If there’s one thing that’s true about human beings, it’s that we like making progress.
When we aren’t improving, it can feel like we’re backtracking or stuck instead. This is true both physically and spiritually. We can read our Bibles, go to church, pray regularly and feel…nothing. It’s like there are times where we don’t feel as “moved” as we once did.
The good news is that spiritual dry spells are a common part of the Christian journey. If it feels like God and others are far off, you’re not alone. Even David, Jesus and others in the Bible cried out to God and experienced silence afterwards.
For me, I’ve had moments where I’ve heard from God clearly and then seasons when I’ve heard nothing. I’ve had worship where I can feel his presence and worship where I’m just mouthing the words. The same passage of Scripture that spoke to me in one moment suddenly doesn’t in another. So, the big question is, what do you do when you feel spiritually stuck?
Here are some practical, grace-filled steps you can take.
Be Honest with God
For starters, be honest with God about your feelings and struggles. Tell him where you are, even if you’re doubting or worrying about the future. It says in Psalm 62:8 to “pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” That means he is a safe space and praying to him is often the first step toward breakthrough. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to have a willing heart.
Go Back to Basics
I know that I can feel spiritually attacked or stuck whenever I stray from my normal time with God. I get out of the habit of praying or reading my Bible or journaling. My guard is down and the enemy uses the opportunity to plant lies in my head. But if I can refocus, open the Psalms and read prayers out loud, for example, it will help me meditate on God’s promises. Psalm 34:18 says that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If we return to simple truths, that may be all that’s needed to kickstart us into making progress again.
Do the ‘Next Best Thing’
If you’re waiting for the next “big moment” in your spiritual journey, you might be waiting for a while. Growth isn’t exciting; more often than not it’s found in the little things, which you might have to make yourself do sometimes. Here are some examples:
- Show up to church
- Read one verse
- Pray a short prayer
- Serve someone in need
- Send a text, asking to pray for a friend
Maybe these won’t change the world on their own, but they are great ways to get spiritually “unstuck.” One small step of faith — if taken in obedience — will often lead to clarity.
Reflect on the Past
Sometimes, to see where you’re going, you have to look back at how far you’ve come. Maybe you don’t feel God’s presence as much right now, but you can look back on moments of your life when you did. Revisit journal entries, answered prayers or memories of times when God clearly showed up in your life. Nothing will change the fact that God is faithful, but we often need reminders of that.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Finally, a long conversation with a trusted friend, mentor or pastor may be just what you need to get through what you’re feeling. You weren’t meant to walk through dry seasons alone and sometimes breakthrough happens simply after you bring things into the light. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other,” and this is a good reminder that you don’t need to carry the weight of sin on your own. Once that burden is gone, getting unstuck is only a matter of time.
If you’re feeling spiritually stuck, you don’t have to stay that way. Keep pursuing God — trying new ways from time to time — and trust that you will make progress again in his timing. Spiritual stagnation isn’t a sign that it’s time to give up — it’s a sign that you might have more to surrender.
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