Battling Spiritual Dryness
Q: Ive been struggling lately. I don't know if its with my faith or my submission to God or both or something else. Ive been praying to feel God. Ive been praying for the unexplainable joy I got from him in the past. The tears the smiles the everything. Ive been so lost and have no one to talk to cause I don't have anyone. My husband is on a path that doesnt match mine. I talk to him but its not the same (due to our being unequally yoked).
I feel like ive just been exhausted in my faith. Im not questioning God. I know God. I have experienced God and love God. But I'm just stuck. I don't know what to do. I want material. I want to learn new things. But its so difficult. Any advise is welcome. Any questions and encouragement is welcome. Im not giving up even though I want to.
A: I hear you. Keep persevering through spiritual dryness and discouragement, seeking assurance and renewal in God’s promises rather than in fluctuating feelings.
Many believers ask these questions.
● Why don’t I feel God like I used to? (longing for past emotional experiences)
● Am I failing in my faith or submission? (guilt and self-doubt)
● How do I keep going when I feel dry? (perseverance and endurance)
● Where can I turn for help when I feel alone? (isolation and need for encouragement)
You're not alone in what you’re feeling. Many believers—even those who’ve walked faithfully with Christ for years—go through seasons of dryness, weariness, and longing for the joy they once felt. That struggle itself is evidence that the Spirit is alive in you, because you’re not giving up, even though you feel tempted to. That’s God’s grace at work (Phil. 1:6).
I hear that you’re longing for that past sense of joy and closeness with God. That desire is good—but let me gently encourage you: our hope doesn’t rest in feelings or experiences, but in the unchanging promises of Christ. Feelings rise and fall, but Jesus never leaves us (Heb. 13:5). Sometimes the deepest faith is trusting Him even when your emotions are quiet. You’re not abandoned—He’s holding you.
God has given us simple but powerful means of grace to strengthen us in dry seasons: His Word, prayer, and His people. Even if you don’t have close companions right now, consider whether you might lean into your local church family where you can be encouraged and reminded of truth (and join one if you arent a member of one, as we are to be). You don’t have to walk this road alone, and shouldnt try to.
On a practical level, maybe start small: read one Psalm each day and pray it back to God. Let His words shape your prayers. You might also choose one promise (like Isaiah 41:10) to memorize and repeat to yourself daily. These little steps are often how God restores our hearts.
And please don’t be discouraged that you’re “just stuck.” Sometimes the Lord holds us where we are for a while to teach us to treasure Him for who He is, not just for what we feel or want to. He’s shaping your faith to go deeper, even in the valley. Remember His heart: “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench” (Matt. 12:20). That means He won’t crush you in your weakness—He’s gentle and patient.
If you’re looking for resources to encourage your heart, I’d recommend Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-Jones or When I Don’t Desire God by John Piper. Both speak deeply into what you’re describing. experience-driven). A few others that directly touch on faith, assurance, and perseverance (by MacArthur) are:
“Saved Without a Doubt” – a wonderful book on assurance of salvation, God’s promises, and persevering faith. It addresses the exact struggle of feeling “stuck” or doubting one’s experience with God.
“The Gospel According to Jesus” – emphasizes true discipleship and trusting Christ rather than chasing feelings. It can help re-center the heart on submission to Christ.
“Anxious for Nothing” – focused on Philippians 4, it addresses worry, anxiety, and discouragement, grounding peace in God’s promises rather than emotions.
“Strength for Today” (a devotional) – daily encouragements rooted in Scripture, perfect for someone who wants steady nourishment when they feel spiritually dry.
If you want to get to know God better, theres books here that can open Him up to you in deeper broader ways and bless you.
Heres some videos that might help too
And think on the Gospel, which shows God's love for us, and of Christ who died for us. The Gospel is for our every day, not just a one time thing that brings us to salvation. These messages can bless you on that.
Most of all, please know you are not forgotten. God is faithful, even when our hearts feel faint or a bit distant. One day He will restore every tear and every dry season with fullness of joy in His presence. Until then, keep clinging to His Word, keep crying out to Him in prayer, and keep walking step by step in faith. He is holding you fast.
Praying for you today, that you would know the peace of Christ guarding your heart and mind (Phil. 4:7).
God bless
