How To Dig Deep In A Dry Season
Finding the Oasis When Life Feels Like a Wilderness - By Lauren Booth, Georgetown Sisters Coordinator
Have you ever found yourself in a dry season—spiritually parched, emotionally weary, and wondering where God is in the middle of it all? Maybe you're walking through grief, burnout, confusion, or simply in a season where everything feels… off. These wilderness seasons can feel lonely and endless. Isaiah 35 reminds us that God does His most beautiful work in the wilderness.
In Isaiah 35, God paints a picture of hope and transformation. He doesn't ignore the reality of the wilderness, but He promises to bring life to it.
Verse 2 speaks of abundance and the display of His glory.
Verse 3 brings renewed strength to the weary.
Verse 5 declares miracles—the blind seeing, the deaf hearing.
Verse 7 speaks of springs of water in the thirsty land.
Verse 9 promises protection from danger.
Verse 10 crowns us with everlasting joy.
So how do we respond when our soul feels dry and that promised oasis feels out of reach?
1. Dig Into Your Routine
Sometimes, our spiritual dryness stems from neglecting the small rhythms that anchor us. Ask yourself: What small habits have I let go of? Morning prayer, journaling, or quiet time in the Word might be the refreshment your spirit is craving. Digging deeper doesn’t always mean doing more—it means being intentional with what you already have.
2. Dig Into Worship
Worship shifts the atmosphere. Whether in your car, the kitchen, or curled up in bed, turn on worship music that centers your heart on God’s faithfulness. Declare His promises until your heart starts to believe them again. Worship isn’t just for the mountain—it’s a weapon for the valley.
3. Dig Into a Faith Mindset
This is where we pastor our own spirits. Speak to your soul like David did in the Psalms: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God.” (Psalm 42:11). Open the Word and find scriptures that speak of His faithfulness, then declare them out loud. You may not feel refreshed yet, but faith says, “God is already at work.”
Surround yourself with His promises. Put them on sticky notes on your mirror, fridge, or dashboard. Save them as your phone background. Memorize a few key verses that you can recite when doubt creeps in. Let scripture fill your home and your heart—because when you’re in a dry place, the truth of God’s Word is the water that sustains you.
4. Dig Into Community
You were never meant to survive the wilderness alone. Reach out. Call a friend, join a Bible study, or share honestly with someone you trust. Sometimes, the oasis comes through the encouragement of another woman who’s walked through the same dry land.
5. Dig Into Change
If you feel stuck, try something new. Take a prayer walk. Write a prayer to God. Fast from distractions and feast on His presence. Sometimes, the refreshment you’re longing for is found on the other side of a shift—whether in your schedule, surroundings, or spiritual practices. The wilderness might just be where He’s inviting you to experience Him in a new and deeper way.
God hasn’t left you. He’s leading you.
Isaiah 35 doesn’t end with desolation—it ends with joy. Take heart, friend. The springs are coming. The oasis is on the horizon. And even in the dry season, God is growing something profound and beautiful in you.
Reflection Prompt
Take a quiet moment to reflect on this question:
“God, what are You trying to show me in this wilderness?”
Think about the areas of your life that feel dry or heavy right now. Where might God be inviting you to grow, shift, or rest in Him?
Consider these reflection points:
What has God done for me in past seasons that I can hold onto now?
Where do I see small signs of His presence, even here?
Which promises from Isaiah 35 speak directly to my current situation?
Let this be a moment where honesty and hope come together. Even in the driest season, God is doing something profound.