Drift
This is an interesting word with a lot of different meanings. It is used as a noun as well as a verb. It can refer to current of a stream or it can refer to movement caused by wind currents. It can also mean to “wander aimlessly” and this is the definition that often applies to me. I see drift as a negative thing that happens to me when I get “off course” with my goals and plans. I recently put down some goals for the next 10 months. If I don’t refer to them every now and then, I will drift away from the work it takes to achieve them.
The Hebrew writer reminded me this morning that one of the reasons that I read God’s Word each day is that I don’t want to drift away from the truth of His Word. Check this out…
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 NLT)
I have become a “Podcast Junkie”. I listen to podcasts teaching truth and techniques that improve me as a person. I want to keep growing personally & professionally. I have learned that some of these podcasts are important enough that I listen to them multiple times. I will sometimes read a passage of scripture three of four times to let it settle in to my heart and mind. I also learn more effectively when I take notes. I was introduced nearly a year ago to a talk by Earl Nightingale called “The Strangest Secret”. It was recorded in the 1950’s and Earl said on that recording that “we become what we think about”. That doesn’t sound super deep, but it is incredibly profound and true.
If I allow my mind to dwell on the truth of God’s Word, I will be less likely to give in to temptation. If I allow my mind to dwell on the sin that is fun, but destructive, it will destroy me. I can bring my mind under the Lord’s control. I can become productive.
I remember times in my life when I was very close to the Lord and I can remember times when I felt far away from Him. When I stopped reading His Word and praying, my relationship with Him drifted. I was being pulled by the current of our culture farther away from Him. I am thankful for the anchor that His Word provides for me every day. I want to keep pressing on to know Him more. I want to stay on course to the abundant life He’s called me to and the eternal life promised after this life is over.
Pressing On!
Dwayne