When Recovery Feels Like a Desert and You’re Sunburnt, Tired, and Out of Snacks

Let’s be honest: some days in recovery feel less like “walking in freedom” and more like dragging yourself through a spiritual wasteland with sand in your shoes and zero Gatorade. You’re praying, you’re doing your inventory, you’re showing up at group—and all you hear is silence.

It’s that moment where you think, Cool. I gave up my old coping habits for this? At least back then I had a drive-thru.

But here’s the truth: the desert isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. And God is still moving in your mess, even when it feels dryer than your sponsor’s sense of humor.

God Has a Track Record in Wastelands

Deuteronomy 8:15–16 puts it like this: “He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land… He brought you water out of a hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness… to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you.”

Let’s break that down:

• God didn’t just dump His people in the desert and say, “Good luck, don’t die.”

• He gave them rock-water. Bread-from-the-sky. Basically, daily DoorDash from Heaven.

If He can feed a million grumbling Israelites who complained more than we do on inventory night, He can show up for us in recovery—even when it feels like nothing’s happening.

Dry Doesn’t Mean Done

Recovery deserts are brutal. You sit in group, listen to somebody share their victory, and think, Awesome. Glad you’re out of the pit. Meanwhile, I’m over here still faceplanting in mine.

But that’s the lie of the desert: it convinces you that silence = absence. Nope. God hasn’t ghosted you. He’s just working on the night shift, setting things up where you can’t see it yet.

Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

That’s ALL things—your relapse, your resentment list, your awkward confession in small group, and even the nights you eat ice cream straight from the carton and call it “self-care.”

The Real Desert Lesson

The desert isn’t where God abandons us—it’s where He retrains us. Out there, stripped of all the fake comforts and quick fixes, we finally get honest. No more numbing. No more pretending. Just us, raw, thirsty, and needing Living Water more than ever.

And that’s where recovery actually works. Not in the highlight reels, not in the “look how together I am” posts—but in the wilderness, where God proves He’s enough.

A Dry Prayer

Father, I’m tired of pretending I’ve got this together. Sometimes recovery feels empty, dry, and harder than I ever imagined. But I believe You haven’t abandoned me in the desert. You’re still providing, even when I don’t notice it. You’re still working in the background, even when I feel stuck. Give me strength to keep showing up. Give me humility to let go of my old ways. And give me hope to believe that You are turning this desert into a place of healing. Lord, I trust that one day I’ll look back and see how even here—especially here—you were faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thanks for letting me share.

Droughtastic Dawn