Recognizing the Drift
It’s so easy to let life’s busyness distract us and cause us to drift from God without even realizing it. The routines we once held dear begin to slip, and before we know it, we’re far from where we intended to be in our walk with Christ.
Over the last six months, Sandy and I have felt that drift firsthand. We’ve always been intentional about keeping God at the center of our lives. At one point, we were listening to five or six sermons a week, studying the Bible daily, and actively participating in everything our church offered. But lately, life has gotten in the way—or rather, we’ve allowed it to. Thankfully, we’ve recently made a change!
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that drifting happens slowly. It’s like being on a boat in the ocean—if you’re not anchored, the currents will carry you away without you even noticing. The key is to recognize the drift early and take intentional steps to course-correct.
The Power of Scripture
Joshua 1:8 has taken on a renewed meaning for me in this season:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of consistency in God’s Word. And yet, even knowing this, we let our busy schedules and the demands of raising kids become excuses. It’s easy to rationalize: We’re still active in church and everything. But deep down, we knew we weren’t giving God the time and devotion He deserves.
The lesson here is clear: God’s Word is not just a book to be read—it’s a guide to be followed. When we meditate on it daily, it shapes our thoughts, decisions, and actions, aligning us with His will.
Here’s an additional reflection: Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word illuminates the way forward, especially when we feel lost or adrift.
A Heart-to-Heart
Recently, Sandy and I had a heart-to-heart about where we were spiritually. We admitted to each other that we’d drifted from God. I’m so grateful we recognized it before the drift became a chasm. It’s a reminder that following Christ is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to align our hearts, minds, and actions with Him.
Reflecting on this, I was reminded of our journey back to church in 2010. We had drifted then, too, but God used a simple community cookout to draw us back. That event led us to Church. It was a pivotal moment, showing how God’s grace and community can pull us back when we’ve wandered.
The lesson from this experience is the importance of staying connected to a community of believers. When we isolate ourselves, it’s easier to drift. But when we’re surrounded by people who encourage us and hold us accountable, we’re more likely to stay anchored in our faith.
Drifting Happens Slowly
The truth is, drifting from God doesn’t happen overnight. It starts subtly—skipping prayer here, missing Bible study there. Over time, what was once a roaring fire of faith becomes barely a flicker. The solution? Rekindling that fire by returning to the basics: prayer, scripture, and obedience.
One analogy that resonates with me is that of a campfire. If you neglect it, the fire will die out. But with consistent attention—adding wood, stirring the embers—it can blaze brightly again. The same is true of our relationship with God.
Here’s a lesson to remember: Ask yourself regularly, Am I drifting? Awareness is the first step toward preventing spiritual drift.
Building a Routine
Creating a routine for God may sound mundane, but it’s essential for spiritual growth. For example, in my own life, I’ve found that starting each morning with a simple prayer and a short Bible reading sets the tone for the day. Writing down a favorite verse or a thought from my reading in a journal helps me reflect and stay connected. These small routines build consistency and make seeking God a natural part of daily life. If you want your fire for Christ to be lit, get in the Word. If you want your fire to stay lit, stay in the Word daily. And if you want your fire to make a difference, do the Word.
That last point is key. It’s not enough to read and study the Bible. We must act on it. James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” When we put God’s Word into action, it not only transforms us but also impacts those around us.
Here’s a practical lesson: Start small. Commit to spending 10 minutes a day in prayer or reading scripture. As you build this habit, you’ll find it easier to increase your time and deepen your connection with God.
Another tip: Set reminders on your phone or place sticky notes in visible spots to prompt you to pray or read scripture throughout the day. Small adjustments like these can lead to significant spiritual growth.
It’s Never Too Late
If you’ve drifted from God, know this: It’s never too late to turn back. I’m reminded of a story I read a while back about a guy who came back to God later in life. In his early years, he grew up in church, but as life got busier, he drifted away. For decades, he focused on his career, neglected his faith, and believed it was too late to rekindle his relationship with God. But in his 60s, after attending a small church gathering, he felt a pull to return. That simple act of stepping into church reignited his faith, and he went on to mentor others, sharing his testimony about God’s relentless grace. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we’ve strayed or how old we are, God always welcomes us back with open arms. Whether you’re 20, 50, or beyond, God still has a plan for your life. He’s waiting with open arms, ready to guide you into a future filled with purpose and meaning.
For me, rediscovering my passion for God’s Word has been a reset button. It’s brought clarity to our mission and reminded me of the importance of staying rooted in Christ. Every day is a new opportunity to grow closer to Him, to align with His vision, and to fulfill the mission He’s given us.
One lesson that stands out is the power of grace. No matter how far we’ve drifted, God’s grace is sufficient to bring us back. He doesn’t just forgive us—He restores us and sets us back on the right path.
Moving Forward
So if you find yourself drifting, stop and refocus. Here’s a simple checklist to help you take action immediately:
- Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to evaluate where you are spiritually. Are there areas in your life where you’ve let distractions pull you away from God?
- Recommit to Prayer: Set aside a few minutes each day to talk to God. Share your struggles, your gratitude, and your desires to draw closer to Him.
- Dive Back into Scripture: Choose a specific book of the Bible or a daily devotional plan to get back into the habit of engaging with God’s Word.
- Connect with Community: Reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or small group for encouragement and accountability.
- Take One Small Step: Write down one actionable step you’ll take today to reconnect with God. Maybe it’s reading a Psalm, listening to a worship song, or journaling your prayers. Dive back into scripture. Create space in your daily life for prayer and worship. Surround yourself with a community that will hold you accountable. And most importantly, move forward in faith. When you do, you’ll find that God is not only willing but eager to reignite the fire in your heart.
A practical takeaway: Write down one small step you can take today to reconnect with God. Maybe it’s reading a Psalm, saying a prayer, or reaching out to a friend for encouragement. Small steps lead to big changes.
Here’s another practical lesson: Keep a journal of your spiritual journey. Record moments when you feel close to God and times when you sense a drift. Reviewing this can help you stay intentional about your faith.
A Final Encouragement
One day, when we stand before Him, I want to hear those words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But that journey starts now. It starts with a decision to prioritize God—to stop drifting and start pursuing Him wholeheartedly. Let’s make that decision together today.
Remember, the journey back to God is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Each step closer to Him is a step toward a life of peace, purpose, and eternal joy.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris