By Ian Rinken

Everyone has been there.

You’re practicing all the “right” disciplines, you’re praying all the time, you’re even going to church weekly, but you still feel distant from God.

No matter how much you read, you can’t seem to hear Him speak; no matter how much you serve, you have a hard time seeing Him working in your life. It’s not ideal, but you should know this, it’s not uncommon to feel this way.

A reality of faith is that everyone goes through seasons where their faith doesn’t “feel” the same. This fact doesn’t mean that you are a terrible person or that God has abandoned you; it just means that it’s time to hunker down and be obedient to the things that God is still calling you to despite how you “feel.”

A common way to describe these periods in the faith community is to call them a “dry season” or a “desert season.” And yes, it’s important to acknowledge when these “seasons” are happening, but even more importantly, it’s vital to know what to do to get through them. 

And that’s what we are tackling today. Here are 3 Ways To Overcome Spiritual Deserts -

1. Change Your Perspective

It’s easy to assume responsibility and blame yourself when you are in a “dry season.” You think it has to be your fault. You aren’t reading enough, praying enough, spending time with other Christians enough; you simply aren’t doing enough to stay close to God. Or so you tell yourself…

Although these things can have an effect on your relationship with God, they aren’t always the end all be all. You could be doing all of these things correctly and still feel “dry” spiritually. 

So when you’ve checked all the boxes done all of your disciplines, what’s next?

According to David’s example, he left us in the book of Psalms a perspective change.

You see, in just ONE verse, David goes from asking his soul why it is so downcast to hoping in God and praising Him for His presence despite what His soul is telling him to “feel.”

David knew that relying on how he “felt” shouldn’t determine how He viewed God or relied on God. 

David chose to change his perspective from downcast and dry to hope and praise. And that is exactly what God is calling you to do today.

It’s time to change your perspective.

2. Get in Community With Others.

One of the most essential actions anyone can take to get closer to God is to get closer to His bride, the church.

It’s no question that God created us to live in community with one another. 

From the very beginning of time when He gave Adam a partner in the Garden to the days when Jesus was walking the earth with His handful of disciples, it’s evident in scripture that community is not only beneficial to us personally but spiritually.

So what role can a church community fill when you are going through a “dry” season?

Well, for one, a church community provides support. There is nothing worse in life than going through a season of uncertainty or doubt by yourself.

When you experience the authenticity, support, and understanding an authentic church community can bring to your life, it changes your season of “dryness” to a season of growth. 

You’re no longer “pulling yourself up” or “getting through it,” but instead, you are being held up, supported through time, and given tools and friendships that will see you through the “dry” season.

It’s time to find community.

3. Stay In God’s Word.

The Bible talks extensively about how only God can provide “living water” that never leaves you thirsty or “dry.” Here are a few examples:

“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

One of the ways God provides you with the “living water” referenced above is through his living word. (Hebrews 4:12)

Reading His word not only keeps you in constant contact with Him, but it reminds you of his promises, faithfulness, and never ending patience. In a “desert season” it can be exactly what you need to see that your “dryness” isn’t as detrimental as you might think.

It’s time to stay in God’s word.

At the end of the day, your dry season will never be enough to take you away from God’s love.

Our hope is that you take these few suggestions, and lean into them. 

God will honor it. 

God will help you through. 

And God will be forever faithful.

Trust in him today and forever drink from his living water.

Ian Rinken is a father, husband, church marketer, and online pastor. His love for people and his dedication to the next generation has led to his interest in reaching people through digital ministry and empowering younger people to find who they are meant to be in Christ.