What should I do if reading the Bible and praying don't bring me comfort?

It's not uncommon for people to experience times when reading the Bible and praying don't seem to bring the comfort they once did. These spiritual dry spells can be disheartening, but they are also opportunities for growth and deeper understanding of your faith. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I want to offer some insights and practical advice that may help you navigate this challenging season.

First, it's important to acknowledge that feeling distant from God or not finding comfort in spiritual practices is a common experience among believers. Even some of the most devout figures in the Bible went through periods of spiritual dryness. For instance, King David, a man after God's own heart, wrote in Psalm 13:1-2, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?" These verses reveal that even a man who was deeply connected to God experienced moments of feeling forsaken and troubled.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul also speaks to this experience in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where he describes a "thorn in the flesh" and how he pleaded with the Lord to take it away. Yet, God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Paul learned that God's presence and strength were with him, even when he didn't feel immediate relief from his struggles.

Understanding that these experiences are part of the Christian journey can help you approach them with patience and hope. Here are some practical steps to consider when reading the Bible and praying don't seem to bring comfort:

1. Reflect on Your Expectations

Sometimes, our expectations of what Bible reading and prayer should accomplish can affect our experience. Are you seeking immediate emotional relief, or are you open to the deeper, sometimes slower work that God may be doing in your heart? It's important to remember that spiritual growth often happens gradually and that God’s ways and timing are different from ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. Seek Community Support

Christianity is not a solo journey; it’s a communal faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." Engaging with a community of believers can provide support, encouragement, and different perspectives that might help you find comfort. Sometimes, discussing your struggles with a trusted friend, pastor, or small group can bring new insights and encouragement.

3. Explore Different Spiritual Practices

While Bible reading and prayer are foundational to the Christian faith, there are other spiritual practices that can also draw you closer to God. Practices such as worship, meditation, fasting, and service can help you experience God's presence in different ways. For example, worship through music can be a powerful way to connect with God emotionally. Psalm 95:1-2 says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

Meditation on Scripture, where you slowly and prayerfully ponder a verse or passage, can also open up new depths of understanding and connection. Additionally, serving others can sometimes help shift our focus from our own struggles to the needs of others, often bringing a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

4. Be Honest with God

God desires an authentic relationship with us, and that includes being honest about our struggles. The Psalms are filled with raw, honest prayers where the psalmists pour out their hearts to God. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Don’t be afraid to tell God exactly how you’re feeling, even if those feelings include frustration, doubt, or sadness. God can handle your honesty, and bringing your true self before Him is a step toward deeper intimacy.

5. Consider Professional Help

Sometimes, spiritual dryness can be intertwined with emotional or mental health struggles. If you find that your lack of comfort is accompanied by symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, it may be helpful to seek the support of a Christian counselor or therapist. Professional help can provide tools and strategies to address these issues in a way that complements your faith journey.

6. Remember God's Promises

In times of spiritual dryness, it can be helpful to remind yourself of God's promises. Even when you don’t feel His presence, God’s promises remain true. Isaiah 41:10 assures us, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Similarly, Jesus promises in Matthew 28:20, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Holding on to these promises can provide a foundation of hope and assurance.

7. Trust in God's Faithfulness

Finally, trust that God is faithful and that He is at work in your life, even when you can't see it. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our feelings or perceptions; He is always at work, shaping and molding us into the image of Christ.

In his book "The Dark Night of the Soul," St. John of the Cross describes a period of spiritual desolation that many believers experience. He explains that this "dark night" is a way for God to purify the soul and bring it into deeper union with Him. While this process can be painful and confusing, it ultimately leads to greater spiritual maturity and intimacy with God.

In conclusion, experiencing a lack of comfort in Bible reading and prayer is a common and often necessary part of the Christian journey. By reflecting on your expectations, seeking community support, exploring different spiritual practices, being honest with God, considering professional help, remembering God's promises, and trusting in His faithfulness, you can navigate this season with hope and confidence. God is with you, even in the silence, and He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you.