AVOIDING SPIRITUAL DRYNESS

AVOIDING SPIRITUAL DRYNESS!

John 4:20-24

20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

           The unnamed woman at the well in Samaria had a form of worship. In fact she hid behind it rather than to be confronted with her own dry soul. The well provided water for the needs of the body but she had been spiritually dry for a long time. Jesus offers living water.

           If your quiet time is all about the study of the scriptures then you need to know that the Pharisees were well disciplined in studying the Bible. However, Jesus confronted them about their spiritual dryness.

John 5:39-40

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

Let me suggest a few things to keep in mind when you “do” your daily devotions!

1. God will not be rushed!

           Our highly pressurized souls have formed thick crusts and it takes more than a few minutes in the Word to break through. Give God adequate time. Slow down, relax and experience His presence.

Isa 55:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

2. Strive for intimacy with the Lord!

           What we call “devotions” or “our quiet time” should never be thought of as a duty but a delight. Strive to know God’s heart. Align your desires with His and synchronize your thoughts. Feel His love flowing through you and return it unimpeded. This is the rhythm of devotion.

3. Go deep!

           I find that a scheduled portion of Scripture sometimes leaves me dry while an in depth study and meditation of a smaller portion leaves me refreshed. My goal is never to finish a huge chunk of scripture but to take smaller bites and digest them well.

Prov 3:7-8

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

4. Visualize and personalize the Word!

           Millions have been shown the Word who refuse to OWN the Word. Consider that the Lord is MY shepherd and make it personal. He is not just the savior of the world; He is MY savior. He supplies MY needs and hears MY prayers. He is interested in ME! Remember that God made us for fellowship.

1 John 1:3

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

5. Don’t forget the hymnal!

Col 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Dear Lord, you promised to pour water on him who is thirsty. Drench us today with your presence. AMEN