How Did I Get Here?

1. Recognize the Danger of Drifting from Your Spiritual Anchor

"Pay attention, pay much closer attention."

Drifting happens gradually. It's often an unintentional process that occurs when we stop paying attention to our spiritual lives. Like a boat without a properly set anchor, we can slowly move away from our faith without realizing it.

Signs of drifting include:

• Trusting less in God and trying to control more
• Allowing past wounds to affect present behavior
• Losing wonder about spiritual matters
• Praying less frequently
• Disengaging from faith communities
• Losing spiritual appetite
• Becoming passive in faith practice
• Coasting rather than actively pursuing spiritual growth

To avoid drifting, regularly check your spiritual "markers" and ensure you're anchored in your faith. This requires intentional effort and awareness of your spiritual state.

2. Trust God Even When You Don't Understand

"Even if God doesn't seem to answer my prayers, yet I will trust him."

Develop "even if" faith. This type of faith trusts God regardless of circumstances or outcomes. It's not based on getting what we want, but on trusting God's character and goodness.

Practical ways to build trust:

• Practice lament: Be honest with God about your pain and confusion
• Remember God's faithfulness in the past
• Focus on God's unchanging character rather than changing circumstances
• Surround yourself with others who model trust in difficult times

Trust is strengthened through challenges. When you choose to trust God in confusing or painful situations, your faith becomes more resilient and anchored.

3. Heal from Past Wounds to Avoid Toxic Behavior

"Though we are often hurt in community, we also heal in community."

Unhealed wounds lead to toxic behavior. When we don't address our past hurts, they can "seep" into our present relationships and actions, causing us to hurt others unintentionally.

Steps toward healing:

• Acknowledge the wound and its impact
• Seek help from trusted friends, mentors, or professionals
• Practice forgiveness (of yourself and others)
• Allow God to reveal and heal layers of hurt over time
• Be patient with the process – healing is often gradual

Healing is an ongoing journey. As you work through past hurts, you become more whole and capable of healthy relationships with God and others.

4. Keep Wondering About God Without Wandering Away

"Jesus wants us to wonder, but not wander."

Questions are natural and beneficial. Asking questions about faith, God, and spirituality is a healthy part of spiritual growth. The key is to ask questions while remaining anchored in foundational truths.

Healthy ways to explore questions:

• Study scripture for answers
• Discuss with mature believers
• Read reputable Christian books and resources
• Journal your thoughts and prayers
• Remember that some mysteries may remain unresolved

Embrace the tension between faith and doubt. Allow your questions to drive you deeper into relationship with God rather than away from Him.

5. Prioritize Prayer as Vital Communication with God

"Prayer is a privilege. An honor. A delight."

Prayer is relationship-building. It's not just about asking for things, but about developing intimacy with God. Regular prayer keeps us anchored in our faith and aligned with God's purposes.

Elements of a rich prayer life:

• Adoration: Praising God for who He is
• Confession: Acknowledging sins and shortcomings
• Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God's blessings
• Supplication: Bringing requests to God

Make prayer a natural, ongoing conversation with God throughout your day. This constant communication helps prevent drifting and strengthens your spiritual anchor.

6. Actively Participate in a Faith Community

"Do not neglect to gather."

Community is essential for spiritual growth. Regular gathering with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities for service and worship.

Benefits of faith community:

• Mutual support and encouragement
• Opportunities to use your spiritual gifts
• Corporate worship experiences
• Accountability in your spiritual walk
• Practical help in times of need

While it's possible to believe in God without attending church, active participation in a faith community is vital for sustained spiritual growth and preventing drift.

7. Pursue Righteousness Through Spiritual "Hunger and Thirst"

"God wants us to hunger and thirst after righteousness and nothing else."

Cultivate spiritual appetite. Just as we need physical food, our spirits need regular nourishment. Pursuing righteousness means actively seeking to align our lives with God's character and will.

Ways to develop spiritual hunger:

• Regular Bible study and meditation
• Fasting from distractions to focus on God
• Surrounding yourself with spiritually mature influences
• Practicing spiritual disciplines (prayer, worship, service)
• Reflecting on areas of needed growth in your life

As you pursue righteousness, your desire for God and His ways will naturally increase, helping to prevent spiritual drift.

8. Engage with the World as God's "Living Letters"

"Imagine the difference we could make in people's lives if we actually realized that we are a love letter sent from God to them."

Be active, not passive, in your faith. Christians are called to be "salt and light" in the world, actively engaging with and influencing culture rather than withdrawing into a Christian bubble.

Ways to be God's "living letter":

• Build relationships with non-believers
• Look for opportunities to serve your community
• Share your faith story when appropriate
• Live out Christian values in your workplace
• Address social issues from a biblical perspective

Remember that you may be the only "Bible" some people ever read. Your life should reflect God's love and truth to those around you.

9. Press On in Your Spiritual Journey Despite Challenges

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Spiritual growth requires perseverance. Like running a marathon, the Christian life is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing effort and endurance.

Keys to pressing on:

• Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, not circumstances
• Remember past victories and God's faithfulness
• Surround yourself with encouragers
• Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps
• Regularly renew your commitment to follow Christ

Recognize that challenges and setbacks are normal parts of the spiritual journey. The key is to keep moving forward, relying on God's strength and grace to sustain you.

Last updated: October 25, 2024