Feeling spiritually dry can be frustrating, but God uses these seasons to draw you closer and deepen your faith.
On the study trip to Israel, I learned many things. And even after all these years, some of those lessons have stayed with me very personally. This is one of them.
Have you ever been on a four bottle walk?
I wasn’t either, until that trip.
Our teacher took us on what we called a “wee little walk” across Israel, from the northern regions to the Negev. There was nothing mean or small about him. They were long, hot and often very hard. Our eager group of students would know how excruciating and treacherous it would be to walk through the number of large water bottles that needed to be carried and finished before returning to our bus.
A four-bottle walk
You may wonder what walking four bottles has to do with being spiritually stuck in a dry place. Well, more than you might think!
Our walk was interesting and educational as we trekked to and around places I had never read about in my Bible. Walking the holy ground, so to speak. But they were also unbearably hot and demanding and not for the faint of heart. In fact, after a long, totally exciting and exhausting day, I’ll sometimes step into the shower fully dressed so I can peel off my clothes and wash them all in one step!
It didn’t take me long to figure out what kind of walk we were in for based on the water bottles we were asked to carry.
How hot was it?
My sister-in-law, Susan, and I also got creative about staying cool. Our hotel rooms usually had small refrigerators and we would freeze wet clothes and extra water bottles for the day ahead. That meant we could tie frozen washcloths around our necks or tuck them under our hats to stay cool, at least for a while. We also stuck frozen water bottles in the front of our bras to keep our core temperatures down. Yes, necessity is indeed the mother of invention!
Despite the heat, it was a life-changing trip. We were learning incredible truths as we visited biblical and historical sites, even while wearing washcloths over our heads and carrying frozen water bottles to the most obscure places!
Walking through the dry, rocky places of the Holy Land in the summer heat taught me a lot about being stuck in a spiritually dry place, how to persevere at times, and how to come out victorious on the other side.
Drink plenty of living water
In Israel, water was, and still is, a precious commodity, especially in the summer. Even a short walk without it can be fatal.
Water = Life.
That equation is just as true in the spiritual sense.
When we find ourselves stuck in a spiritually dry place, we need a constant supply of living water. We need to be connected to the Giver of Life and refreshed and sustained by His presence.
In other words, we need to stay close to God and His Word. This is the time to press hard on the Holy Spirit and ask Him for understanding, comfort and closeness to God.
Being rooted in His Word is life to a dry and thirsty soul.
Listen to the teacher
When we were traveling along narrow mountain roads and standing on the edge of a high bank to take in the beautiful views of the Sea of Galilee or the Valley of Megiddo, it was very important that we listen closely and obey our teacher. Going off the road can be fatal.
One morning in the Golan Heights, our teacher warned us not to stray from the path because there were still active minefields around us. It was a fascinating and beautiful place, but also dangerous. We all stayed very close to him on that particular outing.
In spiritually dry seasons, we need to redouble our efforts to listen to Jesus. Follow Him closely and be anchored in His Word. Dry times are not only times of testing but also of temptations.
Straying from the path God has laid out for us in His Word can be spiritually dangerous. Stay close to Jesus. Don’t wander off.
Things are simple in number
The support of our Israel study group helped each of us at one point or another.
I remember one time in particular. We were climbing a very steep road, and some of the stronger young men in our group formed a human chain that the rest of us used as railings to make our way up to the next level of terrain.
Hard times are easier when we have others supporting us, praying for us and walking with us through the dry, desert and difficult terrain of life.
We were not created to walk alone. Being part of a church family and small group is more important than we sometimes realize. In those dry times, your Christian friends, your family, and your church community are there to help you get through them safely.
Keep your head up
Many of our hikes in Israel took us over very difficult terrain.
Even when we needed to be careful where we stepped, we kept our heads up and took in all the wonder around us.
If we had only looked at our feet as we passed through those rough, dry places, we would have missed the waterfalls cascading down the mountains and the green ribbons of land where a small stream cuts through the rocky landscape. We wouldn’t have seen the local wildlife or the flint layers streaked across the rock face like someone had drawn a bold line with a pencil. We saw flowers and plants flourishing in extremely harsh conditions, and their beauty was astounding.
We took time to look and see God in His creation.
In spiritually dry and difficult times, keep your head up. See how God reveals Himself to you. Discover the miracles He weaves in your life even in dry places.
Know that victory lies ahead
Although many of our treks in Israel were hard, hot and uncomfortable, they always ended up being profound and life-changing. I learned a lot, and my heart was deeply affected.
I grew spiritually. And because I spent time in those dry places in Israel, I am able to share all of this with you today.
Spiritually dry places lead to victory. When we go through it, clinging to Jesus and pressing on in faith, we are almost always elevated to a higher understanding, growing in our maturity and entering into a deeper relationship with God.
Our Christian life was never guaranteed to be easy. In fact, Jesus tells us the opposite. But He also tells us that He will be with us and never leave us.
During our time on this earth we will all take a spiritual “walk” in dry places. Because it really is four bottles of life.
This scripture can help you this week…
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Happy Sunday, friends…
