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7 STEPS TO TAKE WHEN YOU FEEL SPIRITUALLY DRY
Prayer is very key in living a spiritual life
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart –
Jeremiah 29:13”
We came across this article by Kelly Canfield and we find it so relevant today that we are happy to share it with you. Enjoy and pass it on to others!!
INTRODUCTION
Dry seasons happen. And, although it can feel like it, a dry season doesn’t mean you’re a bad Christian. Quite the opposite, actually. It makes you a normal Christian. When your prayers feel like ping pong balls bouncing off the ceiling of heaven, and your Bible time is as refreshing as a drink of hot desert sand, don’t despair. You really are normal.
There are a few things to remember, before we talk about how to get through seasons of spiritual dryness.
Dry seasons have a purpose
More than anything else, a drought makes you dig deeper into your relationship with God. It is often a precursor to big growth.
Also, the desert has a way of pinpointing things we otherwise miss. Bitterness, hurts, wrong priorities… God can use the loneliness of dry times to surface issues that He wants to free us from.
Dry season have a beginning and an end
It will not last forever. Promise. Although it might feel as unending as the Sahara, your desert experience is only going to last for a very specific and finite length of time. As we already discussed, God uses these experiences in our lives for a purpose, and when that purpose is accomplished, we will find ourselves on the other side. What seems interminable now will someday be nothing more than a punctuation mark (or maybe a short paragraph) in your story.
Dry seasons happen to everyone
When you’re in the middle of a drought in your walk with God, it can feel utterly isolating. Whether you’re a new Christian or an old one, times like these can tip you off balance and take you by total surprise. Shame is quick to jump in, accusing you of being the only one to struggle, to wrestle, to feel…nothing.
The simple fact is, every Christian goes through at least one dry season. And, although God is quiet, it doesn’t mean He’s not there (He is) or that He’s not working (He is.)
So, let’s get practical, fellow desert travellers. Here’s 7 simple steps to take when your relationship with God feels dry-as-dust.
1. Get honest with God
Tell Him exactly how you’re struggling. Chances are, there’s some utterly unhelpful doubt niggling in the back of your mind that makes you wonder, “What did I do that made God wash His hands of me? Why doesn’t He want to talk to me anymore?” It doesn’t matter if you feel like you got in this quiet season by accident or through some fault of your own, it’s important to remember that God isn’t mad at you. Repent of anything you need to, but then move on. It’s easy to get ashamed of feeling far away from God, but the truth is: He already knows, and He already wants to help you. He wants to use this time in a special way in your life. Keep the lines of communication open. (A journal is a great way to do this.)
2. Get honest with a few trusted friends (and surround yourself with Godly people)
You might be surprised by how many others have had similar experiences. Not only will a few close friends be able to encourage you or give you some fresh ideas, they will also provide accountability. Discouragement is common in the desert, and having someone check in with you regularly will help keep you moving in the right direction.
3. Remember that feelings are only a part of any relationship
It’s no different when it comes to your relationship with God. Your feelings, while important, are only part of the picture. When you’re not feeling it, don’t forget that not only have you made a commitment to God – He’s made a commitment to you! And although your feelings indicate otherwise, He’s not going to break His word. He is truly faithful, and He will bring you through any desert. This time is not wasted, and He will use it for some good purpose in your life!
4. Dig deep into God’s Word
When you’re in the middle of a dry spell, opening your Bible might seem like a waste of time. In fact, it’s exactly what you need, whether it feels like it makes a difference or not. Here’s a few things that might help:
•Enlist accountability. Ask someone to check in on you regularly to make sure you’re faithful in your daily devotions.
•Join a Bible study, or start one that challenges and intrigues you. There are so many wonderful studies available-online, with a small group, or individually
•Refresh regularly. A few little bits of encouragement throughout your day can add up to making a big difference. You could spend some time in the morning with your Bible study, read an encouraging devotion or blog post on lunch break, and wrap your day up with a few more moments of Bible study. Figure out what works for you.
5. Pray
Ask God to show you if there’s anything that is obstructing your relationship. Ask Him to help you through this tough season. Ask Him to give you endurance, encouragement, and to learn through this time.
6. Memorise Scripture
Memorise Scripture that speaks to your season of struggle. Here’s one to start with: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19)
7. Speak truth over yourself
Similar to memorisation, reminding yourself of the truth is crucial to changing faulty thinking patterns. When you’re tempted to despair that God has left you for good, remind yourself instead that God will never leave you (Isaiah 42:16). When you feel like God’s love for you is gone and over, remind yourself that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Identify what you’re wrestling with, and work on replacing lies with truth.
There have been multiple, “dry seasons” in my walk with God – some long, some short. I can tell you, though, that they have always had a purpose, they have always come to an end, and I am utterly convinced that they happen to every believer at some point or another.
So, if you’re in the Dust Bowl, too… hang in there. Rains in the forecast.
Grace, peace, and we’re in this together.
Stay blessed!
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Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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