Every Christian experiences seasons when God feels distant. Prayer can feel one-sided. Scripture may seem dry. Worship feels harder than it once did. In those moments, it's easy to wonder whether something is wrong—or whether God has withdrawn from us altogether. In this episode of Christ In You, Kendra and Kyler are joined by Pastor Peter Hwang of Redeemer Scripps Ranch to discuss the reality of spiritual dry seasons and how Christians can navigate them faithfully. Together, they explore: What spiritual dryness actually is Why dry seasons are a normal part of the Christian life How God uses wilderness experiences to shape His people The relationship between suffering, dependence, and spiritual growth Why feelings are not the ultimate measure of God's presence How the 3 Rs of Heart Renewal can help us process difficult seasons The importance of ordinary faithfulness through prayer, Scripture, worship, and community Drawing from the stories of Moses, Paul, Jacob, and the Psalms, the conversation offers both honesty and hope for anyone who feels spiritually stuck, discouraged, or weary. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing something wrong because God feels far away, this episode is a reminder that dry seasons are not evidence of God's absence. Often, they are one of the ways He forms us more deeply into the image of Christ. Mentioned on the Show Next Step:The next time you find yourself in a dry season, spend time working through the 3 Rs of Heart Renewal: Reveal: What might God be exposing in my heart through these circumstances? Repent: Where am I looking for comfort, control, approval, or satisfaction apart from Christ? Rejoice: What is true about God and the gospel, even when I don't feel it? Then commit to one simple act of ordinary faithfulness this week: prayer, Scripture reading, corporate worship, or reaching out to another believer. Key Scriptures: Exodus 3 (Moses and the burning bush) Exodus 16 Numbers 13–14 Psalm 13 (referenced conceptually through the discussion of lament) 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 Romans 12 John 20:24–29 (Thomas) Acts 2 (Pentecost) Genesis 32 (Jacob wrestling with God) Recommended Resources: Kyle Strobel's Substack “The Missing Reformation Doctrine for Spiritual Formation” by Kyle Strobel at The Gospel Coalition “Changing My Mind: A Skeptical Professor Meets a Surprising God | Molly Worthen” at Veritas Forum 3 Rs of Heart Renewal Christ In You: Conversations on Spiritual Formation is a podcast from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in San Diego, exploring how the gospel forms us in the everyday rhythms of life. Kendra Dahl is the Director of Women’s Ministry at Redeemer, and Kyler Wright is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Together, they host conversations with pastors and ministry leaders to help believers grow in Christ. To learn more about Redeemer and find additional resources, visit www.redeemersd.org
