What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Dry

What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Dry

By: Walks With the Lord Blog

Have you ever walked through a season when your prayers feel like they’re bouncing off the ceiling, your Bible seems silent, and worship feels more like a routine than a relationship? If so, you’re not alone. Many faithful believers—seasoned saints and new Christians alike—experience what is often referred to as spiritual dryness. It's a wilderness season of the soul, where God seems distant and your spirit feels weary. But the good news is that this is not the end of your story. The Word of God offers hope, direction, and refreshment for every parched soul.

In this post, we’ll explore what spiritual dryness is, what causes it, and—most importantly—what to do when you feel spiritually dry, using Scripture to guide each step.

Understanding Spiritual Dryness

Spiritual dryness isn’t a sign that God has abandoned you. In fact, Scripture is full of examples of God’s people crying out from desert seasons. David wrote:

“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.”
— Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

Even Jesus experienced separation from the Father when He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Spiritual dryness is a very real, very human experience.

1. Acknowledge It Honestly Before God

The first step is honesty. Pretending everything is fine only deepens the dryness. Pour out your heart before the Lord just as David did:

“I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.”
— Psalm 142:2 (NKJV)

Tell God how you really feel. He already knows. Your honesty creates space for healing and refreshment.

2. Examine the Causes

Sometimes spiritual dryness has a spiritual cause; other times, it’s emotional, physical, or circumstantial. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you reflect:

  • Is there unconfessed sin?

    “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
    — Psalm 66:18 (NIV)

  • Have I neglected time with God’s Word or prayer?

  • Am I physically or emotionally exhausted?

  • Is God inviting me into a season of growth through silence?

Not all dryness is a result of sin or failure. Some seasons of spiritual drought are divine invitations to grow deeper roots of faith.

3. Return to the Word, Even If It Feels Dry

In seasons of dryness, reading Scripture may feel like reading a textbook. But don’t stop. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), even when you don’t feel it.

“Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord... He is like a tree planted by streams of water.”
— Psalm 1:1–3 (ESV)

Reading the Bible plants seeds. In time, those seeds will sprout life, even if you don’t see growth immediately. Begin again with Psalms, the Gospels, or passages that speak directly to the heart.

4. Pray Anyway

When you feel spiritually dry, prayer may seem pointless—but that’s when it’s most powerful. Romans 8:26 reminds us:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness... the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
— Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Even if all you can say is, “Lord, help,” that’s enough. God meets us in our weakness. Try using Scripture as your prayer. For example, pray Psalm 51:

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
— Psalm 51:12 (NIV)

5. Worship Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Praise shifts our perspective. When we worship, we take our eyes off our feelings and put them on the unchanging character of God.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
— Psalm 42:11 (NIV)

David often preached to his own soul. We can do the same. Sing, even through tears. Praise God for who He is, not just what He does.

6. Stay in Christian Community

Isolation is a trap of the enemy, especially when you’re feeling spiritually dry. Find a small group, a prayer partner, or a trusted friend.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds... encouraging one another.”
— Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)

Hearing others’ testimonies and letting others pray for you can ignite fresh faith.

7. Serve Others

Ironically, one of the best ways to be refreshed is to refresh others.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
— Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)

Volunteer at church, write encouraging notes, or help someone in need. God often revives our hearts when we step outside ourselves.

8. Trust in God's Faithfulness, Not Your Feelings

Feelings come and go. Faith stands firm. God has not left you.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
— Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Even when you feel nothing, God is working. Trust in His promises. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

9. Wait Expectantly

Sometimes God allows dry seasons to prepare us for a new outpouring. Trust that He will send rain again.

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground.”
— Isaiah 44:3 (NIV)

Wait with expectation. God is faithful to renew. He sees you. He hasn’t forgotten.

10. Remember Past Faithfulness

Look back and remember what God has done. Keep a journal of answered prayers or review old ones.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
— Psalm 77:11 (NIV)

Recalling God’s past faithfulness fuels your hope for future renewal.

You're Not Alone

Every believer walks through the desert at some point. Elijah, after defeating the prophets of Baal, was so exhausted he wanted to die (1 Kings 19). But God met him in his weariness. Jesus, too, was led into the wilderness. Dryness does not mean defeat. It’s an invitation to trust.

Final Encouragement

If you’re feeling spiritually dry today, know this:

  • God sees you.

  • He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

  • He will restore you in due time (1 Peter 5:10).

  • You are not forgotten, and your faith is not failing just because your feelings are quiet.

The desert may be silent, but it is not empty. God is there.

Share Your Journey

Have you walked through a season of spiritual dryness? What helped you come out of it? Or are you in that season now and looking for encouragement? I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations in the comments. Let’s build each other up in faith.

A Prayer for the Spiritually Dry

Heavenly Father,
I come to You feeling dry, weary, and distant. My heart aches for Your presence, yet You feel far away. But I know by faith that You are near.
I ask You to restore the joy of my salvation. Quench my thirsty soul with Your living water. Speak to me through Your Word. Breathe life into my prayers.
Help me praise You even when I don’t feel it, trust You even when I don’t see it, and love You even when I don’t sense it.
Draw me near again. Let this season of dryness bear fruit I cannot yet see. Thank You for never leaving me. I place my hope in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stay encouraged. Keep walking with the Lord. The rain will come.

🕊️ Walks With the Lord Blog
Let’s grow together in faith, one step at a time.

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