Him by remembering what He has done for you and how much He loves you. Spend time in His presence, worship Him with all your heart, thank Him for His grace and mercy, and praise Him for His attributes and deeds. Ask Him to restore the joy of your salvation and to fill you with His Spirit (Psalm 51:12). Also, seek out new ways to express your love for Him, such as journaling, art, music, poetry, or any other creative outlet that honors Him.

 

Remember that a spiritual drought is a part of your journey but not the end of your journey with God. It is a temporary season that can be overcome by His grace and power. He has not forsaken you; He is with you always (Matthew 28:20). He will never stop loving you; His love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). He will never stop working in you; He will complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). He will never stop satisfying you; He is the living water that quenches your thirst (John 4:14). Rest in the assurance that he is with you and will never leave you or forsake you. This too will pass and you will overcome.