Have you ever found yourself feeling spiritually dry, distant from God, or just… off? Like your prayers are going nowhere, your Bible reading plan is nothing more than checking off a box? If so, you are certainly not alone.
Recently, someone confided in me that they were feeling exactly that way—down, disconnected, unmotivated, and unsure how to get back to a vibrant spiritual life. I totally understood, because I’ve been there too. In fact, I’ve gone through several seasons like that. No, I’m not proud about it; yet it happens to most all of us.
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Now, before I get into this full podcast and blogpost - I want to remind you to check the website on May 1st, sherryelaine.com or g
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Now back to topic: Recently, a woman confided that she was feeling down, disconnected, unmotivated, and as if she was disappointing God because of it. So I shared a few things that have helped me in those dry places. Things that aren’t necessarily your typical “quiet time” routines—because often times, you are just in a rut, and you need to do something a bit different to let yourself connect with God in a new, more personal way.
Maybe try journaling a prayer. Or write your own psalm—pour your heart out like David did. If you’re artistic, draw what you’re feeling and describe it to Him. If you love gardening, plant something as an offering and talk with Him while you do it. Or go for a drive and speak out loud to Him like He’s sitting right there in the passenger seat.
Because He is right there in the car with you.
A few years ago, I was in one of those dry spells. I was overwhelmed, spiritually sluggish, and barely hanging onto my prayer life. My anxiety was climbing, my energy was tanking, and I was disappointed in myself. I knew better. But I still drifted.
That’s when I decided to try something very simple. Childlike, even. Let us not forget, though, that Jesus taught in Matthew 18:3, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Something that I believe Jesus meant - is that we must have belief and trust that what He says is true - is really true, even though we cannot see it. And what this means for our relationship with Him - is this: He has told us that he will be with us always, every single day - the actual Greek in the verse - it says, "I will be with you all of the days - always - even until the end of the age." It's not just a general, "I am with you floating above you near by and watching you." No He specifically said, all of the days - every single day - He is with us, and we are to abide with Him. We are to live with Him! Remain in Him! It's that word meno that I shared about a few weeks ago. Abide! Remain!
So here is what I did in one of my last spiritually dry seasons. I called it the “Remember He is With You Personal Challenge.” For 30 days, I decided that I would imagine that Jesus was with me—physically. Not just in spirit, but right there. With me. Every step of the day. Because He is, right there, with me - every day.
When I woke up in the mornings, I imagined Him sitting at the foot of the bed saying, “Good morning.” In the car, He sat in the passenger seat, and I would talk to Him. At work, I had a chair in the corner of my office just for Him. During stressful meetings, I pictured Him at the conference table, calmly present. At home, He sat on the couch, reminding me to be patient with my kids and gentle with myself.
You may think it sounds silly. You may think, "Wow, Sherry - I can't believe you are sharing this it makes you look - uh - immature." But I will come back you at that - because there is no practice I have ever implemented that has more effectively quenched my soul than the month I spent doing my best to keep my mind on Jesus and with Jesus all day long. Over time—something incredible happened.
By day fifteen or so, I didn’t have to pretend anymore. I didn't have to try anymore.
His presence became real. Practically tangible. I didn’t have to make myself to think about Him, because I simply couldn’t forget He was there.
So, if you’re in a dry place right now, don’t feel ashamed. Don’t give in to the voice that says God is disappointed in you. That’s not His voice.
God’s love for you hasn’t changed one bit, even if your spiritual routines have been lacking. He’s still there. All of the days. And He’s waiting to walk with you again—maybe in a new way that allows you to share a delight with Him.
So why not begin today?
Start with one small act of connection. Something personal. Something real. Maybe even something creative or playful. Pretend, if you have to at first. Be like a child. Go out for a walk with Jesus, take a long drive and talk to Him, have a coffee break and talk to Him. Make Him a seat next to you.
And just see what happens.
I’m sending up a prayer for you today—that you’ll catch a glimpse of His hand at work, and that little by little, your soul will be refreshed and renewed.
Let’s remember together: He is with us. When we really remember this, and act upon it - it's called "Practicing His Presence," and it's an absolutely delightful way to go through the days.
Gratefully,
Sherry
More Resources:
Join the author's Facebook group for the upcoming online Renew and Revive Retreat for Soul Care!
New! Prayer and Reflection Journal I Designed! I love how the journal turned out! It has all I need for prayer tracking and reflections and re-setting my mind with struggles I am facing.
If you would like to learn simple, practical ways to walk with God every single day, then you would really enjoy Closer to God: Simple Methods, Starting Today
If you need motivation to eat healthier or lose weight while also growing closer to God, then you would enjoy Weight Loss for Christians, An Extraordinarily Simple Way to Conquer Cravings
If you want to learn more deeply and fully about what Jesus taught, then you would enjoy Words of Jesus - Bible Study on Christ's Teachings
More Resource Channels:
Gospel Life Learning Instagram
Sherry Elaine - Books Authored