About this Episode
Les and Pastor Kyle Worsham discuss spiritual dryness.
What is spiritual dryness?
A feeling of being depleted or empty. Many people describe it as feeling far from the presence of God or having minimal or no spiritual growth
What 3 things can cause spiritual dryness?
Situations and mindsets: lusts of the flesh and pride are the primary ones
Lusts: Peter said that fleshly lusts wage “war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Fleshly desires dull the senses of spiritual things. We start to chase after things of this world rather than things of the Kingdom, which leaves us dry.
Pride: Pride is the sin that kills faith and trust in God. Pride crept into the garden, and it creeps into your lives today. When we go through life and feel “good” about our state of being, we can forget the Lord and think all we have is from our own strength and doing. Pride seeks adoration and appreciation. It forgets that great and mighty things will be done by God's Spirit, not by our strength.
Lack of consuming God’s Word: The Bible says that God’s Word is a lamp and a light. It reveals the places to walk. So often, we are spiritually dry because we don’t know what to do in a given situation. We become so focused on other things or the difficulty of our situation that it takes away from time in God’s Word and prayer. Spiritual dryness is a red flag to cut away distraction and carve out time with God every day.
How to overcome lust, pride, and lack of consuming God’s Word
Lust: Ask God to reveal to you any areas that are unchecked. What are you “consuming” that is actually drying you up rather than refreshing and nourishing your spirit? This could be watching certain movies, listening to certain music, or gathering with people who speak against God’s Word.
Pride: Ask God to reveal areas where pride has crept in. God says that He gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. If you are feeling spiritually dry, humbly come before God and repent. Ask Him to renew a right spirit within you (Psalm 51:10-12).
Lack of consuming God’s Word: Ask God what He wants you to let go of to begin to receive refreshment from the Living Water. This takes spiritual discipline and commitment, but the harvest will be abundant in due season.
Is there a hidden gift in spiritual dryness?
Yes! Spiritual dryness is not pleasant, but it is a reality for us at various points in our faith journey. As with anything—in times of joy and trials—we must be willing to ask God what He wants us to see and learn from every circumstance. Seasons of spiritual dryness are no different.
Jesus said if anyone thirsts, come. Spiritual dryness leaves us thirsty. But unless we thirst, we won’t draw near to the One who can give us living water. The key to overcoming spiritual dryness is to reposition our minds to come to Jesus and drink!
How to overcome spiritual dryness
Recognize it as an invitation to come to Jesus.
David’s example in Psalm 42: He didn’t allow his past or his feelings to drive him. He decided to praise and hope in God.
Worship.
Get into the Word.
Pray out loud.
Journal: record prayers and how God answers them.
Join community and attend revival weekend.
Livingproof.co/revival