If you’ve ever taken a flight from California to Colorado (or perhaps somewhere over the Okavango Delta in Africa) and had a window seat from 35,000 feet, you’ve been privy to some extraordinary sights. Snow-capped mountains arrayed in all their splendor, or a spectacular sunrise or sunset. But you might also see desolate landscape, dried up rivers, and arid mountains desperate for much-needed rain and nourishment. Though somewhat disappointing, as you zoom in for a closer look, you will see some remarkable imagery.

My husband and I took this flight a few years ago. As we surveyed the land beneath us, I noticed the most beautiful patterns in the barren desert … patterns almost mimicking the veins in my wrist.

Intricate channels that had been carved through the ebbing of what was once water tributaries—but now, from the view above they resembled the most brilliant of root systems etched into the earth’s surface. Each one led to another, some thin and delicate, some thicker, yet so intricately etched there can be no doubt that our Creator brushed these scenes with His own hand.

From the ground, all appears dry and barren. As if nothing had—or ever could—survive in such a harsh climate. But from the aerial view, I saw God’s fingerprints of action so beautifully composed.

 

Perspective is everything!

 

This reminds me of how things seem when we are in a spiritually dry season. A season when, for some, God seems far away and completely removed from our situation.

A season marked by loneliness, despair, or numbness. Or perhaps just a season of silence, like Israel experienced between the Old and New Testaments when the Jewish people had no new revelations from God.

But while they heard nothing new, they had Scripture to remind them of God’s goodness. And so do we!

We need never doubt that God continues to hold the brush and create beauty, even in the driest and harshest of seasons. When we open God’s Word, we are reminded that He is near to us, even when we don’t feel it or life makes no sense. His promise to draw near (James 4:8) and hear our prayers (I John 5:15) is trustworthy. The truth is, God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Isaiah reminds us, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

Christian author and speaker, Gwen Smith said droughts and difficulties are a reality for all of us. When the dry of your drought is fierce, God is inviting you to serve and trust Him in the arid, arduous trenches of it.

 

You are not alone.

 

A life that is saturated with God’s Word will leave an important imprint to sustain you with knowledge and comfort through the drought.

Like those patterns from 35,000 feet, His goodness is etched upon our hearts. Though the water stopped flowing, the indelible imprint of His Word leaves a reminder.

And so it is with us. We must saturate our lives with Scripture to sustain us when seasons of spiritual drought come. We have reminders and promises to look to for hope.

Anchor your heart, not in the ebb and flow of feelings—but in what you know to be true. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

John the Baptist spent time in the desert before his ministry. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before God raised him up to lead Israel out of Egypt. David did some desert time in hiding from Saul before God made him the king.

 

God is sovereign.

 

His plans never cease, even when the water stops flowing. His design continues and the evidence of His handiwork can be seen in the mystery of silence and drought.

Dry seasons can lead us to a place of great fruitfulness. The Lord may very well be shaping and preparing you, deepening your trust and forming within you a richness of love and true humility.

Even when you may not feel it, He is present. He will fill you and prepare you for the season that follows.

Trust God and take Him at His Word. God’s promises are never broken. God remains constant, even when we are not.

Friend, if you find yourself in a season of spiritual drought, take heart. Lean into God’s Word and wait on Him. Remember His promise, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Saturate your heart in listening to worship music, spend time in prayer. Allow God’s abiding presence to give you a fresh perspective.

 

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Some helpful verses to meditate on:

the Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him; yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him, and He hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:17-19 (NLT)

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. – James 4:8 (ESV) 

And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. – 1 John 5:15 (NLT) 

…for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)