The spiritual journey is not a straight line, nor is it a constant sprint. Much like athletes train with varying levels of intensity, resting between peak seasons and pressing harder at other times, spiritual life moves in rhythms and cycles. There are seasons of fervent growth, moments of plateau, and times of dryness where the heart feels distant from God. These fluctuations are not signs of failure; they are natural parts of spiritual training. Father Adam Park emphasizes that understanding this truth brings encouragement, reminding us that every season, whether marked by joy or struggle, contributes to our growth and deepening relationship with God.
Recognizing the Rhythms of Faith
In physical training, no one can sustain the highest level of exertion forever. Marathon runners taper before a race, weightlifters rotate through bulking and resting phases, and even casual exercisers recognize the importance of rest days. In the same way, spiritual training unfolds through rhythms.
Sometimes we experience seasons of great intimacy with God. Prayer feels alive, Scripture seems to speak directly into our lives, and worship flows effortlessly. These are the “highs,” the mountaintop moments that inspire and strengthen us.
But inevitably, seasons come when prayer feels like a struggle, when Scripture feels dry, and when doubts creep in. These “lows” can feel like failure—but they are not. Just as a body builds strength during recovery, the spirit often deepens in endurance during seasons of struggle.
Why Dry Seasons Matter
A dry spell in spiritual life may feel discouraging, but it often serves a profound purpose. Just as the wilderness prepared Moses, David, and even Jesus for their ministries, times of difficulty can refine our faith. When we do not feel emotionally close to God, we learn to lean on discipline, trust, and perseverance.
These seasons strip away the reliance on emotion and push us to anchor our faith in truth. It is one thing to worship God when life feels radiant; it is another to worship Him when everything feels quiet. That quietness is not abandonment but an invitation to grow deeper roots.
Think of a tree: its most critical growth does not happen in visible leaves and branches but underground, where roots push deeper into the soil. Likewise, spiritual “dry” seasons help establish roots that can withstand storms.
Encouragement in the Struggle
It is vital to remember that struggle does not mean failure. Athletes who train through pain often come out stronger, even if the training feels grueling at the time. Spiritually, moments of dryness or doubt can become milestones of growth when we keep showing up with faithfulness.
God does not measure our worth by how inspired we feel in a given moment. Instead, He values our persistence—the choice to keep praying when prayer feels hard, to keep opening Scripture when the words feel flat, and to keep seeking Him when His presence feels distant. These choices form the spiritual muscles that sustain us for the long haul.
Practical Ways to Embrace the Seasons
Recognizing that spiritual life has seasons does not mean we passively wait for change. Instead, we can embrace the highs and lows with intentional practices:
- Lean Into Community
In low seasons, the encouragement of others can carry us when our own strength falters. Small groups, mentors, and spiritual friends provide accountability and support, reminding us that we are not alone. - Honor the Discipline
Just as athletes train even when unmotivated, spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, and worship remain essential. They are not about feelings but about forming a habit of seeking God. - Rest Without Guilt
Seasons of rest are part of training. If you feel weary, it may be a sign to slow down—not to give up. Sabbath rest, reflection, and silence are vital for renewal. - Look for God in the Ordinary
Spiritual highs often happen in extraordinary moments, but God is equally present in the mundane. Paying attention to His work in daily life builds resilience and gratitude.
Growth Through Highs and Lows
Every athlete knows that growth comes from pushing through discomfort, recovering wisely, and trusting the process. Spiritual life is no different. The highs remind us of God’s goodness; the lows deepen our dependence on Him. Both are essential.
It may help to imagine spiritual growth as a long race rather than a sprint. Some stretches feel exhilarating, others exhausting, but the race is not won in a single burst of energy. It is won through steady endurance and trust in the One who runs with us.
So if you find yourself in a dry season, take heart: you are not off course, and you are not failing. You are being trained. And one day, you will look back and see that these moments of struggle became the very foundation of your strength.
Spiritual life has seasons, bright summers of flourishing, autumns of change, winters of silence, and springs of renewal. Each season carries its own lessons and opportunities. Dry spells are not wasted time but hidden training grounds where roots grow deep and faith matures.
As you walk through your own spiritual highs and lows, remember this: God is with you in every season. The mountaintop moments may inspire you, but the valleys often transform you. And together, they shape you into someone who can endure, thrive, and grow in every stage of the journey.