What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Empty: 5 Steps

Are you struggling with what to do when you feel spiritually empty?

Most of us face times of spiritual dryness. The disciplines that once helped us feel connected to God stop working. Instead of feeling life-giving, they begin to feel empty and dry.

Today, we’ll talk about what to do when you feel spiritually empty. I invite you to join me as I gaze out the window feeling apathetic and disconnected from God on a cold winter morning.

What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Empty

The golden abundance of autumn has been swallowed by the monochrome grey of winter now.

As I gaze into the ashen landscape, I wrestle with an inner emptiness that feels as barren as the landscape outside.

Plenty of friends have encouraged me to turn to Christ in my empty moments, but can we be real for just a moment and admit that this isn’t always easy?

When You Feel Empty Inside

Opening my Bible isn’t always satisfying.

Closing a door to pray feels like work.

Sometimes, pursuing traditional spiritual disciplines feels like too much work at the end of a long day. (Read here if you can relate.)

We want to pursue Christ in ways that fill the emptiness, but it’s not always easy.

Let’s look at a few creative ways to pursue Christ and let him fill our emptiness.

How can we satisfy our souls with God in ways that bring life? #satisfiedinGod #seekingGod #quiettime Share on X

1. When you feel empty, pursue a hobby you genuinely enjoy.

I love spending time in the woods. Nature breathes life into my soul. Don’t buy the lie that tells you there are “spiritual” and “unspiritual” pursuits in this life.

According to Scripture, our entire lives are meant to be spiritual. God created passions and interests in us so that we would have parts of our lives that are purely fun and recreational.

In the 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire, Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

God is pleased when we pursue activities we sincerely enjoy. Pray about it and consider what truly brings life to your soul. Make time to pursue that passion. Whether it’s a raised garden in the backyard, a new set of paintbrushes, or a rekindled passion for baking, set aside some time to pursue it without guilt.

2. Serve someone else.

Make a bed, hang a towel, take the garbage out, or go out of your way to complete a household chore that normally belongs to someone else. Don’t ask for or expect affirmation for this act of kindness.

If you live alone, reach out to a neighbor, elderly relative, or friend. Send a card, or better yet, offer the gift of your time by showing up to visit for an hour.

Proverbs 11:25 teaches that we refresh ourselves by refreshing others. Often, the best way to fill spiritual emptiness is to focus outward and find other people to love, encourage, and serve.

3. Turn on worship music.

I’ve said this before, and it bears repeating: Worship is warfare.

At times, we feel empty because the enemy is pursuing us. Turning on worship music can change the atmosphere surrounding us by reminding us to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is still on his throne. Our human emotions ebb and flow. Most of us will face times when we feel spiritually empty.

By changing the atmosphere, God can lift our heads.

4. Step outside and talk to God.

The simple act of getting outside and moving your body can help you lift your head when you feel empty inside. Take a walk around the block, visit a local park, or sit on the porch for just five minutes. Spend this time pouring your heart out to God.

Tell him how you’re feeling.

Then, spend some time in silence. Let God pour his love out over you. You might consider taking your Bible. Sit in the sunshine and read a few Psalms. Soak in God’s love. He wants to fill your empty soul.

5. Reach out to friends who can fill you.

Do you have any friends who cheer you up when you spend time with them? Do you have any friends who love Jesus so much that their faith is contagious?

When you feel spiritually empty, reaching out to these friends can help.

Set up a lunch date. Talk on the phone for a while. Plan a night out for dinner.

We were not meant to live in isolation. My friends have offered the following gifts when I’ve reached out to them in times of spiritual dryness: they’ve suggested books that have jumpstarted my spiritual life; they have prayed over me; they’ve invited me out for dinner; they’ve met me for walks and hikes; they’ve simply made me laugh.

Final Insights on What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Empty:

The next time you feel spiritually empty, don’t succumb to self-condemnation or shame. God is with you. He loves you. He is fighting for you. Take one step on this list and ask God to lift your head.

Keep doing the next thing as he calls you to follow him. He is waiting to pull you from this barren place.

As for me, I’m taking my own advice as the winter wind flogs the poplar tree outside. I’m turning on the worship music and picking up the phone to call a friend.

A Free Online Devotional for When You Feel Empty Inside:

Are you in the middle of a difficult season? I invite you to download my online devotional, Glimpses of Hope for When Life Lets You Down. This devotional will lead you through a daily reflection, Scripture reading, and questions for thought and reflection. It will help you bring your broken heart to God and process your emotions in the safe place of his presence. It’s yours right here.

These Two Books are Free on Kindle Unlimited as eBooks and Also Available in Print:

God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone. Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life. Find this life-changing book in eBook form for free on the Kindle Unlimited Plan or for 12.99 in print right here. (You can sign up for a free three-month Kindle Unlimited trial if you are not a member.) This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!

Calling All Moms and Daughters!

Additionally, my 12-year-old daughter, Bekah, and I wrote a mother-daughter devotional book to help mothers and daughters grow closer together while connecting with God. Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith includes 60 devotions with Scripture, commentaries from both of us, conversation starters, and even a shared journaling section. Multitudes of mothers, daughters, mentors, and younger women are being transformed by this book! You can find this book in eBook form for free on the Kindle Unlimited Plan or buy a print copy for 11.99 right here.