Grappling With Spiritual Dryness

The concept of spiritual dryness has been on my mind a lot recently.

As we mature spiritually, we are all bound to experience dry seasons.

These spiritual droughts occur for a variety of reasons. Regardless or their origins, though, these seasons can be tough.

When we can no longer sense God’s closeness, it impacts our faith. We lose comfort in our prayer. We struggle to find the motivation to spend time with Jesus.

Spiritual desolation can often help us increase our faith in Jesus, but we need to employ habits and lean on resources that help us to sustain our relationship with God.

So, friend, if your soul feels detached from God due to a lack of consistency in prayer, mortal sin, mature growth in prayer, or His own will, I recommend you consider using tools given to us by the Church.

Cultivate a Faithful Community

Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, pray with you, and meet you where you are. God is so capable of loving us and healing us through other people.

Receive Counseling

Discern whether or not you should meet with a spiritual director. Talk about your struggles with wise people whom you look up to.

Frequent the Sacraments

Receive Jesus’ graces through the sacraments as much as you can! Mass and reconciliation work wonders for the soul.

Be Persistent

Don’t alter your habits too much. Continue to do the things that brought you joy and comfort before this season of dryness.

Meditate on God’s Goodness

When He seems distant, remember His nearness. When you are struggling to acknowledge His faithfulness, call to mind your first encounter with Him. God is constantly doing good all around us, we just have to pay attention to the beauty in life’s simple things.

Practice a Daily Examen

This Ignatian spiritual practice will encourage you to ask yourself deep questions that can aid you in finding God’s working hand in your life. Offer your day’s joys and sorrows to the Father, allowing Him to use them as He wills.

Be Gentle With Yourself

Spiritual desolation is hard. Do not burn yourself out or fall into the trap of thinking you are worshipping in an insufficient way. Draw near to Christ’s Sacred Heart, and find hope in your small victories.