We have all felt this way at some point in our spiritual lives. Dry, parched, stagnant, lacking.
We just want to feel His movement, to feel His touch, but we can’t find Him anywhere. We are exhausted and tired of the spiritual desert we live in.
We long for a new movement from Him, and we hope and pray that we will truly feel His presence again.
So, when we end up in our spiritual desert, how do we change the landscape of our heart? We can learn a lot from our farmers as they struggle with physical drought in their fields.
Some farmers build a water storage system that can hold water during times when they need extra irrigation.
We must have a spiritual water system that has water stored in it to combat the dry season. We must immerse ourselves in His Word, in prayer, in praise, and in worship to prepare our hearts and souls for the times when we do not feel Him so strongly. We cannot live in a state of constant nutrient deficiencies and expect to survive when drought hits. We must have a store of “water supplies” that we can draw upon when times get tough.
“I have treasured up your word and stored it up in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” Psalm 1:2
Farmers also closely monitor soil moisture status and irrigate accordingly. We should consider tillage to increase soil capacity and help build topsoil.
We cannot be blinded by our spiritual condition in such a way that it surprises us and we find ourselves further from God than we ever dreamed. We need to have a good pulse on our spiritual condition so that we can notice changes immediately so that we can repent and restore our relationship with Him. We must be willing to do the hard things and dig deep into our spirits to prune and revitalize our stagnant condition.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there is any strait way in me; and lead me in the way of everlastingness.” Psalm 139:23-24
“And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean. And I will cleanse you from all your uncleannesses and from all your idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take the heart of stone out of you, and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:25-26
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Another thing farmers do to deal with drought is to increase organic matter in the soil. When we feel the beginnings of spiritual drought, this is a good time to engage in things that will enrich and strengthen the soil. When we are struggling, this is not the time to start decreasing the amount of time we spend with God or to start allowing more worldly influences to take over. During spiritual drought, we need to start increasing the amount of time we spend in the Word, calling out in prayer, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one last thing: Set your thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and lovable. Think on things that are excellent and praiseworthy.” Philippians 4:8
“You will seek me and find me if you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
There are times when our spiritual state doesn’t seem as alive as it does at other times. When this “spiritual drought” begins to set in, we need to begin working to water our hearts and spirits. Building a source to draw from when times are tough is vital. Being willing to do the hard things and till the ground is vital. Being immersed in the things that bring life to our spirit is vital. We cannot live in spiritual drought and do nothing to change the state of our lives. We may think that farmers are crazy if their crops are dry and they just walk away hoping for the best. We need to be intentional in striving for the health of our spiritual relationship.
This blog was written by Amy Carrico: Author of Making Moments Matter
Last updated on September 22, 2024
