Why Do I Feel Spiritually Dry?
When your soul feels distant from God, there’s still hope — and a way back to living water.
You love God. You believe the gospel. You’re trying to follow Jesus.
But lately… something feels off.
You read the Bible, but the words fall flat.
You kneel to pray, but silence meets you.
You sing in church, but your heart feels far.
You’re not angry at God — just… numb.
Maybe you’ve even wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” or feared that your faith is fading. But let this be a gentle reminder: feeling spiritually dry is not a sign that God has abandoned you — it may be the place He’s most ready to meet you.
In this article, we’ll explore why spiritual dryness happens, what Scripture says about it, how to navigate it practically, and most importantly, how God lovingly walks with you through it.
🔍 Biblical Foundation: What Does God Say About Spiritual Dryness?
1. You’re Not Alone — Even the Saints Felt This Way
The Bible doesn’t ignore spiritual drought. In fact, many of God’s closest servants experienced it.
- David cried out in Psalm 63:1:
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” - Job, who once walked intimately with God, sat in silence, pain, and confusion:
“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him…” (Job 23:8) - Even Jesus on the cross felt the weight of divine silence:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Spiritual dryness is not new. It’s not failure. It’s part of the journey.
2. The Wilderness is a Holy Place
In Scripture, the wilderness is often where God refines His people:
- Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading Israel.
- Elijah fled into the wilderness when he felt hopeless.
- Israel wandered the wilderness to learn trust and obedience.
- Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested.
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
and bring her into the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her.” — Hosea 2:14
God doesn’t waste dry seasons. He uses them to strip away idols, deepen faith, and restore intimacy with Himself.
🛠️ Practical Guidance: How to Live It Out When You Feel Spiritually Dry
When your spiritual life feels like a desert, don’t panic — but don’t stay passive either. There are practical steps you can take to walk through the dryness faithfully.
1. Stop Pretending and Be Honest with God
Dryness often becomes worse when we fake spiritual energy instead of confessing our struggle.
“Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” — Psalm 62:8
Talk to God honestly. Say:
- “God, I don’t feel close to You right now.”
- “I’m confused, tired, even numb — but I still want You.”
- “Help me trust even when I can’t see.”
Honest prayers are heard prayers.
2. Return to the Basics — with Fresh Surrender
Don’t try to do more — try to go deeper in small, intentional ways.
- Scripture: Pick a short passage (like Psalm 23 or John 15) and linger there for a week. Meditate. Journal. Breathe it in.
- Prayer: Trade long prayers for honest silence. Sit with God. Say little, listen much.
- Worship: Play songs that speak truth over your feelings. Let others sing for you when your voice feels weak.
- Community: Share your dryness with a trusted believer. Let them pray with you and walk beside you.
You don’t need spiritual fireworks — you need faithful rhythm.
3. Evaluate Your Heart and Habits
Ask the Holy Spirit to show if anything is clogging your connection with God.
- Are you harboring unforgiveness?
- Are you distracted by entertainment, busyness, or sin?
- Have you disconnected from fellowship or isolated yourself?
“Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord.” — Lamentations 3:40
Not every dry season is caused by sin — but some are. And when we return, His mercy is new every morning.
4. Prioritize Rest and Replenishment
Spiritual dryness is often connected to emotional or physical exhaustion. You are a whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
Elijah didn’t need a sermon — he needed sleep, food, and a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19).
- Get rest.
- Eat well.
- Step outside.
- Take a Sabbath.
Let your soul breathe.
🪞 Heart Work: What’s Beneath the Surface?
Let’s go deeper. Dryness is not just about habits — it’s about the heart.
1. Are You Seeking God’s Hand or His Face?
Sometimes we grow dry because we’ve made faith about blessings — not intimacy.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
Are you willing to seek God even when He feels silent — simply because He’s worth it?
2. Has the Fire Faded into Familiarity?
It’s easy to grow numb to grace when we stop marveling at the gospel.
Let your heart remember:
- Jesus bled for you.
- The Spirit lives in you.
- Heaven awaits you.
The gospel hasn’t lost power — sometimes we just need to rediscover the wonder.
3. Are You Measuring Your Faith by Emotion?
Emotions are real — but not always reliable. True faith is not proven by feelings but by faithfulness.
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
God is still good — even when you feel nothing. Stay faithful.
🌱 Encouragement: You’re Not Stuck Here Forever
You Are Not Alone
- Every believer walks through valleys.
- Every saint has had silent nights.
- Even your pastor, your mentor, your favorite author — they’ve all faced dryness.
You are not broken. You are not faithless. You are being formed.
God Is Closer Than You Think
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Even when you feel far from God, He is near. He is not pacing in heaven waiting for you to get it together. He’s beside you, whispering, “I’m still here.”
This Season Has Purpose
You may not see it now — but God is doing something deep in you:
- Teaching you perseverance.
- Removing idols.
- Strengthening unseen roots.
- Creating space for revival.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” — Matthew 5:6
Spiritual hunger is not failure. It’s an invitation to be filled again.
📣 Walk Forward in Faith
Spiritual dryness is not your destiny — it’s a season. And it will pass.
But don’t waste it.
Let it make you:
- Humble
- Dependent
- Patient
- More in love with Jesus than ever before
A Prayer of Renewal
Lord, I confess my dryness. I long for You, even when I don’t feel You.
Restore my heart. Reignite my passion.
Strip away distractions. Teach me to walk by faith, not just by feelings.
Thank You for never leaving me — even when I struggle to see You.
Draw me close again. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Questions for Journaling or Reflection
- What have I been relying on instead of God’s presence?
- What might God be teaching me through this season?
- How can I practice faith even when I don’t feel spiritual?
Suggested Next Steps
- Read Psalm 42–43 slowly every day this week.
- Fast from digital noise for one day and sit in silence with God.
- Call a friend or mentor and share what you’re going through.
- Listen to a worship playlist that reminds you of truth (e.g., “You Hold It All Together” by Maverick City Music).