The Daily – Drifting?

Living a life obedient and submitted to the King can be very hard. Especially when living in a corrupt world filled with self centered sin and lusts. It is what it is. We can find ourselves drifting if we are not careful. Sin is in this world and we cannot escape this world until we are with Jesus. So, what do we do?

If you find yourself drifting from your walk with God, do a self check. Better yet, do one on a regular basis…just in case you pridefully think you are all that!

Therefore beware brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened into settled rebellion by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him]. – Hebrews 3:12-13 (amplified)

Maybe there are a couple people out there that have never drifted. However, I have yet to meet one!  LOL! I think it is a right of passage. It is an opportunity to turn back, stop before we are completely backsliding and learn. I, personally, have not only drifted, I have completely backslidden during my life with the Lord. I mean, I went back into the muck, ladies. It was awful. The worst part of a fall is the coming back process.

It is not God that makes it hard. He is there with arms wide open. It is our flesh. We feel one of two things. Either prideful and arrogant in our sin. OR, we are so ashamed we do not feel worthy to face such a loving God. Either way, it is not an easy road back once you fall.

As I look back, I now know that there are ways to prevent a fall. I want to share a few of them with you so that you do not fall into sin, live in ignorance or start listening to the lies that you “have none”, “could never”, “would never”, etc…

7 Ways to Prevent Drifting Away from God

Stay in the Word.

It is vital that we not only know God’s Word, but that we LIVE in His Word. We need to meditate on it daily. Not a little dab will do ya, either. We need to dig in…especially during the good times! Those are the most deceitful times in our lives. We get far too comfortable…

How do I know?? I stopped. After a little time I became desensitized enough, and fell right back into my old life of drugs and poor choices.

Do not forsake the assembling…

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:25 (amplified)

This is an important one. Never ever allow yourself to be tricked into believing that you do not need church. It is very important that we come together in Jesus Name, develop relationships and grow together. Dealing with other Christians and the offenses and all the good and bad that comes with that is vital for growth. We NEED it. We also need sisters in Christ to call us out, love us, pray with us and hold us accountable. Find a church, group, or something and get assembled!

How do I know?? I did it. I left church and detached. Everything fell apart. My marriage, my walk and my choices went south. Tip: If you have a friend that detaches. NEVER stop trying to reach out…no matter what. Always love them and let them know you are there! I did not have that and if I did, I really believe I would not have drifted so far…

Use a Lifeline.

When you see yourself beginning to drift, call a friend. Someone who is more spiritually grown up than you. DO not call someone in the same boat or lower. You need a pick me up. Tell them where you are at. Tell them you need prayer and ask them to hold you accountable. I cannot stress enough how this will help you in times of struggles.

How do I know?? I did not do this. I am not sure I even had a friend like this at the time of my fall. However, since my return to the Lord, I call on friends a lot. LOL! I have two good friends that are more like mentors. I can tell them like it is and they will tell me as well. When I feel myself drifting, wanting to sin, losing it, or just having a bad day, I will call/text them to pray for me. If it gets really icky, I will have a sit down and get a reality check. Find a mentor. Pray for one. Do not abuse the relationship…but use it. Trust me, it WILL help. It did and does for me!

Do not get caught up in the “liberty” in Christ.

This is a big one. Many times, we, as Christians, overuse the liberty portion of Salvation. We use it to remain in sin, fall into sin or convince ourselves that our fleshly choices are really OK. Be very careful, my dear sisters, lest you fall…

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. – Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

How do I know?? Did it! Got free from it. Now, I remain in the Word and have realized, a TRUE walk with the Lord is a dying of the flesh and means I will lose things. It means I will have to give up things. It is also OK. Why? Because I know that anything God wants me to let go of is for my good. He loves me and wants me to grow and become the best me I can be!

Pray.

I have friends who are afraid to pray or are uncomfortable. I wish I could relate. I have never had an issue with this. He is a friend. A closer friend than you will ever find on planet earth. Sure, you cannot see Him with your fleshly eyes. However, He IS there. You MUST believe that, or you would not even be on this Christian Mom site. Talk to Him. Share your heart with Him. Cry, yell, laugh, be real. He knows the real you anyway…why hide?

How do I Know?? I find peace when I talk to God. I have yelled at Him in anger and poured my heart out in pain. I do not hold back. When I feel I have disrespected Him in any way, I will come back and repent. However, as I said, I do not hold back. I must have the freedom to let it all out before Him. He WANTS that. Read the Psalms of David. That man poured his heart out before the throne of God. I think God respects that. He already knows what is in our hearts… So, I ask again…WHY hide??

Have a Teachable Spirit

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. – Proverbs 4:13

We need to always be willing to learn and hear. All of us have room to grow. None of us have it all together. If you are ever called out on something, and think the person telling you is whacked out, pray. Do not be so quick to write it off. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. This person may just be right on the money. Allow the conviction to come. It is a loving gesture from God.

For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes. – Hebrews 12:6

How do I Know?? I read it in His Word. Jut like you just did! I also have found when I get aggravated by someones correction, or “interpretation of the Word”, more often that not, it is conviction. It usually means I am sinning or in error and my flesh is not happy at all with finding it out! LOL!

Remain Thankful.

When we are thankful, the focus is taken off of us and put on the Lord. This is a great way to minimize bitterness, complaining, dissatisfaction, covetousness and anger. When we praise His Name, demons must flee and our hearts are lifted up. Praise and thank Him ALL the time! He is MORE than worthy!

How do I Know?? I know because of how I feel when I praise my Daddy God and remain thankful. I can feel the difference from the innermost parts of my being. My spirit rejoices and is lifted. Try it. I am certain, when you get your praise on, you will begin to see a change in your heart! Read Psalm 103 for a few of the MANY reason to be thankful and praise His Holy Name!

I hope that you find encouragement in the lessons I have learned the hard way. I pray that they help you never drift and always remain close to Daddy!

Let’s pray;

Daddy God, thank You that nothing in my life is in vain. Thank You for teaching me even in the midst of my sin. Thank You for helping me find a way out and keeping me from falling again. Thank You for the life Your Word brings and the lessons I have learned. Thank You. I love You, Lord. I want to remain in You. I never want to drift away again. Help me. Teach me. You are an Awesome, Loving, Mighty, Merciful and Just God. You are all I ever need. You are worthy of all my praise. You are everything. I love You. I need You! Hold me and never let me go! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Homework:

I have included some Scriptures to help you dig deeper into this topic. I hope they encourage you and inspire you to remain in Him! Take the time to look them all up and check the references. Study and find LIFE  in God’s Word!

• 2 Corinthians 13:5
• 1 John 1:9
• Revelation 22:14
• I Chronicles 28:9
• Matthew 10:22
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
• 2 Timothy 4:7-8
• Hebrews 10:32,35-39
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• 1 Chronicles 16:34
• Colossians 1:12
• Colossians 3:17

Memorize: Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved