My husband and I talk on the phone or text each other multiple times a day. This has been our routine for nearly eighteen years, and neither of us would have it any other way. One of the things I appreciate most about John is no matter how busy he is, he always takes my call. Last week he traveled to Canada and stayed in a town where there was limited cell service, so our conversations were minimal during the two days he was there. In those rare times when I’m unable to talk to my husband, I feel anxious and my world feels off-kilter.
For me, the only thing more disconcerting than being disconnected from my husband is a season of spiritual dryness. What I mean by the term “spiritual dryness” are the times when it seems as though God goes silent. (You might say, there is no cell service.) In these dreadful seasons, Bible study becomes bland, prayer is difficult, and it’s nearly impossible to sense God’s presence.
Sometimes spiritual dryness is a result of unconfessed sin. Other times it just happens. If I were able, I would go to any length to avoid these rare seasons, but it seems they are inevitable. However, I have stumbled across a handful of things that make these times more tolerable.
- I remind myself I am not the only one to experience God’s silence. There are multiple instances in Scripture when God’s people ceased to hear from Him for a season. In Psalm 10:1 David said, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he still experienced times when he couldn’t sense God’s presence. David’s inability to hear from God passed, and I remind myself that mine will too.
- I rely heavily on the promises of God. Eugene Peterson once said, “Feelings are great liars.” This is especially true in times of spiritual dryness. Focusing on the promises of God rather than my emotions builds my faith. Isaiah 50:10b says, “Let him who walks in the darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.”
- I pray for the season to pass quickly. In Psalm 13:1, David prayed, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” It is wise and appropriate to seek God and ask Him to restore a sense of His presence and the joy of His fellowship.
I have no greater joy than knowing and pursuing Christ through His Word and prayer. When I cease to sense His presence, my world grows dim. The words of David in Psalm 16:1-2 speak to this, “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
Could it be that God’s silence is what provided this profound clarity?
2 Responses
Much needed words this morning! Thank you for your knowledge and skills to convey the message.
It’s my privilege, Karen. Great to hear from you and thanks for reading.