Have you ever opened your Bible and felt… nothing?
No excitement. No inspiration. Just silence and maybe even guilt for feeling that way?
You’re not alone.
Every believer no matter how passionate or mature walks through seasons of spiritual dryness. Times when prayer feels difficult, worship feels heavy, and studying the Bible feels like a chore instead of a joy. But the beautiful truth is this: your hunger for God isn’t measured by your emotions, but by your willingness to keep showing up.
This post is for the weary heart. The unmotivated soul. The one who loves God, but feels distant. Let’s talk about how to gently return to His Word.
1. Be Honest with God About How You Feel
God isn’t shocked by your exhaustion or lack of motivation. He already knows.
Like David in Psalm 42:2 who cried, “My soul thirsts for God,” you can come to God just as you are. Dry, empty, honest. Tell Him:
- “Lord, I feel distant from You.”
- “I want to want You again.”
- “Help me love Your Word.”
Honesty is the first step toward healing.
2. Start Small — You Don’t Need a 1-Hour Quiet Time
When you’re spiritually drained, long Bible studies can feel overwhelming. Give yourself permission to start small and simple.
Try:
- One Psalm a day
- One verse to meditate on (like Psalm 119:105)
- Listening to Scripture via audio Bible while driving or cooking
You don’t have to devour the Bible. Just taste and see again (Psalm 34:8).
3. Return to Scriptures That Speak to the Heart
Sometimes, your heart doesn’t need deep study, it needs comfort.
Start with:
- Psalms (for emotional honesty and encouragement)
- Gospels (to sit at the feet of Jesus again)
- Isaiah 40, Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 8 (hope and assurance)
These passages remind you who God is before they ask you to do anything.
4. Use Simple Prayer to Invite the Holy Spirit
Studying the Bible isn’t just intellectual, it’s spiritual. Without the Holy Spirit, the Bible is just text. With Him, it becomes life.
Before you read, whisper:
“Holy Spirit, open my eyes. Show me Jesus. Give me hunger for Your Word again.”
God delights in that kind of prayer.
5. Make It Relational, Not Just Educational
The Bible isn’t a textbook, it’s a conversation. Instead of focusing on how much you understand or how many notes you take, focus on knowing the Author.
Ask relational questions:
- “God, what does this teach me about You?”
- “Jesus, how do You want me to respond?”
- “Holy Spirit, where are You at work in my life right now?”
6. Change the Format, Not the Faithfulness
Maybe your routine needs a refresh, not a replacement for God.
You could:
- Use a Bible app or devotional plan
- Follow a Bible study podcast or YouTube series
- Write out Scripture in a journal or on sticky notes
- Sit outside with your Bible instead of at your desk
- Join an accountability group or Bible study community
Sometimes a different method reignites a familiar love.
7. Focus on Presence Over Performance
God is not grading your Bible study. He’s inviting you into His presence.
Even if all you can do today is read one verse and whisper “Help me, Lord”, that counts. Faithfulness in weakness is still faithfulness.
8. Remember: Seasons Don’t Last Forever
Spiritual dryness is not a sign that God has left you. It’s often a sign that He’s inviting you deeper, beyond feelings and into trust.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Don’t give up. Keep showing up. He will meet you there.
Final Encouragement
If you’re in a spiritually dry season, don’t be discouraged—be hopeful. This doesn’t disqualify you from God’s love. It’s simply a chapter, not the whole story.
Your hunger for God will return. Your love for Scripture will grow again.
Until then, take small steps, whisper simple prayers, and trust that even now, God is closer than you feel.
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Stay blessed.
Biyai
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