5 Ways to Get Through a Spiritual Dry Season

5 Ways to Get Through a Spiritual Dry Season | Spiritual exhaustion is a lonely place to be. We’ve all been there — the painful dry seasons where God feels a bit far, you’re having a hard time living out of joy, and no one seems to get it. They can be out of the blue. Confusing. Sometimes isolating. And really, really hard.

I’ve been where you are. Feeling alone, disoriented, and unsure of how to move forward. It’s scary in the moment, but I promise, it’s worth hanging on through.

I’m a firm believe that when you’re in that season, stuck and overwhelmed and frustrated, the most important thing to do is to keep showing up. However you can, wherever you’re at — keep coming to the table, pressing into God & grace and allowing Him to work in you. Of course, this is easier said than done — and sometimes it’s hard to know how, or where to start.

It is with this in mind that I’ve created this blog post. These are tangible ways to help you get out of a spiritual dry season and connect with the Lord. Each of these steps is something I do, have done, and have encouraged friends to do as well.

If you’re struggling, don’t stay struggling. You are capable of moving forward. You’re not alone in this, and it won’t last forever.

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5 Ways to Get Through a Spiritual Dry Season

LISTEN TO SCRIPTURE

In all honesty, when I’m feeling spiritually drained, picking up my Bible can sometimes feel like a heavy task. I know the comfort that scripture holds, and the value of the truth it brings to even the darkest seasons — but my tired mind is lazy, and doesn’t want to put in the effort to properly engage.

Push past that. The Bible is available to us all the time. God’s words for you about who you are and what His plans are for you. Especially when you’re struggling, it’s absolutely worth the effort.

A great tool available now is the option to listen to scripture. I have the Dwell app on my phone, which offers tons of options on how to listen to different parts of the Bible. Letting the audio pour over you is a unique way to engage with scripture & it’s a great alternative for days where the actual practice of reading feels like a lot.

Additionally — not instead of — I’d really recommend seeking out quality Christian podcasts. The Bridgetown Church podcast is my personal favourite. Both their sermons + other content are really encouraging, biblically-grounded, and simple. I’m a HUGE fan of Bridgetown and John Mark Comer (this book of his changed my life), and definitely encourage you to check them out.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, or just looking for peace, highly recommend putting this on as you go to sleep. You can set a timer, select a Psalm or any passage, and drift away listening to the Word of God.

SEEK OUT COMMUNITY

Even Jesus didn’t try to do life alone. Reaching out isn’t just allowed, but necessary to get through this in the healthiest possible way. Community is everything. Tell your friends you’re struggling. Call your mom. Join a small group through your church, tell your friends you’re struggling, see if you can get connected with a mentor.

Even if all you do is word vomit or process with someone, that can make a huge difference in your healing. It’s okay to ask for help.

GET NEW WORSHIP MUSIC

Typically, I listen to a regular mix of both secular and Christian music, but I’ve found that setting a few days, weeks, or months aside to simply soak in worship music can be really restorative.

It’s always grounding to listen to worship, but particularly when you’re in a dry spiritual season, it feels like rest for the soul. For me, it seems to put words to what I can’t in the moment. There’s so much available now in every genre that you’re guaranteed to find some good options. Look for new songs you haven’t heard before, create your own playlist, and keep it on shuffle.

I really like the “Worship Today” playlist from Apple Music, but I also have my own, and regularly ask for suggestions from friends or on Instagram!

PRACTICE SABBATH

The regular practice of Sabbath is an underrated one. An essential rhythm in a culture of hustle, rest itself is somewhat of a lost art. In all honesty, it’s not even one I really thought much about until reading this book, but taking space to intentionally rest from your week does wonders for your mental, spiritual, and physical health.

It doesn’t have to be complicated! But planning one day a week to turn off your phone, sit quietly in the presence of God, and reset your heart for the week will restore you in ways you can’t even imagine.

Some of my favourite ways to find/create this space are going for a walk (rain or shine), reading — not watching TV, journalling, playing & writing music, and painting.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Simply put, you can’t pour out of an empty cup. In order to be present for anyone else, you need to learn to take care of yourself. Find ways to relax. Practice self care. Build restorative rhythms into your life.

Pushing too hard gets you nowhere. Developing an intentional, sustainable life isn’t just about your consumption habits — it also means knowing how to protect yourself and your mental wellbeing.

Is your lifestyle sustainable for your health? Your priorities? It’s okay to step back, set boundaries, and make calls about where you want to invest yourself.

Our God is a God who restores, who heals, and who will lead you to still water. Hang in there. Feeling spiritually drained, while painful right now, may lead you to a deeper, greater sense of gratitude for where you are going and where you have been. The Lord is good, and you are loved.

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