Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the thing we have heard, lest we drift away.
Hebrews 2:1
So… as I sit here trying to compose inspiring thoughts about the danger of drifting, I am overwhelmed by the irony of my OWN drifting. My goal was to have this post ready by Blue Monday, which falls on the third Monday of January. The theory behind Blue Monday, dubbed the most depressing day of the year, revolves around multiple variables. These “blue” variables include the cold and wintery weather, bills related to the holidays, post-holiday blues, and New Year’s resolution failures… to name a few (honestly, I think that is enough!).
Whether there is any scientific proof associated with “Blue Monday”, it’s understandable that post-holiday blues, coupled with our New Year goals running out of steam, can be a bit… depressing; causing us all to drift to some degree or another. Even a goal-driven person (that’s me!) can get caught up in that blue feeling… exhibit A… it is FEBRUARY and I am just sharing this now! I have said it before and will say it again… God loves irony. My Pastor said it best in a recent sermon: God turns our MESS into a MESSage. I just love that! So consider this post my “drifting MESS” that God has turned into an “anchoring MESSAGE” for you… and… for me.
(Note: As I was drowning in guilt for drifting and missing my “deadline” to share this post with you, God gave me a sign during my devotional readings the morning this was published. Here is the devotional... what I refer to as a God wink: “The Word of God is our anchor. Storms in life are inevitable, but our anchor is immovable and unchanging. It holds us solidly to the rock of Christ.” Thank you God for forgiving me in my drifting… and for enabling me to forgive myself. Now, that’s a MESSage you can get anchored to!)
Drifting is defined as: carried slowly by a current of air or water. In The Bible, drifting messages revolve around water. Clinging to the water theme, this message is anchored on the concept of drifting away from God’s safe harbor: God’s Word and God’s daily messages for us. This drifting will lead to the tragedy (yes, tragedy!) of an aimless life. While drifting is easy… it is also very dangerous. You won’t get closer to God by drifting… only further away. The further you are from God’s safe harbor, the harder it is to feel that you are drifting… or… how far you have already drifted.
We must always be mindful of God’s character… His love, His wisdom, His power, His grace… His HOPE. God is strong, steadfast, and immovable… an anchor for our soul. He will NEVER drift away from us. When we feel further away from Him, it’s because WE have drifted away from Him and His Word… GOD has NOT drifted away from us. When we drift away from Him, we are LESS likely to hear His guidance and MORE likely to make decisions independent of His wisdom. When we drift away from God, we are MORE likely to take matters into our own hands and LESS likely to fall into His hands. When we drift away from The Father, we are LESS likely to surrender to His limitless power and MORE likely to rely on our limited power.
What is even more ironic about drifting is that we tend to drift most frequently when we experience calm seas… when we are content. Think about that… we drift MORE when we have LESS issues. Now, that’s something to anchor our thoughts to. No wonder God allows storms in our lives. It’s during those storms when we tend to cling to His Word, pray without ceasing, attend church religiously, and reach out to loved ones of faith. I believe God allows storms to stretch our faith; causing us to draw closer to Him. It’s during those storms when we cling to Him; getting anchored on His Word, love, wisdom, and HOPE. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage… for a good reason. He knows we humans have ridiculously small brains. We are easily tempted and replete with flaws. He knows we require endless reminders of His strength and our weaknesses.
As you are anchored to God’s Word, He will guide you and support you to become a Child of The King He created you to be. Using God as your anchor prevents you from drifting into an aimless life: a life without purpose. Remember, He doesn’t make mistakes, He makes masterpieces. So, as you are anchored to Him, you will become the person He formed you to become. You are His workmanship… a person of notable excellence. You are eternally loved, unconditionally accepted, more than adequate, victorious, and capable, with unimaginable potential and unquestionable worth. Now that’s a whole lot of treasure to get anchored to!
Drifting is overwhelmingly easy, yet incredibly dangerous. Avoid drifting by getting anchored to Him. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you. He will NEVER leave you in your rock bottom place. He withholds no good thing. God provides an anchor for your soul. Get anchored to Him… get anchored to His HOPE.