Feeling Spiritually Dry? Here’s How to Reconnect With God

It’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to have it all together. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or faith, society’s expectations don’t leave much room for vulnerability.

When it comes to our spiritual lives, we often feel pressured to maintain a constant, fire-burning relationship with God, especially with the constant stream of social media posts showing others’ “perfect” Christian journeys.

But what happens when your spiritual life feels dry? When your prayers feel empty, worship feels hollow, and you struggle to find motivation to even pick up your Bible?

First of all, let’s acknowledge something that needs to be said: You are not alone. Everyone, regardless of how long they’ve been following Jesus, goes through seasons of spiritual dryness.

But while this season may feel like it will last forever, it doesn’t have to. If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry, there are practical steps you can take to reconnect with God and rediscover the fullness of life with Him.

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What Is Spiritual Dryness?

Before diving into the how-to’s of rejuvenating your spiritual life, it’s important to understand what spiritual dryness is and why it happens. Spiritual dryness isn’t just about not feeling “on fire” for God—it’s a sense of emptiness or distance from Him.

You may feel disconnected, uninterested, or like your faith is a routine or checkbox. And while some people might view this as a sign of weak faith, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Spiritual dryness is often a natural part of the faith journey.

There are many causes of spiritual dryness, including:

• Life’s demands and distractions: The demands of work, school, relationships, and maintaining a sense of personal well-being can take up so much mental and emotional energy that we neglect our spiritual health.
• Unanswered prayers or disappointments: Maybe you’ve prayed for something that hasn’t come to pass, or you’ve been waiting on God for a breakthrough that hasn’t happened. That disappointment can leave you feeling disconnected and questioning God’s presence.
• Sin and guilt: Sometimes, hidden sin or unresolved guilt can create a barrier between you and God, leading you to feel distant from Him.
• Seasonal changes in life: Seasons of transition (moving to a new city, starting a new job, or experiencing major life changes) can also shake your spiritual foundation.
• Burnout: Even within ministry, burnout is real. Serving others, attending church, and volunteering can sometimes become a mere duty, leaving little room for spiritual refreshment.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dryness

Spiritual dryness, though uncomfortable, doesn’t mean your faith is failing. Often, it’s a signal that something needs to change. Maybe it’s a change in how you approach God or a deeper realization of your need for Him. The key is not to ignore the dryness but to lean into it with honesty and vulnerability before God.

It’s also important to recognize that spiritual dryness is sometimes a way that God invites us into a deeper level of trust and intimacy with Him. It’s in these dry places that we often learn more about God’s character—His faithfulness, His love, and His sovereignty.

The psalmist in Psalm 42 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” In other words, spiritual dryness often highlights our deep, desperate need for God.

What Can You Do When You Feel Spiritually Dry?

Acknowledge It and Be Honest About It

The first step to overcoming spiritual dryness is acknowledging it. It’s easy to ignore it, rationalize it, or even pretend it’s not there. But pretending everything is okay when it’s not is just a form of spiritual avoidance.

Don’t shy away from telling God how you feel. He already knows, so don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t feel close to You right now, God,” or “I don’t know what to do.” Being honest with God about your spiritual dryness is the first step toward healing.

The Psalms are filled with prayers of lament, where the psalmists cry out to God in their pain and frustration. If you’re feeling spiritually dry, don’t be afraid to lament. It’s okay to not have all the answers, and it’s okay to not feel okay.

Slow Down and Simplify Your Life

Life can feel like a constant sprint. We’re often juggling multiple roles: employee, student, partner, friend, and everything in between. We can sometimes forget that our spiritual life needs space to breathe, just like the rest of us.

If you’re feeling spiritually dry, it may be because you’ve become overwhelmed by the noise around you. Take a step back. Cut out the distractions. Set aside time to rest and intentionally focus on God. Take a break from social media or reduce your commitments to create space for soul care.

Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), and you may need to do the same. By slowing down and eliminating distractions, you open up the space to reconnect with God.

Practice Spiritual Disciplines—Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Sometimes, the best way to reignite your spiritual life is to keep doing the things that feed it, even when you don’t feel like it. Reading the Bible, praying, journaling, worshiping, and serving others can feel mechanical when you’re in a dry season, but consistency in these practices can help reawaken your faith.

Start small—don’t pressure yourself to read chapters at a time or pray for hours on end. Even 5 minutes of Bible reading and a short prayer can reorient your heart toward God. Over time, you’ll begin to feel more connected and in tune with His presence. If you are looking for a study to meet you where you are consider the study Rivers of Renewal.

Rivers of Renewal by The Daily Grace Co. was exactly what I needed in this season of life. I started this study feeling spiritually drained—like I was walking through a dry and barren wilderness. Whether it was from busyness, unanswered prayers, or just feeling distant from God, I could tell my soul needed renewal. And this study met me right there.

One of the most impactful parts for me was the reminder that spiritual dry seasons are not signs of God’s absence but often places where He is doing His deepest work. The study explores why we experience these seasons—whether from sin, trials, or simply the rhythms of life—and how God meets us in the wilderness with His presence, just as He did with Elijah, the Israelites, and even Jesus Himself.

What stood out to me most was the theme of perseverance. It’s easy to want to escape dry seasons, but Rivers of Renewal encouraged me to remain steadfast, trusting that God is refining me and drawing me closer to Him. The study continually points back to Scripture, showing how God provides streams in the desert and how His living water sustains us even when we feel empty.

By the end, I felt a renewed sense of peace and hope. If you’re in a season where God feels distant or you’re longing for refreshment, this study will remind you that He is near, He is faithful, and He is always at work—even in the wilderness. Highly recommend! Use the code FAITHSOLID10 for 10% off.

Reach Out for Support

Spiritual dryness doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. If you’re struggling, reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor who can walk with you through this season. Sometimes just knowing that someone else understands can provide the encouragement and hope you need.

Also, consider joining a small group or Bible study. Being surrounded by others who are on the same journey can help lift you out of your dryness and back into the flow of community. It’s important to be vulnerable in community; you’re not alone in this.

Revisit the Truth of Who God Is

When we’re spiritually dry, we can often forget or overlook the truth of who God is. It’s easy to view our circumstances through a lens of discouragement, but the reality is that God is still good, faithful, and sovereign, regardless of how we feel.

Take time to reflect on God’s attributes. Remind yourself of His goodness, mercy, and love. Reflect on how He’s been faithful in your life in the past and how He promises never to leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Worship through songs that remind you of His greatness, or spend time praying through Scripture.

Look for Small Signs of Life

God is always at work, even when we don’t see it. During seasons of spiritual dryness, try to find small ways that God is speaking to you. It could be in a verse you randomly come across, a conversation you have with a friend, or a quiet moment of peace. Pay attention to these small signs of life, and let them encourage you that God is near, even if He feels distant.

Don’t Rush the Process

Lastly, remember that spiritual dryness doesn’t always go away quickly. Be patient with yourself. This may be a season that requires perseverance, but it’s also one that can teach you to rely more deeply on God. Seasons of spiritual dryness are often followed by seasons of spiritual renewal, so trust that God is working even when you don’t see immediate results.

In the words of Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Hang in there—God is with you, and this season will not last forever.

Final Thoughts

Spiritual dryness is a part of the Christian walk that we often don’t talk about enough. It’s hard, it’s uncomfortable, and it can feel like a desert, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your trust in God. If you’re in this season, take heart: You are not alone. God is with you, even in the dry places, and He will restore your soul in due time.

So, if you’re feeling spiritually dry today, don’t lose hope. You’re in the middle of a journey—one that will bring you closer to the heart of God. Take it one step at a time, and trust that He’s faithful to walk with you through it.