Dry Seasons_1

Intro

Today, I want to address a topic that is universal, something that all believers have faced or will face this side of glory—

the spiritual dry season.

There are people in this room who are facing this issue today, feeling distant from God and spiritually barren.

Teresa of Ávila, a revered Christian mystic and saint, once said,

"I was in a state of soul where I could neither pray nor read, but I could look at a picture of Christ and cry."

Anyone been there?

Despite her deep faith and commitment to God,Teresa experienced dryness during her life.

Despite her inability to pray or find peace in scripture, she found comfort in simply gazing at an image of Christ and allowing herself to weep.

Try to imagine what she might have been thinking and feeling during this time.

She was a woman of God deeply devoted to prayer and contemplation

Her inability to engage in these practices surely caused her great distress.

Without a doubt she questioned her faith.

I’m sure she wondered why God seemed so distant even though she had devoted her life to seeking Him.

I think we can ascertain that she experienced feelings of abandonment, confusion, and unworthiness could have filled her heart.

In this state, Teresa may have felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and isolation.

This perceived absence of God could have led her to doubt her spiritual journey and the authenticity of her faith

I think we can safely and confidently assume that she experienced all of these thoughts, emotions and more.

Why can I confidently assume this???

Because I’ve been there!

As your pastor, I want to share that I, too, have gone through these dry seasons. More than I care to admit!

And yes, even during the time I have been pastoring.

There have been times, many extended periods, when I felt distant from God, when my prayers seemed to go unheard, and my faith felt weak.

During these times, I have questioned my calling and wondered if God was still with me or if He ever was!

But through it all, I have learned that God never leaves us, even when we cannot feel His presence.

Matthew 28:20 NLT

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

He is always there, guiding us and working within us, even in the silence.

I want to offer you encouragement this morning. You are not alone in this experience. You are not weird, and there is nothing wrong with you. Spiritual dryness is a normal condition that is to be expected in the journey of faith. It is something that many, no, I would venture to say that all great men and women of faith have endured the seasons of spiritual drought.

St. John of the Cross, in his famous work "Dark Night of the Soul," wrote, "In the dark night of the soul, bright flows the river of God." This powerful quote reminds us that even in our deepest spiritual dry seasons, God's presence and grace are still flowing within us, though we may not perceive it.

First of all, let’s look at and understand what spiritual dryness is.

Understanding Spiritual Dryness

Spiritual dryness is a period in a believer's life when they feel distant from God, disconnected from spiritual practices, and struggle to experience His presence.

It often involves a sense of spiritual barrenness, where prayer feels empty, worship seems hollow, and reading scripture offers little comfort or insight.

These some of the symptoms that could point to spiritual dryness.

As I was beginning to look at this topic, I feel the Lord laid something on my heart.

Dryness is a result of drought.

I felt impressed to look at different acounts of drought in the bible and see how it can connect to the spiritual droughts that we all experience.

Biblical Examples of Spiritual Dryness Through Natural Droughts

Introduction to Biblical Examples of Spiritual Dryness Through Natural Droughts

It’s important that we recognize that dryness is often a result of drought.

Just as physical droughts result in dry and desolate lands, spiritual droughts lead to a sense of emptiness and desolation in our souls.

The Bible provides several accounts of natural droughts, and we can draw some amazing parallels between these events and our own spiritual experiences.

These natural droughts are not just historical events but powerful metaphors for the spiritual dry seasons we all face.

My prayer this morning is that through these examples, we will find encouragement and hope, knowing that our dry seasons are not in vain but are part of God's greater plan for our spiritual growth and maturity.

Let’s take a look at some of these biblical accounts of drought and see how they connect to the spiritual droughts and dryness we experience in our own lives.

Elijah and the Drought in Israel (1 Kings 17-18)

Story Summary

Let’s look at 1 Kings 17:1.

1 Kings 17:1 NLT

Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”

Elijah prophesied a severe drought in Israel’s idolatry.

The drought lasted three and a half years, causing widespread famine.

During this time, God provided for Elijah through ravens and a widow in Zarephath.

1 Kings 17:6 NLT

The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.

1 Kings 17:8–9 NLT

Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”

The drought ended after Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, leading to the people's repentance.

1 Kings 18:44 NLT

Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’ ”

1 Kings 18:45 NLT

And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel.

Connection to Spiritual Dryness:

This drought symbolizes the spiritual dryness that comes from turning away from God.

2 Kings 17:15 NLT

They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them.

Just as Israel experienced a physical drought due to its idolatry, we can experience spiritual dryness when we stray from God or prioritize other things over Him.

Elijah's story also highlights several key lessons for our own times of spiritual dryness:

Dependence on God: Elijah had to depend entirely on God's provision during the drought.

Elijah’s dependence on God During This Time Illustrates the Importance of Trusting in God and Seeking His Presence, even in a season of drought

Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

In our spiritual dry seasons, we are called to rely on God's faithfulness and provision, trusting that He will sustain us even when we feel empty and dry.

Obedience and Faithfulness:

Despite the hardship, Elijah remained obedient to God's instructions. Our spiritual dryness may be a test of our obedience and faithfulness.

God’s Provision: The miraculous ways in which God provided for Elijah remind us that God cares for us and will provide for our needs, even in the driest seasons of our spiritual lives.

Isaiah 58:11 NLT

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

Repentance and Renewal:

The drought in Israel served as a call to repentance for the nation.

Similarly, our spiritual dryness can be an invitation to examine our hearts, repent of any sin or idolatry, and seek a renewed relationship with God.

Acts 3:19–20 NLT

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

Joseph and the Famine in Egypt (Genesis 41-47)

Story Summary:

Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually rose to power in Egypt. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. During the years of abundance, Joseph wisely stored up grain, which saved many lives during the famine. His leadership and foresight not only preserved Egypt but also reunited him with his family.

Connection to Spiritual Dryness:

The famine in Egypt symbolizes times of spiritual barrenness despite our efforts. The key lessons from Joseph’s experience during the famine that relate directly to spiritual dryness include:

Spiritual Preparation:

Just as Joseph stored up grain during the years of abundance, we should store up God’s Word and spiritual disciplines in our hearts to sustain us during spiritual dry seasons.

Psalm 119:11 NLT

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 1:2 TPT

Their pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in his true revelation of light.

Provision in Dry Seasons: Joseph’s foresight and preparation provided sustenance during the famine. Similarly, God provides for us in our spiritual dryness through His Word, prayer, and community.

Philippians 4:19 NLT

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Trust in God’s Timing: The famine was a significant challenge, but it had an end. Trusting that our spiritual dryness is temporary and that God’s timing for renewal is perfect can give us hope.

1 Peter 5:6 NLT

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Purpose in Dry Seasons: The famine ultimately led to the reunion and restoration of Joseph’s family. Our spiritual dryness can have a greater purpose in God’s plan, leading to growth and deeper reliance on Him.

Joseph’s story encourages us to remain faithful and trust in God’s provision and timing during our own times of spiritual dryness, knowing that these seasons can lead to greater spiritual growth and fulfillment.

The Drought in Amos' Time (Amos 4:6-8)

Story Summary

In the time of the prophet Amos, God brought a series of judgments upon Israel to call them to repentance. Among these judgments was a severe drought.

Amos highlighted how the drought was a direct consequence of the people's disobedience and a call for them to seek God earnestly.

Amos 1:2 NLT

This is what he saw and heard: “The Lord’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem! The lush pastures of the shepherds will dry up; the grass on Mount Carmel will wither and die.”

In Amos 4:7, God reminds the people how he withheld rain

Amos 4:7 NLT

“I kept the rain from falling when your crops needed it the most. I sent rain on one town but withheld it from another. Rain fell on one field, while another field withered away.

Connection to Spiritual Dryness

The key lessons from this drought that relate directly to spiritual dryness include:

Awareness of Disobedience: The drought that Israel was experiencing was a direct result of disobedience. There are time that our spiritual dryness be a result of disobedience

or us straying from God's path.

Just maybe it’s reminding us to realign our lives with His will.

A wake-up call!

That’s what it was for Israel.

And those wake up calls are calls to repentance.

Call to Repentance:

Spiritual dryness can be a sign that we need to examine our lives, repent of any sins, and to get back in right relationship with God.

The drought in Amos' time teaches us that spiritual dryness can be a period of reflection and realignment . .

urging us to repent, seek God’s presence, and renew our commitment to Him.

The Famine in Ruth’s Time (Ruth 1)

Story Summary

A famine in Bethlehem forced Naomi and her family to move to Moab.

The famine in the Book of Ruth was likely a result of a drought.

During their time there, Naomi’s husband and two sons died, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Orpah (Or Pa) and Ruth, in deep grief.

Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem and urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab.

Orpah stayed, but Ruth clung to Naomi, declaring her commitment to Naomi and to Naomi’s God.

Upon their return to Bethlehem, the famine had ended, and God’s provision became evident through Ruth’s eventual marriage to Boaz, which secured their future.

Connection to Spiritual Dryness:

Naomi and Ruth’s experience during this time teaches us several lessons about navigating spiritual dryness:

Personal Loss and Hardship:

Just as Naomi faced loss and hardship during the famine, we too can experience spiritual dryness during times of personal crisis and grief.

Returning to God: Naomi’s decision to return to Bethlehem symbolizes returning to God.

Once again, In our spiritual dryness, turning back to God and seeking His presence can lead to renewal and restoration and an end to the dry season.

Lamentations 3:40 NLT

Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord.

here is the reason I felt led to end with Ruth . . . I believe this is a word of encouragement for everyone who is experiencing a dry season.

New Beginnings: The end of the famine and Ruth’s marriage to Boaz shows us that spiritual dryness can lead to new beginnings and blessings.

Our dry seasons can be pathways to deeper faith and renewed hope!

Isaiah 43:19 NLT

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Naomi and Ruth’s story encourages us to turn back to God in our times of spiritual dryness, trusting faithfulness to bring about new beginnings and spiritual renewal.

Closing

As we reflect on these stories and lessons from the Bible, it's clear that spiritual dryness is a common experience for all believers.

These dry seasons serve a purpose: they test our dependence on God, prepare us for future challenges, call us to repentance, and prompt us to return to Him.

First and foremost, I want to reassure you that spiritual dryness is a normal part of the Christian journey.

Even the most devout men and women of faith have gone through times when they felt distant from God.

You are not alone, and you are not failing in your faith because you are experiencing a dry season.

Call to Action Concerning Spiritual Dryness

In your own seasons of spiritual dryness, remember to:

Depend on God: Trust in His provision and faithfulness, even when you feel empty and dry. Prepare Spiritually: Store up God’s Word and maintain spiritual disciplines to sustain you during barren times. Return to God: Use these dry seasons as an opportunity to seek God’s presence and realign your life with His will. Repent: Maybe this dry period is a divine wake-up call that’s inviting you to examine your heart and seek a closer relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

Invitation to Salvation

As we close, I want to extend an invitation to anyone who has not yet experienced the life-giving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry or distant, know that Jesus is the source of living water. He invites you to come to Him, to experience His love, grace, and the renewal that only He can provide.

If you are ready to begin this life-changing relationship with Jesus, I invite you to pray this simple prayer of salvation with me:

Prayer of Salvation

"Dear God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I turn away from my sins and invite Jesus into my life to be my Lord and Savior.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide me, and help me to live a life that pleases You.

Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen."

If you’ve prayed this prayer for the first time, welcome to the family of God! Please reach out to me or one of our church leaders so we can support you in your new journey of faith.

Closing/Dismissal Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with open hearts, grateful for Your presence and guidance through the spiritual dry seasons of our lives.

Thank You for the lessons from Your Word that remind us You are with us even when we feel distant.

Lord, I lift up those experiencing spiritual dryness today. Refresh their spirits, renew their strength, and fill them with Your peace and joy. Just as You provided for Elijah, provide for our needs and guide us with Your Word.

Help us to trust Your timing and plans. Give us the courage to return to You with repentant hearts, seeking Your face and realigning our lives with Your will. May we find new beginnings and blessings as we turn back to You.

As we leave this place, we ask for Your blessing and favor over each person here. Surround us with Your love, protect us, and fill our hearts with hope. Let Your light shine through us, drawing others to You.

I declare Your peace, favor and abundant blessings in the lives of all who hear today’s message.

May we walk in Your favor, knowing You are with us every step of the way.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.