How should I respond to spiritual dryness in my life?
Ezekiel 11:19“And I [the Lord] will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.”
We should begin by accepting God’s gracious gift of a new, tender heart.
Romans 12:9Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Philippians 2:4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Hebrews 6:10-12God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Practice genuine, active love for others, caring for them and serving them.
Psalm 1:1-6Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
2 Timothy 3:1-5You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
We should be careful of the company we keep. It’s not enough to simply avoid bad associates; it’s necessary to spend time with God and others who are likeminded.
Proverbs 12:11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
Proverbs 12:27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
Proverbs 13:4Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
Romans 12:11Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
2 Thessalonians 3:11We hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.
2 John 1:8Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.
Revelation 3:19“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
One of the best cures for spiritual dryness is diligent, enthusiastic, hard work!
Isaiah 32:10In a short time—just a little more than a year—you careless ones will suddenly begin to care. For your fruit crops will fail, and the harvest will never take place.
We need to become aware of the negative consequences of spiritual dryness in our lives. Recognize the times and seasons that make up life. What we plant in healthy spiritual practices today will yield a crop of spiritual wellbeing in the future.
Luke 21:34“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware.”
Listen to Jesus’ warnings about spiritual dryness. Temptation is frequently about immediate gratification or escape; God always has eternity in mind for us.
