Even for the most devoted among us, there are seasons that feel like a journey through a deep, dark valley. Our prayers may feel like they are hitting the ceiling, our hearts heavy, and the vibrant connection we once had with God seems to be fading. This spiritual dryness can be disorienting and painful, leaving us to wonder if we’ve been left to face the wilderness alone.
But in these moments, we must hold fast to a truth that is not dependent on our feelings: God is with us, and He will never leave or forsake us. This is a promise woven throughout the scriptures, a lifeline we can grasp when the darkness feels overwhelming. Think of the Israelites wandering in the desert; God was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, a visible and unwavering presence. He didn’t abandon them to the wilderness. He led them through it.
Exodus 13:20-22 NLT The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.
Our spiritual journey is not a straight, brightly lit path. It's often filled with twists, turns, and sometimes, a complete lack of light. It's in these moments that we're called to trust not in what we see or feel, but in what we know to be true about God’s character.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT For we live by believing and not by seeing.
His faithfulness isn’t a reward for our good behavior; it's a foundational part of who He is.
Psalms 9:9 NLT The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
So, how do we hold on?
When your heart feels dry, saturate your mind with scripture. Remind yourself God’s promises
Joshua 1:9 NLT ] This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
The enemy loves to isolate us in the darkness. Reach out to a trusted friend, a mentor, or your church. Share your struggles.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
It may be the last thing you want to do but putting on a worship song or simply speaking words of praise can shift your focus from your circumstances to God's unchanging nature. Worship is an act of defiance against the darkness, a declaration that He is still sovereign.
Psalms 42:5 NLT Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and
But in these moments, we must hold fast to a truth that is not dependent on our feelings: God is with us, and He will never leave or forsake us. This is a promise woven throughout the scriptures, a lifeline we can grasp when the darkness feels overwhelming. Think of the Israelites wandering in the desert; God was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, a visible and unwavering presence. He didn’t abandon them to the wilderness. He led them through it.
Exodus 13:20-22 NLT The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.
Our spiritual journey is not a straight, brightly lit path. It's often filled with twists, turns, and sometimes, a complete lack of light. It's in these moments that we're called to trust not in what we see or feel, but in what we know to be true about God’s character.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT For we live by believing and not by seeing.
His faithfulness isn’t a reward for our good behavior; it's a foundational part of who He is.
Psalms 9:9 NLT The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
So, how do we hold on?
- Lean into His Promises
When your heart feels dry, saturate your mind with scripture. Remind yourself God’s promises
Joshua 1:9 NLT ] This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
- Seek Community
The enemy loves to isolate us in the darkness. Reach out to a trusted friend, a mentor, or your church. Share your struggles.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
- Worship Through It
It may be the last thing you want to do but putting on a worship song or simply speaking words of praise can shift your focus from your circumstances to God's unchanging nature. Worship is an act of defiance against the darkness, a declaration that He is still sovereign.
Psalms 42:5 NLT Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and
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