Thirsty

Why, my soul, are you downcast?    Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11

Does your soul ever feel ‘flat’? Do you feel like going to worship is just going through the motions? Does it seem like prayers evaporate before they even reach the ceiling? Do you long for a time when you felt close to God, but now, not so much?

Spiritual dryness can feel unsettling. And we naturally wonder: Have I done something wrong? Has God withdrawn?  The psalmist knows this path. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”

Thirst, by definition, means something is missing, but it doesn’t mean we’re spiritually dead. Like the psalmist, what we may have a deeper longing – a truer desire for God that is not emotional and excitable. Something that is more tangible and less about a feeling.

In these times, faith needs to shift from feeling to trust. We read scripture (and listen to devotionals) not necessarily because it thrills us, but we believe God still speaks. We gather in worship not because we are filled with joy, but because we have an empty tank. We pray not because it feels powerful, but because we weakly believe that God is faithful.

When Isaiah told us that God pours water on thirsty land, note that She didn’t scold the dryness. She met it with water. He didn’t curse the desert; he sent the rain.

These times can deplete energy and cause doubt. They can dry up the soul and steal joy. When you find yourself spiritually dry, stay rooted in simple rhythms of brief, honest prayer. In fact, you don’t even have to use words at all… just sit in silence. Lean on the faith of the community, when your own faith feels evaporated. Find the awe and wonder of sunrises, hands that heal, pets that show up at just the right time.

Dry seasons often deepen roots. When the rain finally comes, growth is stronger and more resilient.

Persistent and loving Savior, when my soul feels dry and distant, remind me that you are still near. Give me patience in the drought and hope for the rain. Teach me to trust you not only in abundance but also in emptiness. Pour your living water into the cracked places of my heart. Amen.