Most Christians experience a period of spiritual drought during their walk with the Lord. This is a season where you may or may not be practicing spiritual disciplines, but you are not feeling the joy and wonder of God. You still trust God and want to love Him, but you simply do not feel it.
This feeling of God being distant can be caused by busy schedules, unconfessed sins, trials or a general lack of spiritual growth. Christians must remember that it is not feelings that determine whether or not God is worthy to be praised. Feelings are temporary and can easily be influenced by the society and culture of our world. God is all-powerful, forever loving and present in each individual’s life. When our feelings change, He remains the same. When the desire to read the Bible, pray and attend church disappear, it will not last forever. Spiritual dryness is just a season.
Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” When you spiritually feel nothing, keep pursuing God. He is there, waiting for you, you just have to want Him back.
Sometimes in dry seasons, we are doing all the right things but with an incorrect heart-posture. You could be reading your Bible everyday, but when you sit down to read it, you get distracted by your mind or rush to get it done and move onto the next thing on your to-do list. Maybe there is a sin you struggle to let go of; deep down, you know it is wrong, but in the moment, it feels too tempting to resist. Confess your sins to God. His perfect law is much more fulfilling.
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Maybe, you are running from God. Whatever you did feels too big to turn back. You are afraid to go into God’s presence. Remember, if you are a Christian, God is always present with you. God desires for you to admit your sin. He freely gives us grace and mercy. Run to Him.
Instead of focusing on one’s feelings, Paul reminds us to shift our focus to God’s glory and goodness. He is using this time for refinement and to strengthen your trust in Him. Continue reading the Bible, praying, surrounding yourself with encouraging Christians and seeking God’s presence. During the rush of life, it becomes easy to overlook each little blessing from God. Train the heart to see God in His beautiful creation composed of nature, people and a vast array of emotions. Even in the mundane, there is room for thanksgiving.
“Reading [the book of] Psalms is huge for me,” Bible teacher Mrs. Floyd said. “There is a psalm for every season and feeling that we can have. God has equipped us for refreshment in reading and meditating on Psalms.”
A moment of refreshment can come from a prayer like this: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (ESV, Psalm. 51:12). This verse acknowledges the widespread problem of losing joy in your faith yet points to the source of its renewal: God Himself. Our God, with all His trustworthiness, love and grace, is the best and most lasting solution to all our problems.
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