How can believers find strength in God when feeling spiritually "dried up"? Turning to the Anchor Verse “But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Why This Verse Matters • It identifies the Source of strength—“the LORD.” • It explains the condition—“wait upon the LORD.” • It describes the result—“renew their strength,” “mount up,” “run,” “walk.” Recognizing the Signs of Spiritual Drought • Prayer feels dry or mechanical. • Scripture reading seems fruitless. • Worship feels like routine rather than relationship. • Discouragement rises, joy sinks. (See Psalm 42:3–4.) Remembering God’s Unchanging Character • He is faithful: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) • He is compassionate: “A bruised reed He will not break.” (Matthew 12:20) • He is near: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18) What “Waiting on the LORD” Looks Like • Stillness—choose unhurried moments to sit quietly before Him (Psalm 46:10). • Expectation—anticipate that God will answer and refresh (Psalm 5:3). • Submission—yield desires and timelines to His sovereign wisdom (Proverbs 3:5–6). Nourishing the Soul with Scripture • Drink deeply from psalms of longing: Psalm 63:1; Psalm 84:2. • Read aloud promises of strength: Isaiah 41:10; Ephesians 3:16. • Memorize short truths to repeat in dry moments: – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) – “The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” (Exodus 15:2) Pouring Out Honest Lament • Follow David’s pattern—confess dryness, declare trust (Psalm 22:14–15, 19). • Name specific disappointments; God invites raw honesty (Psalm 62:8). • End lament with a yet: “Yet I will praise Him.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18). Drawing from Living Water • Hear Christ’s invitation: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37) • Ask the Spirit to fill afresh (Ephesians 5:18). • Expect inner refreshment that flows outward (John 7:38–39). Connecting with the Body of Christ • Share your dryness; isolation intensifies it (Galatians 6:2). • Gather for corporate worship even when feelings lag (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Allow others to speak Scripture over you (Colossians 3:16). Serving While Empty—A Surprising Path to Strength • Giving often precedes renewed joy (Proverbs 11:25). • Small acts—encouraging text, meal delivery—shift focus from self to Savior. • God supplies strength as we step out in obedience (1 Peter 4:11). Looking Forward to Certain Renewal • Dry seasons are temporary; God promises restoration (1 Peter 5:10). • Final refreshment awaits in His presence: “They will hunger no more, neither thirst anymore.” (Revelation 7:16–17) Practical Next Steps 1. Set aside ten silent minutes daily this week—simply wait. 2. Read Isaiah 40 aloud each morning. 3. Text one trusted believer and ask them to pray Isaiah 40:31 over you. Strength is not conjured; it is received. Those who wait on the Lord will discover, again and again, that He is the well which never runs dry. |
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