From Pastor Tom - Four Keys to Navigating Spiritually Dry Seasons

Let’s be honest – all of have times when we find it hard hearing God’s voice.  We have all experienced a period of spiritual dryness – a place some would call a spiritual desert.  The spiritual desert IS NOT a fun place to be. It is dry – lonely – and HOT!  During this season our relationship with God feels distant and lifeless. When we sense that God is distant here are four things to practice that can help us get closer to God:

 1. Confess Our Sin

There are always sins that we knowingly and unknowingly commit.  If we continue committing sins that we know God wants us to stop – it puts a strain on our relationship with Him.  The strain on our relationship does not mean He does not love us.  If anything – the strain is a demonstration that He wants us to move closer to Him.  We can move closer to Him by confessing our sin before Him.  Remember:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9 (KJV)

2. Remember Our Worth

In 1 Peter 2:9-10 we are told that we are chosen and that we have value. The Bible says:

“You are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NASB) 

We are not chosen because of our gender – height – weight – or education. We are chosen because of God’s mercy. We are exalted and elevated in His presence – that is a reality!

3. Pump-Up The Praise

When God feels far-away it is easy to turn down our praise. During desert seasons – our praise should be seen and heard.  We need to remember that it is easy to praise God when things go well – but the true men and women of character praise God through the good times as well as the bad times.  The Bible says:

“I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:2 (NASB)

4. Get Up – Get Dressed – Go To Church

When we go through desert seasons the very place we run from is where we need to run towards – CHURCH! Guess what – you are not the only person going through a dry season. There are others who are going through something similar. However difficult it looks – do not stop going to church.  Healing and inspiration happens when we are together. In fact – we are better together.  The Bible says:

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NASB)

Are you going through a dry season?  What do you do when you go through dry seasons?

Blessings – Pastor Tom