Spiritual Sketches: spiritual images from the garden
Spiritual Drought: How Dry Seasons Grow Deeper Faith
In the life cycle of any garden, the dry season always comes. During the hot summer months, weeks—or even a month—might pass without a drop of rain. While an extended drought can eventually cause plants to wither and die, a short period of dryness can actually benefit the plant.
This is known by different names: some call it “root depth response,” others refer to it as “stress-induced root growth” or simply “root plasticity.” The point is that in times of drought, plants under stress send their roots deeper and wider into the soil to seek out moisture and nutrients.
The Spiritual Lesson in Drought
There is a powerful spiritual lesson here for us as Christians. Just as plants go through dry seasons, every believer will experience spiritual droughts—seasons when God feels distant, and the emotional highs of conversion or revival seem to fade.
During these times, our day-to-day faith might feel dry, our prayers may seem to go unanswered, and our hearts may begin to question God’s presence. Spiritual droughts are often accompanied by trials and tests that induce stress in our lives. But just as a short drought can strengthen a plant by forcing it to grow deeper roots, these spiritual dry seasons are also for our ultimate good.
James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” God uses seasons of drought to make us more complete and steadfast in our faith.
God’s Purpose in Spiritual Droughts
When we find ourselves in these dry seasons, it’s easy to feel like God has abandoned us. However, the truth is that God is always near, even when we can’t feel His presence. As Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God is with us even in the darkest valleys.
Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” The Lord may feel distant, but He is always present, working in ways we may not see or understand.
During these times, we must resist the temptation to rely on our feelings. Feelings are fleeting and unreliable, but God’s Word stands forever. As Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” In seasons of drought, we need to cling to the truth of God’s Word, even when our emotions tell us otherwise.
Rooting Ourselves in Christ
In moments of spiritual dryness, we have an opportunity to deepen our dependence on Christ. Just as plants sink their roots deeper to find water, we are called to sink the roots of our faith deeper into God’s Word and His promises.
In Matthew 12:20, we are reminded that Jesus “will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick.” Even when we feel fragile and spiritually dry, Jesus is merciful and tender with His children. He is near, even when we don’t feel His presence.
John 15:5 teaches us that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” In spiritual droughts, we are reminded that our true nourishment and growth come only from abiding in Christ.
The Blessings of Spiritual Drought
Though it may be hard to see at the time, spiritual droughts bring blessings. They strip us of our reliance on the world and its distractions and force us to turn to Christ for our strength and sustenance. In a season of drought, God often works in ways that we may not fully comprehend but that are incredibly profound. He wants to deepen our roots of faith and draw us closer to Him.
As C.S. Lewis once said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Sometimes, spiritual dryness can awaken us to areas of our lives that need attention, repentance, or renewal.
Application: What to Do in a Spiritual Drought
So, what should we do when we find ourselves in a season of spiritual drought? Here are some practical steps:
1. Cling to God's Word
When emotions fail, cling to what you know to be true. Meditate on the promises of God in Scripture. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2. Pray Persistently
Even when it feels like your prayers are hitting the ceiling, keep praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray without ceasing.” Sometimes, prayer in a dry season is simply an act of obedience, but God is listening, and He will answer in His time.
3. Seek Community
Don’t isolate yourself in a spiritual drought. Share your struggles with trusted Christian friends, mentors, or your church community. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.”
4. Rest in God’s Sovereignty
Trust that God has a purpose for your season of drought. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Even when we don’t understand, we can trust that God is sovereign and working for our good.
Conclusion: Growing Deeper in Dry Seasons
Do you feel like you’re in a spiritual drought? Does God feel far away? Remember, just as plants send their roots deeper during times of drought, God is calling you to sink your roots deeper into Him. He hasn’t abandoned you. Instead, He is using this season to make you more dependent on Him and to grow your faith.
Lean into God’s Word, persist in prayer, seek out Christian community, and trust in His sovereignty. In the end, you will find that the dry seasons, while difficult, are often the times when God does His deepest work in your heart
