Most Christians encounter times when their faith feels quiet, distant, or even empty. This is often described as spiritual dryness. It can make prayer feel hollow, worship seem routine, and Bible reading feel more like a task than a joy. These seasons can be discouraging, yet they are not unusual in the life of faith. Scripture itself shows us that many of God’s people have walked through valleys of silence and longing. The good news is that even in these times, God has given His Word as a living source of renewal. Learning how to read the Bible when you feel spiritually dry can help restore perspective, strengthen faith, and draw your heart back toward God.
Understanding Spiritual Dryness
Spiritual dryness is a season when believers feel distant from God, struggle to find joy in prayer, and wrestle with connecting to Scripture. It is not always caused by sin or neglect. Sometimes it comes from weariness, grief, or the pressures of daily life. The Psalms contain many prayers where David cries out in the middle of this same struggle: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). Elijah the prophet also faced despair when he fled into the wilderness, feeling exhausted and alone (1 Kings 19).
Experiencing these dry seasons does not mean faith has disappeared. Rather, they reveal our need to lean on God’s Word even more. Spiritual dryness can actually become an invitation to rediscover God’s presence in fresh ways.
Why Reading the Bible Matters in Dry Seasons
When faith feels thin, it can be tempting to step back from Scripture until the dryness passes. Yet this is often the very time when reading the Bible is most vital. Scripture is not only a record of God’s words in history but a living witness that speaks into our present struggles. It reminds us that God’s presence is not dependent on our feelings.
The Bible realigns perspective when life feels scattered. It renews faith by pointing us back to God’s promises. Even small portions of Scripture can remind us that we are not alone, that others have faced the same valleys, and that God has remained faithful through them all.
Practical Ways to Read the Bible When You Feel Spiritually Dry
Begin with Prayer
Before opening Scripture, take a moment to pray for guidance. Even a simple prayer such as “Lord, open my heart to Your Word today” invites God into the process. This practice shifts the focus from your own effort to God’s Spirit, who illuminates the text.
Turn to the Psalms or the Gospels
The Psalms are filled with raw emotion, from joy to lament, and they can give words to feelings you may struggle to express. The Gospels, on the other hand, center on the life and teachings of Jesus, reminding you of God’s love revealed in Christ. Both can serve as powerful companions in dry seasons.
Read Slowly and Reflectively
When motivation is low, long reading plans may feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on smaller sections. Read a single psalm, a short parable, or even just a few verses. Pause to reflect on a word or phrase. Consider writing thoughts in a journal.
Establish a Simple Routine
Sustainable habits matter more than intensity during times of dryness. Choose a consistent time each day, whether morning or evening, and keep the practice short and approachable. Over time, this steady rhythm will help reawaken a deeper hunger for Scripture.
Pair Reading with Prayer or Worship
Sometimes combining Scripture with another form of devotion helps restore a sense of connection. This could mean writing a prayer in response to what you read, singing a hymn, or using creative practices such as verse mapping or Bible journaling.
Overcoming Discouragement
Even with practical steps, some days will still feel empty. This does not mean you are failing or that God is absent. Feelings are not the measure of faith. What matters is persistence. The simple act of showing up to Scripture, even without strong emotion, is an act of trust in God’s presence.
Over time, God honors this perseverance. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). The Word is constant even when our feelings shift.
Resources for Spiritual Renewal
For those who want to go deeper, there are resources that can support you during spiritually dry seasons:
- A good study Bible that provides notes and context for deeper understanding.
- A devotional journal that encourages reflection and prayer.
- Participation in a Bible study group, either in person or online, where encouragement comes through community.
These tools can help turn Scripture into a lived experience rather than a distant text.
Feeling spiritually dry is a reality that nearly every believer will encounter. It does not mean your faith is gone or that God is absent. It is an invitation to seek Him in fresh ways, especially through Scripture. By beginning with prayer, choosing passages that speak to the heart, reading slowly, and maintaining a simple routine, you can continue connecting with God through His Word.
Seasons of dryness are not permanent. God’s Word has endured through every age, and it will continue to be a source of renewal in yours. Trust that even when you do not feel His presence, He is still near, speaking through the pages of Scripture.