Ever go through a spiritual dry spell?

Question

I feel so cut off from God lately and don't seem to have the energy or grace to start fresh. If you've ever been at this point, how did you get over it? Thanks, Holly

Answer 1

Yes. The Fathers (and Mothers) of the Spiritual Life (St. John of the Cross, St. Benedict, St. Teresa of Avila) all call such a period "aridity". Dryness is a good synonym.

The ONLY method they give to get out of the rut is prayer. Constant. "Pray without ceasing"

And you know what? Your prayers will probably seem dry as well. At first. Then, beging to pray for your enemies. It won't be easy. Pray for others....and not so much that God would remove the aridity.

Getting out of your own head and caring for others....that is THE way to get out of aridity.

Answer 2

We all go trough dry spells. The Rev. Billy Graham once said in an interview that he went an entire year without hearing, feeling, or even sensing Gods presence once.
To get trough this time and come out victorious on the other side, we must press in like never before. Even if you do not feel like it read the Word, pray, praise and worship, have fellowship with like believers.
It is quite often in these times that God teaches us more then ever, but we fail to recognize it until we are on the other side of the situation, and we look back, we can see that God was there all along teaching and guiding us though tough times.

Answer 3

Yes, I have. I'm Pagan, so my way of getting back in touch with Deity may not work for you, but what I did was take some time and go to some place quiet, outside, and listen to the wind in the leaves and the birds in the trees, feel the breeze and the sun on my skin, feel the grass beneath me, smell the scent of the earth and the wind, and just "be". Reminding myself that the energies of the God and Goddess are all around me, and that I am connected to everything around me just as the Higher Power is.

I hope you find your reconnection to your path.

Answer 4

I would recommend practicing praying to Jesus, just like you would a friend you havent talked to in a while. Dont expect him to say alot, but just let your thoughts bounce off him and he will guide you.

Dry spells are common and usually mean that your coming to a bottom point (of many in life) and that you are about to learn something important, so dont panic and run from it by hiding in alot of sin. That just prolongs the suffering and the lesson to be learned.
Get some things to learn about him and how he made you and how you are wired. My recommendations are: The Message book, new testament version. 2) Dare to Desire, by ethelridge 3) Music like Kevin Max, Caedmon's Call, Sara Groves -Other side of something.

Be mindful and careful about going to church. A church is a hospital full of sick people, the worst of which either 1) try to drag you down in their sins they refuse to let go of, just adding to your problems, or 2) are there to pretend they are now this "new and holy person" and are capable of judging everyone including you. The truth is that openly, vocally judging others is not a Christians responsibility or duty. Always remember, the church is the people who are in need of Jesus, not the building with a cross on it, that will always be just a building.

If you decide to go for it, then work on Getting strong in Jesus' knowledge and love first, and try to maintain that life for a couple years. If you want friendship on the matter, contact me via e-mail or go one of the following churches: a Bible Church, First assemblies of God, or a non-denominational Christian church and look for the people who notice your there and just seem geniune about wanting to help you out about learning about Jesus and God.

Answer 5

I have been less spiritual but never completely cut off from God. Begin to pray for others and hopefully that will fill the void. God Bless.

Answer 6

Yes and as your faith gets stronger you will not go Thur that as much or not at all.

Usually after a week or two I start back praying and meditating.

Good thing God is a graceful God.

Get some spiritual meditation tapes and listen to then before you go to bed.

Answer 7

Yes..You have to get to a place where you know the Spirit of God is..You need a refreshing.
God hasn't changed..at times like this, we have to evaluate our lives..find that missing link that keeps us seperated from feeling God's Spirit and fix it.

Answer 8

You need a refreshment of the Spirit. Persevere and you will not be put to shame.

Answer 9

everybody does...surround yourself with other christians, and renew your faith in god through prayer and study of his word