September 29, 2025
Dry Spell
What to do during a dry spell, a season when we don't hear God's voice, when praying is hard, and reading the Word is even harder!??
Personally my dry spells come during hard times, when I should be crying out to the Lord. I believe that is the opposite of what most people do. Many believers come to the Lord during dark times when they realize, they have no control and need supernatural help. I have a type A personality and I am so focused on solving the problem in the natural that I have to force myself to surrender the situation to the Lord. As I write this Thought it serves as a much needed reminder to myself!
What does the Word instruct us to do?
During spiritual or emotional dryness, the Bible encourages believers to persist in seeking God through prayer, even when it feels challenging. Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” The psalmist expresses longing for God despite feeling distant.
Pour out your heart to God, even if you feel disconnected. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Regular, honest prayer can restore peace and hope. David often faced dry spells Psalm 13:1, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”. Yet, he continued to cry out to God, trusting in His steadfast love
The Bible is described as a source of life and nourishment, even in barren times. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Engaging with scripture can renew faith and provide guidance. Isaiah 55:11 assures that God’s word does not return void but accomplishes His purpose. Memorizing or meditating on verses about God’s faithfulness, Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases” can anchor you.
During Israel’s wilderness wandering Exodus 16-17, God provided manna and water to sustain them, showing that His Word and promises sustain His people in desolate times.
Dry spells often test faith, but the Bible calls believers to trust God’s faithfulness. Habakkuk 3:17-18 says, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” This verse reflects trust despite barren circumstances.
Choose to trust that God is working, even when you can’t see it. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Dry spells may be a season of preparation or growth.
Worship and gratitude can shift focus from dryness to God’s goodness. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Thanksgiving reorients the heart toward God’s presence. Offer praise, even when it’s hard. Sing worship songs, recall God’s past faithfulness, or list things you’re thankful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”
Paul and Silas, imprisoned and in a dark moment, sang hymns to God Acts 16:25, and God responded with deliverance, showing the power of worship in hardship.
Part 1 more coming soon.
Isolation can worsen a dry spell, but fellowship with other believers provides encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Stay connected to a church or small group, sharing your struggles with trusted believers. Elijah felt alone and despairing during a low point 1 Kings 19:3-4, but God sent him to Elisha, 1 Kings 19:16-21, showing the importance of companionship in tough times.
Sometimes, spiritual dryness results from unconfessed sin or misplaced priorities. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me.” Self-examination can reveal barriers to intimacy with God. Confess and turn back to Him, as 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Israelites’ disobedience led to spiritual dryness, but repentance brought renewal, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Serving others can shift focus from personal struggles to God’s purposes. 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.”
Acts of love can rekindle spiritual fire.
Jesus, in His own moments of trial, continued to serve others, such as washing the disciples’ feet John 13:1-5 and praying for them John 17, showing that service reflects God’s heart.
Dry spells often require waiting on God’s renewal. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Waiting is an active trust, not passive resignation. Rest in God’s timing, knowing He is present even in the silence. Reflect on Lamentations 3:25-26: “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” The Israelites waited 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land Deuteronomy 8:2. God used this time to teach dependence on Him.
During a dry spell, trust God to bring renewal, as promised in Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul.” and look up, Maranatha.
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