First, know this: it's not a sign that something's wrong with you. Jesus promised it would happen. "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NLT). I know, I'm here to encourage you.
After Bible college, I spent six months as a missionary in Africa. Now, you need to know that I'm not outdoorsy. If there's no A/C or Starbucks within five miles, I'm not interested. We drove 10 to 12 hours into Zimbabwe to reach a people group that had never heard about Jesus. The area was in a two-year drought. I rode the whole way with my arm out the window, and for the next 10 days, the sun somehow stayed on the right side of my body. I got more and more burned. On the drive home, the missionary I was with turned to me and said, "Hey, I have some sunscreen if you want it." That's the moment I almost lost my salvation. I wasn't ready for that dry season, and nobody helped me through it. I want to help you through yours.
David knew what a dry season felt like. "Day and night I have only tears for food… My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be… Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?" (Psalm 42:3–5 NLT). Then he does three things that will help you too.
1. Determine to depend on God
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5 ESV). Years ago, Megan and I were in a really tough season. Our finances were a mess, what we felt God called us to wasn't working out, and our daughter had health issues nobody could explain. I'm a planner. I like spreadsheets. So I sat down and came up with three options for what to do next. In the middle of it, I got frustrated and prayed, "God, where are You in this?" And clear as day I heard Him say, "I'm after your dependence. Justin, you rely too much on you." In a dry season, God is often more concerned with changing you than with changing your circumstances.
You might be thinking, "But God won't give me more than I can handle, right?" Actually, He will. That verse (1 Corinthians 10:13) is about temptation, not hardship. God will give you more than you can handle, but He will never give you more than He can handle. Paul begged God three times to take his "thorn" away. God said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).
2. Remember that your drought doesn't change God's character
God is good even when your situation is bad. His character stays consistent while your circumstances keep changing. Joseph was sold into slavery and thrown in prison, but later he told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good" (Genesis 50:20 NLT). Your dry season will make more sense after it's over. You just have to trust Him through it.
3. Choose to remember
"Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you" (Psalm 42:6 NLT). "But God's never really come through for me before." Yes, He has. Your greatest need was to be saved, and He did that before you ever asked. If God could save you, can't He handle this? When you remember God's faithfulness in the past, it gives you hope for the future.
One more thing: don't do this alone. You need to depend on God, but you also need to open up to people. Some seasons you can't survive without the help of a friend.
Scripture: John 16:33; Psalm 42; Proverbs 3:5; 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 13:8