Overcoming Spiritual Dryness (Part 1) Series

OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL DRYNESS. (PART 1)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 63:1

"O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water."

Supporting Texts:

Isaiah 44:3

John 7:37-39

Ezekiel 37:1-10

Revelation 3:15-16

Jeremiah 2:13

INTRODUCTION:

Spiritual dryness is a state where a believer feels distant from God, experiences a lack of passion for prayer, worship, and Bible study, and struggles with a sense of emptiness in their faith journey. It can be caused by sin, complacency, prolonged trials, or neglecting spiritual disciplines. However, God desires that we remain spiritually refreshed and vibrant in our walk with Him. This sermon will examine the causes, signs, and solutions to overcoming spiritual dryness.

1. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DRYNESS?

Spiritual dryness refers to a period of spiritual stagnation, where one's connection with God feels weak or non-existent.

a) A season of feeling distant from God (Psalm 42:1-2)

Spiritual dryness often comes with a deep longing for God's presence but an inability to feel Him.

b) Lack of passion for spiritual activities (Revelation 3:15-16)

A spiritually dry person loses enthusiasm for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship.

c) Struggles with doubt and discouragement (Psalm 13:1-2)

Prolonged dryness can lead to questioning God's presence and purpose.

d) A state of inner emptiness (Jeremiah 2:13)

When believers forsake God, the fountain of living water, they become spiritually barren.

e) Biblical Example: The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10)

The vision of dry bones in Ezekiel represents a spiritually lifeless state. However, when God’s Spirit moved, life was restored.

2. CAUSES OF SPIRITUAL DRYNESS

Several factors can lead to a season of spiritual drought.

a) Unconfessed sin and disobedience (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Sin creates a barrier between us and God, blocking the flow of His presence in our lives.

b) Neglecting prayer and Bible study (Matthew 4:4)

Just as the body needs food, the spirit needs nourishment from God's Word and prayer.

c) Overdependence on self-effort (Zechariah 4:6)

When believers rely on their strength rather than the Holy Spirit, they become spiritually drained.

d) Prolonged trials and discouragement (Psalm 143:4-6)

Difficult seasons can weaken faith and make God feel distant.

e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Spiritual Decline (Judges 16:20-21)

Samson lost his spiritual strength due to disobedience and compromise. He became spiritually dry until he repented and sought God again.

3. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DRYNESS

How do you know when you are spiritually dry?

a) Prayerlessness and a weak devotional life (Luke 18:1)

A lack of consistent prayer and Bible study is a major sign of dryness.

b) Loss of joy and spiritual hunger (Psalm 51:12)

Spiritual dryness takes away the joy of salvation and hunger for God.

c) Increased struggles with sin and temptation (Galatians 5:16)

A spiritually dry believer finds it harder to resist sin.

d) Feeling disconnected from God and others (Hebrews 10:25)

Spiritual dryness leads to isolation from God and fellow believers.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Cry for Restoration (Psalm 51:10-12)

After his sin with Bathsheba, David felt spiritually dry and distant from God. He cried out for renewal and restoration.

4. HOW TO OVERCOME SPIRITUAL DRYNESS

Restoring spiritual freshness requires intentional action and seeking God's presence.

a) Repent and return to God (Acts 3:19)

Acknowledging sin and turning back to God brings times of refreshing.

b) Engage in fervent prayer and worship (John 7:37-39)

The Holy Spirit revives and refreshes those who thirst for Him.

c) Feed on God’s Word daily (Psalm 119:105)

The Word of God brings light and life to a dry spirit.

d) Surround yourself with spiritually vibrant believers (Proverbs 27:17)

Fellowship and accountability help rekindle spiritual passion.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah’s Revival on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:4-9)

Elijah was spiritually dry after facing opposition, but God renewed him through divine encounter and instruction.

5. MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL FRESHNESS

Preventing spiritual dryness requires a lifestyle of consistency in the faith.

a) Stay connected to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

Daily dependence on the Spirit keeps you spiritually alive.

b) Develop a lifestyle of gratitude and worship (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Worship keeps the fire of passion for God burning.

c) Remain engaged in service and evangelism (Romans 12:11)

Serving God and others keeps you spiritually active and refreshed.

d) Fast and seek God regularly (Isaiah 58:6-9)

Fasting helps break spiritual stagnation and renews strength.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Passionate Walk with God (Philippians 3:10-14)

Despite hardships, Paul remained spiritually fresh by continuously seeking deeper intimacy with Christ.

CONCLUSION:

Spiritual dryness is not the end of a believer’s journey but a call to seek God more earnestly. By identifying the causes and taking intentional steps to return to God, we can overcome dryness and walk in continuous spiritual freshness. As we stay connected to God through prayer, worship, and His Word, the fire of our faith will burn brighter.