Spiritual dryness allowed by God or just your own sin?

[westcoast]

So I keep reading about the spiritual dryness allowed by God to take place - people here have been saying that is when God really hears your prayers most and he is using it to strengthen you. Is there a difference between this and just plain being far from God because you are so sinful? Sometimes I feel so far from God, and I don’t know if it’s because I put myself there because of my own sin, or if because God is just “testing” me. Because if it’s because I put myself there because of my own sin, but here I am trying to say the rosary or read the Bible and go to mass regularly, etc., I don’t see or “feel” myself getting closer to God or knowing him better or deepening my relationship with him.

 

[LISA_Annette]

So I keep reading about the spiritual dryness allowed by God to take place - people here have been saying that is when God really hears your prayers most and he is using it to strengthen you. Is there a difference between this and just plain being far from God because you are so sinful? Sometimes I feel so far from God, and I don’t know if it’s because I put myself there because of my own sin, or if because God is just “testing” me. Because if it’s because I put myself there because of my own sin, but here I am trying to say the rosary or read the Bible and go to mass regularly, etc., I don’t see or “feel” myself getting closer to God or knowing him better or deepening my relationship with him.

According to spiritual direction I received from a very spiritual and reliable priest—not trying to remedy your sins (fasting, self-control, and daily prayer) can cause a dryness, but it does not seem to be the problem in your case.

You say you are praying regularly, so you should just continue. Love the God of consolations, and don’t fear when the consolations of God have gone away.

I KNOW what it feels like to doubt (scruples) whether you did something wrong, and fearing that is why you are dry—but just use your reasoning to discern that you are on the right course. Just keep on going! God is leading! He is closer than you think----I always think of it this way: when I don’t “see” where I am going, Jesus’s back is right in front of me!! Just follow, and all will be well! Amen.

God Bless you in this joyful time of seving the Lord!
You ARE on the right road.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Dryness can come from either of the sources you describe. A good examination of conscience should help. If you are not living a good Christian life, chances are that is the source. If you are doing the best you can, and frequenting the sacraments, it may be God’s way of purifying you, making you love Him for Himself and not for “warm fuzzy feelings.” If you know deep down that you love Him above all things despite lack of feelings, you are probably on the right track.

If you are not sure, talk it over with a trusted confessor or spiritual director.

 

[shirleytowers]

That happens to me when I am really busy and preoccupied with my earthly life. I just haven’t been filling up my cup, so to speak, by praying and meditating and reading and etc.

So, I try to refocus on the spiritual. I go to church, listen to Catholic radio, hang out here, and pray even if I don’t feel like it. It comes back then. This is how it works for me.

 

[Scout]

Someone please correct me on this if I’m wrong, but I think it was St. Teresa of Avila who went through 15 years of spiritual dryness-basically not feeling the presence of Christ. She still knew He was there in her life, and she continued to obey Him and serrve Him in every way.

Perhaps God allows us to go through spiritual dryness so that we learn to appreciate feeling His presence more? I’m not entirely sure, but it’s just my thoughts.

Scout :tiphat:

 

[MarcoPolo]

Someone please correct me on this if I’m wrong, but I think it was St. Teresa of Avila who went through 15 years of spiritual dryness-

I believe you can also add St. John of the Cross and Blessed Mother Theresa. And of course Job.

It can be very normal and I think everyone experiences this to varying degrees. Keep persevering westcoast…you are wise to ask the question! Don’t let the devil’s trickery that your feelings should dictate whether God’s presence is really with you. Your faith could move mountains if you stay with it!

 

[St_Gabriel]

I believe it’s both. Don’t forget to factor in health as well.

 

[Charitychick]

Fr Thomas Dubay is an expert on contemplative prayer. He has several good books. Plus, he has some good audio on www.ewtn.com on their audio archives.

 

[LISA_Annette]

I believe it’s both. Don’t forget to factor in health as well.

wow—you know, I had not thought of this, although it is true. I think I remember reading the book about St. Teresa de Avila and her saying that if she were very tired or sick, she could not focus on her prayers. Good thing you brought that up as a factor.

 

[244Rocket]

As mentioned frequently in the news recently, Mother Theresa also experienced dryness. I think this happens to just about everyone and you just have to persevere through it by praying, attending Mass reading scripture, etc.

I believe God knows I’m trying to please him even though I fall short sometimes.

 

[Coreopisis]

I believe it’s both. Don’t forget to factor in health as well.

The worst ‘dryness’ I’ve ever experianced was after my brother died. It’s almost as if I was to emotional to feel anything and yet is when I needed it most. Maybe there can be an emotional link as well.