The Joy of the Journey: Drift

The Joy of the Journey

Drift

I recall when I was a small child, my dad took us to the lake to swim. I had a small inner tube that I had bought at the store.  I remember lying across the inner tube, closing my eyes, and losing track of time. When I opened my eyes, I was far from shore. I never noticed I was moving so far away until it was almost too late. One of the subtle dangers of the Christian life is not outright rebellion but drifting. Unlike a shipwreck caused by a storm, drifting happens quietly, slowly, almost unnoticed until we realize we are far from where we should be. Scripture warns us of this tendency and reminds us of the need to realign our hearts with the presence of the Lord continually.

The writer of Hebrews issues a warning in Hebrews 2:1: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Drift occurs when we lose focus on Christ, neglect prayer, or become distracted by the cares of this world. Like a boat that slips away from the dock because no anchor holds it steady, believers who fail to stay anchored in God’s Word and presence can slowly move away from the Lord.

This drift rarely happens suddenly. Jesus described how the worries of life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things can choke the Word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). A heart that once burned with zeal can become dull if we do not cultivate daily communion with God.

We must recognize the signs that we are drifting off course.  David, a man after God’s own heart, once cried out, “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me” Psalm 51:11. He knew what it felt like to be distant from the Lord after his sin with Bathsheba. The signs of drifting often include a loss of desire for prayer, neglecting Scripture, an increase in compromise, or finding greater satisfaction in worldly pursuits than in God.

The good news is the Holy Spirit will help us get back on course.  God never abandons His children. When we realize we are drifting, He calls us to return. The Lord spoke through Jeremiah, “Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD; for I am your master” Jeremiah 3:14. Realignment begins with repentance—a change of heart and direction.

Just as a sailor must constantly adjust the sails to stay on course, so must believers continually readjust their focus on Christ. Paul urged the Colossians, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” Colossians 3:2. Regularly resetting our gaze on eternal realities guards us from being swept off course by temporary distractions.

Last of all, we must learn to anchor ourselves in His Presence.  Staying near to God requires intentional practices. First, we must remain rooted in Scripture. The psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105. God’s Word not only reveals when we have drifted but also guides us back to His presence.

Second, prayer anchors us in relationship. Paul exhorted believers to “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Prayer is not just a religious duty but a lifeline that keeps us secure in the Lord.

Finally, fellowship with other believers strengthens us against drift. The writer of Hebrews reminded us not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another daily, Hebrews 10:24–25. Community helps us stay accountable and on course.

By regularly realigning our hearts through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, we can remain close to the Lord and avoid the danger of drifting. The ship of our soul must be steered daily toward His presence, for only there do we find true life, joy, and direction.