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Part 2 of the Wilderness Wanderings series explores feeling spiritually dry, why these seasons come, and biblical ways to walk through them with hope.
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This is Part 2 of a 7-part series on Wilderness Wanderings in the Bible. You can read the first part of the series here. Get a full devotional of the series on the shop.
Have you ever stood in a crowded room, surrounded by smiling faces, yet felt completely alone? Maybe you’ve gone through the motions of church, family, and work, but deep inside you feel spiritually dry and disconnected. That ache, that sense that God’s voice has gone quiet, is what I call a season of wilderness wandering.
It’s unsettling. It can be lonely. It can shake your confidence in your faith. And yet, the Bible shows us that wilderness seasons have always been part of God’s refining work in the lives of His people.
Let’s talk honestly about why these times come, what the Bible says about them, and how to walk through the wilderness with hope, trust, and even joy.
Recognizing the Spiritual Wilderness
A spiritual wilderness isn’t always caused by tragedy. It can creep in during busy holidays, demanding work schedules, or even seemingly “good” seasons of life. Despite external blessings, you feel:
- Disoriented – unsure what God is doing
- Disconnected – worship feels empty, prayer feels forced
- Alone – like everyone else is thriving while you’re spiritually drifting
Scripture repeatedly acknowledges this experience. The psalmist asks, “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me?” (Psalm 42:5, 11). Even Jesus cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Feeling distant from God doesn’t mean your faith is broken. It means you’re human—and you’re in a space where God often does profound work.
Why Wilderness Seasons Matter
It’s tempting to focus only on mountaintop moments of faith—answered prayers, joyful worship, spiritual breakthroughs. But ignoring or resenting wilderness seasons robs us of the growth they offer.
The Bible mentions the word wilderness nearly 300 times. It’s where:
- The Israelites wandered for 40 years (Exodus & Numbers)
- Elijah heard God’s whisper (1 Kings 19)
- David fled from Saul (1 Samuel 23–24)
- Jesus fasted and prayed before His public ministry (Matthew 4)
God uses wilderness periods to purify motives, deepen trust, and prepare hearts for what’s ahead. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns, “Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith.” In dry seasons, the enemy would love to steal joy, plant doubt, and derail purpose. Staying alert and anchored in truth keeps us from destruction.
Wrestling With the “Why”
The hardest part of wilderness wandering is the why.
- Why does God feel silent?
- Why this struggle now?
- Why unanswered prayers?
The psalmist doesn’t hide these questions: “I will say to God, my rock, ‘Why have You forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow?’” (Psalm 42:9). Honest lament is not weakness—it’s part of authentic faith.
Sometimes God reveals the purpose of our wilderness quickly. Jesus knew His 40-day fast was preparation for ministry. Other times, like Job, we may not understand the full picture in this life. But Scripture reassures us there is always purpose—even when unseen. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”
Examples of Wilderness Wanderings in the Bible
1. The Israelites
Their 40-year journey was largely the result of disobedience, but God used it to shape them, teach dependence, and prepare them for the Promised Land.
2. Elijah
After confronting Baal’s prophets, Elijah fled into the wilderness exhausted and discouraged. There, God refreshed him and spoke in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19).
3. David
Hunted by Saul, David spent years hiding in caves, writing psalms that still give voice to our own struggles today. The wilderness shaped him into a man after God’s heart.
4. Jesus
Before beginning His ministry, Jesus endured 40 days of fasting, prayer, and temptation. His wilderness prepared Him for the work ahead.
Each story shows us that wilderness is not abandonment—it’s refinement.
Our Response Determines the Outcome
We don’t always choose the wilderness, but we do choose our response. When life feels barren, there are two main paths:
- Turn toward God – lean on His word, pray, seek community, and trust His timing.
- Turn away – retreat into self-reliance, bitterness, or distraction, which prolongs the pain.
Psalm 42 models the better way:
“Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember You … The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:5-8)
Faith isn’t pretending everything is fine. Faith is worshiping in the dark, trusting that the dawn will come.
Practical Ways to Navigate a Spiritual Wilderness
1. Anchor Yourself in Scripture
Even when it feels dry, stay connected to God’s word. Read psalms of lament and hope (Psalm 23, 27, 42). They remind you that others have felt what you’re feeling.
2. Pray Honest Prayers
Tell God exactly how you feel. Lament, ask “why,” and express longing. Prayer is conversation, not performance.
3. Pursue Community
Share your struggles with trusted friends or mentors. Isolation amplifies discouragement; fellowship brings perspective and encouragement.
4. Embrace Simple Rhythms
Daily walks, journaling, or even breath prayers can keep your heart engaged when elaborate routines feel impossible.
5. Guard Against Lies
Recognize the enemy’s whispers: “You’re alone. God doesn’t care.” Combat them with truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).
6. Look for Small Signs of Grace
A verse that speaks, an unexpected kindness, a moment of peace—these are reminders God has not left you.
Joy in the Wilderness
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is not the absence of pain; it’s the presence of hope. Even in barren seasons, God invites us to anchor our identity in His unchanging love rather than our circumstances.
Wilderness wandering refines our faith like fire refines gold. It teaches us to trust God not for what He gives, but for who He is. And when the wilderness ends, we often find our hearts softer, our worship deeper, and our purpose clearer.
Final Encouragement
If you’re in a wilderness season, take heart. God has not abandoned you. He’s forming you, teaching you, and drawing you closer—even when His presence feels hidden. Put your hope in Him, keep showing up in prayer, and trust that this chapter is part of a bigger story of redemption.
This series will continue unpacking biblical examples of wilderness living and how to navigate them faithfully. Don’t lose heart—your wandering is not wasted.
This is Part 2 of the Wilderness Wanderings series. Read Part 1 here, or download the full printable workbook here to follow along with journaling prompts and scriptures for reflection.
The Wilderness Wanderings: Walking Out of Darkness into Christ’s Light
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