Overcoming Spiritual Dryness: Walking by Faith, Not Feelings
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
In our daily Group Bible Study meditations, we focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We are learning to walk by the Spirit rather than by our feelings. Let’s get into it:
We all love the "honeymoon phase" of faith—those early days when God’s presence feels as tangible as a warm blanket. But eventually, the feelings fade. We enter a season where the "sensory proof" of God seems to vanish. Does this mean He has left you? Not at all. It means He is inviting you to a deeper, more mature kind of trust: faith that doesn't need to "see" to believe.
Moving Beyond the "Honeymoon Phase" of Faith
Consider the disciple Thomas. He missed the Lord’s first appearance after the resurrection and declared that he would not believe Christ had risen and overcome death for the believer unless he could touch the nail marks. When Jesus finally appeared to him, He provided the proof and added a profound blessing: "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed" (John 20:29).
Why God Allows Spiritual Dryness
God often "hides" from our senses so He can reveal the true state of our faith walk. If we only follow Him when we "feel" inspired, our faith is shallow. Mature disciples reach a point where they no longer require proof from their feelings to trust God's promises. They recognize that the Spirit of God is with them even when the "mountaintop experience" is over.
Finding Jesus in the Silence
When you feel spiritually dry, remember the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus was walking right beside them, explaining the Scriptures, but their eyes were "hidden" from recognizing Him. He was there in the dry conversation and the long walk, not just the miraculous revelation. Today, if you don't "feel" God, count on His Word instead. He is the God who stays even when He is silent. Keith Thomas
Reflection: The Breath Prayer
Can you trust God’s promise even when your emotions are silent?
Breath Prayer: Inhale: "I walk by faith." Exhale: "Not by sight."
Watch the Full Study
Explore how to navigate spiritual dryness in today’s video:
How to Apply "Faith Beyond Senses" Today
When feelings vanish, routines protect your faith. Use this straightforward framework to anchor yourself when you experience spiritual dryness.
1. Shift from Emotion to Fact
Morning Check-in
Open your journal or a digital notes app. Write down one core promise from Scripture (e.g., “I will never leave you nor forsake you”). Explicitly state: "My current feelings of distance do not cancel out this baseline truth."
2. Engage the Breath Prayer
Midday Reset
Set an alarm on your phone for midday. When it goes off, pause for 60 seconds. Inhale deeply while mentally saying, "I walk by faith." Exhale slowly while saying, "Not by sight." This physically anchors your nervous system while centering your mind on truth.
3. Log the 'Silent' Presence
Evening Reflection
Before going to sleep, look back at your day. Instead of looking for miraculous or emotional moments, look for practical provisions. Did a conversation go well? Did you have safety on your commute? Write it down as evidence of God working quietly in the background.
Continue Your Spiritual Journey…
To continue these daily meditations, consider bookmarking this page: Browse our free 3-minute Bible Meditations. You can also read the full written study here: 5. In Step with the Spirit.
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