Counsel #14 — Spiritual Drought in a Feeling-Driven World

Picture: Counsel #14 — Spiritual Drought in a Feeling-Driven WorldCWe 16.1

In today’s world, we’re bombarded with information, instant gratification, and constant pressure to "feel good." This creates a fertile ground for spiritual drought, a sense of emptiness and disconnection from God. We often mistake emotional highs for genuine spiritual connection. When those highs fade, as they inevitably do, we panic, questioning our faith and God’s presence. This "drought" can look like:CWe 16.2

Feeling like prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.

Experiencing a lack of joy or enthusiasm in spiritual practices.

Struggling with failure to trust God.

Being plagued by persistent doubts and anxieties.

Feeling abandoned or forgotten by God.

Experiencing depression and/or anxiety.

But even in these circumstances, we can choose faith over feelings, anchoring ourselves in God’s character and promises, not our fleeting emotions. When we doubt God’s promises, we dishonor His character and the sacrifice of Jesus. It’s a subtle form of unbelief that hinders our spiritual growth.^{[15] https://adventist.news/news/study-on-the-experience-of-spiritual-dryness-among-adventists-in-central-europe} CWe 16.3

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15 NKJVCWe 16.4

“You hurt the heart of Christ by doubting, when He has given us such evidences of His love in giving His own life to save us that we should not perish but have everlasting life. We must trust; we must educate and train our souls to believe the word of God implicitly.” Ellen White in In Heavenly Places, p. 126CWe 16.5

Reflect: How consistently do you engage in spiritual worship practices like prayer, Bible study and cultivating thankfulness and worship, especially in times of spiritual dryness?CWe 16.6