Feeling A Little Dry in the Word?

Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step by little bits of wills little denials of self little inward victories by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph no spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment. -Amy Carmichael quoted in: Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, 1987, Word Books Publisher, p. 130.

As a Christian, we may from time to time experience a period of spiritual dryness. This is a time when you don’t feel that you are on the same track as God. Perhaps you even feel like you aren’t hearing the Lord when He is trying to speak to you. Pretty soon you start to slack off with your prayers, Bible study; and your church attendance begins to suffer, as well. I truly believe that God understands that this will happen to us from time to time.

This does not stop Him from loving us any less. After all, we are His children. A period of spiritual dryness is not necessarily a bad thing. What I mean is, maybe there’s something we are doing (sin) that doesn’t quite sit right with the Lord. He might even be holding out fellowship with us until we fix what we are doing wrong in His eyes. Only then as we repent will our relationship develop closeness again.

Another possibility might be that God is taking us through a time of testing and preparation. This is His way of smoothing out the rough edges and becoming stronger in faith. A tree that knows how to bend with the wind will not so easily break. There were many people in the Bible who went through various trials (or periods of spiritually dryness) because God wanted to strengthen them for His purpose. Just off hand, I refer to Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Paul. They were all better suited for what lied ahead because of the preparation that they had experienced.

Earlier, I mentioned that spiritual dryness is not always gloom and doom. Sometimes it can be preparation for blessing, reward, and even ministry. God did not want us to just hang around looking good. We are His instruments to be used spreading the Word. In order for Him to accomplish this with us, we need to be able to be used, able to be sent, and able to trust in the Lord no matter what!

Now, what can we do during a period of spiritual dryness? The first thing is to not give up! Why? I send you back to re-read the material above. Also, ask the Lord to reveal any unconfessed sins which might be holding you back. Then repent, repent, repent! Keep reading your Bible and pray regularly. Trust in God, and remember that He loves you and will never forsake you. In the end, you will come out of your dryness with a more perfected faith, improved character; and your walk with Him will be strengthened. You will find yourself a better prepared person for whatever God has in store for you.

Let me leave you with some final words. In the middle of your dryness, offer praise and thanksgiving. Don’t let your feelings rob you of the chance to praise and thank God even when things aren’t going as you would like them to. It’s easy to praise Him when things are going great, but the true Christian will praise God through the rough times, too!

Scripture: John 1:1, 14; Jude 4; Romans 5:1; Jeremiah 17:9, Habakkuk 2:4

Prayer:

My Lord, I’m completely dry inside but I know that even out of that dryness you can bring fruit. Even if my soul is a desert and my thirst is not quenched, I know you haven’t abandoned me. So out of my wilderness, I raise my voice and my heart to you, not to make my will known, but to surrender to your will, not to get what I want, but to learn to be open to what you want for me. Amen

May God bless you,

Evelyn