Navigating Spiritual Dryness

Rediscovering authentic connection with God

September 16, 2023  |  5 min read

Ally Veldhuisen

I have recently found myself in a season of spiritual dryness. Reading my Bible has lacked its old intrigue. My devotional life has fallen by the wayside. Prayer is more of a selfish thought than an intentional time of connection.

Maybe you’re in the same boat, or maybe you have been at some point. It’s a difficult place to remove yourself from.

The reality is, I don’t think we can remove ourselves from the rut of going through the motions spiritually. We can shift our perspectives to find new motivation and renewed energy, but the real work is only done by Christ alone.

Are you ticking all the boxes on your faith walk but lacking a meaningful, felt connection with your Heavenly Father? 

Well, friend, you are not alone. Here are a few tidbits that have served me well as I navigate the ebb and flow of emotions in faith:

Spiritual growth isn’t linear.

Seasons change and so does our spiritual landscape. What seems dry now might soon give way to abundant growth and rejuvenation. Keep your heart open to the possibility of change and renewal. Remember that most things in life are temporary – for better or worse – so this season of dryness will turn over in time.

God’s love is constant and unwavering.

He sees your efforts, your struggles, and your heart. Your willingness to press on, even when the path feels uncertain, is a testament to your faith.

Refresh your heart with the living water of God’s presence.

Often our felt distance is because we are not spending time basking in the Word or pouring out prayers. Are you “too busy” to spend time with God today? If you can’t spend time with the Lord on your busiest days, you will likely fail to prioritize time with Him on your flexible days.

God knows your heart, even when you’re struggling.

Be authentic in your communication with him – pout out your genuine feelings and doubts when you pray. Just as authenticity fosters a deeper connection between friends, it also strengthens our connection with Christ. He understands your struggles and he never tires of listening to them.

Why are you going through the motions?

Take some time to reflect on your motives. Are you doing it out of habit, fear, or guilt? Examining your intentions can help you to realign your actions with a sincere desire to seek God’s presence.

Engage in meaningful scripture study.

If reading the Bible feels like a chore, try choosing a specific theme or topic that resonates with your current struggles or season of life. Engage in focused, contemplative reading that speaks to your heart and truly renews your mind, rather than reading out of obligation. See if you notice a slight shift in your mood or perspective on the days you spend time studying.

Surround yourself with a community that will hold you accountable.

Find fellow believers who are supportive and understanding by joining a Bible study through your church, finding a local Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group, or reaching out to a trusted friend or mentor that shares the faith. Having someone to offer encouragement, prayers, and a safe space to discuss your faith journey without judgment is vital to spiritual (and mental/emotional) health.

Conclusion

Remember that you are not alone. Spiritual dryness is a common experience in the Christian journey. It’s not a sign of failure or inadequacy, but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation. God’s love and presence remain constant, even when our emotions fluctuate. By seeking authenticity, exploring new approaches, and reaching out for support, you can navigate this season and ultimately draw closer to God in a meaningful way.

May you find peace in the journey, strength in knowing that you’re not alone, and may the light of your faith shine brightly once again.

With heartfelt support and understanding,

🤍 Ally

P.S. For more on this topic, consider checking out Lysa TerKeurst’s book Uninvited. One of my favorite quotes from her is, “God wants our hearts to be in alignment with Him before our hands set about doing today’s assignment for Him.” As a doer, this is a vital reminder of what’s truly most important in my day.

Navigating Spiritual Dryness - Rediscovering authentic connection with God