The spiritual life can be like that--drifting, drifting, nothing holding us, and suddenly we are in the open sea.
This is why the writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 2:1,
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard [about Jesus Christ], so that we do not drift away from it.
The reason, of course, is the importance of the truth. It's eternal, and affects us forever:
2:2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.
The reference to the "word spoken by angels" has to do with the Old Testament law and prophets, and the writer is pointing out that the greatest of all opportunities for salvation and eternal life is within the readers' grasp, but that they are in danger of simply letting it slide. The readers have heard the Apostles speak, some of them heard the Lord Himself, and they saw the gifts and miracles of the Holy Spirit, confirming the word spoken. How could they drift away from those wonderful, powerful truths? Evidently it's possible, and it does happen.
This brings up both a question, and an observation:
Have YOU drifted away from the truths you know? Drifting is different than rejection. Drifting occurs because of inattention, laziness, weariness. Drifting is different than being wounded by evil men and women who sometimes occupy positions of religious influence. Drifting is simply "I don't care." It is one of the devil's best tools, because it happens so quietly, and you are so relaxed and inattentive that you just don't notice.
Now an observation: Drifting is curable. Unlike the movies we've seen where the couple drifts into danger and can't get out because there is no mooring, no paddle, no motor, there is always a way back. You can always revive yourself (it requires your decision to "drift no more"), and return to the things you know to be most important. It takes extra work, extra attention, because just as a groggy man has trouble paying attention to the things happening to him, so spiritual grogginess takes hold, and it requires effort to come fully awake.
Here is how to wake yourself from spiritual sleep:
1. First step is to recognize that you are drifting.
2. Ask God to help you wake up. Don't ask just once. Keep asking, and asking, and asking.
3. Begin to read the New Testament. Read about Jesus, His words, His deeds, His goodness, His grace. Ask God to help you understand.
4. Pray about the things in your life.
5. (and I say this with some concern) Go to church if you can. The problem with church is that most of it feeds only the external life, and it's exceedingly easy to pretend you're awake when you're really asleep. In addition, some of you may have been wounded in church, and be deeply conflicted about returning there. However, church does provide you with a meeting place for the Spirit, and many churches are truly holy places.
6. Feed your inner life by giving attention to the Spirit. This is hard in our modern world, where virtually everything is based on the external, on appearance, on the temporary. You can do this "feeding" by seeking God in personal worship, and by asking for the Spirit of God to fill your heart and mind and gift you as He wills. As you do this, your spiritual life will enrich itself and deepen, and you will cease drifting, and move close to Him. Almost all "drifting" is solved by honest communication between you and God, when you speak to Him as a friend and companion, and learn to experience and enjoy His presence. When you do this constantly, drifting away from Him is a virtual impossibility.
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