Feeling Flat/Spiritually Dry

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influenced by life's pressures and discouragement. The Christian life is not a continuous mountain-top experience of trouble-free ecstasy. When people feel spiritually dry and distant from God, they may become disengaged as life's burdens increase, and discouragement grows. Emotions can reveal deeper issues and should encourage us to connect with others and with God; however, feeling low often leads to withdrawal.  

This experience can be likened to seeking God "in a dry and thirsty land without water," which influences one's entire perspective on life (Ps 63:1). This is often accompanied by physical fatigue and indifference, affecting spiritual practices as well.

The causes of emotional and spiritual challenges can vary, as can the solutions. Sometimes, medical conditions may reduce resilience and require attention. Maintaining proper sleep and nutrition is important. Physical, mental, or emotional discomfort can make it more difficult to focus on personal or spiritual matters. Taking on numerous commitments can lead to fatigue and reduced attention to personal well-being. Balancing responsibilities plays a key role in maintaining overall health. Persistent stress or unresolved issues can have significant negative effects. Satan knows our weak areas and will target those vulnerabilities (2 Cor 2:11; 1 Pet 5:8). Thus, we should always guard our hearts, having our defenses in place so we are not unprepared for his attacks (Prov 4:23; Eph 6:12-18).

If our perceived self-wants are not being ministered to and we encounter difficult circumstances, our attention shifts from God to the storms of life, causing us to lose perspective quickly. Just as Peter began to sink when he focused on the wind and waves instead of Jesus, we too can lose our sense of direction and hope when we concentrate on our troubles and our perceived wants are not ministered to, rather than trusting in God (Mt 14:30).

Focusing on difficulties can overshadow positive aspects and hinder our sense of gratitude. Instead, we should express thankfulness for the many blessings – both past and present – and recognise what is going well. The Bible encourages us to praise and trust God even during hardship, expressing gratitude despite facing challenges, by shifting our perspective towards appreciation and trust in God's goodness (Ps 13:5-6; 34:1; Hab 3:17,18).

It may be sin (Ezek 18:30). Unconfessed sin creates a barrier between us and God, causing us to lose the joy that comes with salvation (Ps 51:12). When we honestly confess our sins, Jesus promises to draw near to us and restore our fellowship with Him (Ps 32:5; Jas 4:8; 1 Jn 1:9). Repentance removes the separation, renewing our relationship with God and allowing us to experience His presence and joy once again.

God sometimes allows a person to reach a low point with no visible solution before intervening powerfully to reveal His amazing grace and ability. For instance, the Israelites encountered a critical impasse when positioned between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s forces; the narrative describes the waters parting, enabling their passage on dry ground (Ex 14:21,22). Likewise, Joseph is depicted as rising from imprisonment to a position of authority in Egypt, and Daniel is described as delivered from the lions’ den (Gen 41:14,40,41; Dan 6:16,22). These stories demonstrate how God’s intervention often comes when hope seems lost, reminding us of His faithfulness and power in our own times of struggle.

moments in God’s presence are practical steps that foster a deeper relationship with Him. Just as this living water refreshes us individually, God also desires that we experience refreshment through relationships with others in the faith community. We should submit all aspects of our lives to God and be filled with the Spirit (Rom 12:1,2; Eph 5:18).

can lull us into feeling self-sufficient and cause us to stop relying on the Lord unknowingly. Once we achieve success, it’s easy to expect smooth sailing, at least for a little while. So, when a new challenge immediately appears on the horizon, we feel blindsided and unprepared. Thus, we must be as watchful after the victory as before the battle.

When David faced an extreme crisis – his own men were so distraught after losing their families and possessions that they considered stoning him – he chose to find strength in God (1 Sam 30:6). Despite the overwhelming pressure and fear, David’s immediate response was to seek God’s guidance and support. Similarly, our first reaction to adversity should be to turn to God and commit ourselves to His direction.

It is important not to neglect prayer, Bible study, attending worship services where God's Word is preached, and interacting with other believers. Instead of seeking comfort from sources that may undermine your spiritual well-being – for example, habits or influences that draw you away from faith, such as substance abuse, negative peer groups, or practices that contradict biblical teachings –remain anchored in healthy spiritual practices and supportive faith communities. These steps help nurture resilience and keep us focused on God’s guidance during difficult times.

See also: apathy, burnout, connection, daily walk, depression, hassles, mountain (top), not being ministered to, self, spiritual disciplines, stress, valley, wilderness wanderings.