It was the fall of 1994 when I came alive in Christ. I had transferred to a new university that year. Though I was determined to make a fresh start on “my” terms, God graciously had other plans.
He led me to some amazing people who showed me what it meant to actually live out the truths found in the Bible. God was awakening me spiritually…in ways I had not known before. I was soon attending weekly Bible Studies, spending regular time with a mentor, and sharing my faith with others. After a year of noticeable change, I was nervous to return home for summer. I had familiar habits and old haunts I knew could easily draw me away from what I had learned.
I was challenged all those years ago to make a plan to avoid the drift that would naturally occur over the summer if I was not purposeful. As a young woman, that plan included getting fully involved in my church, committing to daily Bible reading and prayer, and checking in with friends who would keep me accountable to the goals I had set and who would pray for me (and me them).
Over twenty years later, I am reminding myself of that summer challenge again. My routine will still shift and ease a bit in the coming months, and somehow many of the same challenges remain. How will I plan to stay on course and not drift? How will I purpose to hold fast to the Lord? How will I steer my kids to do the same?
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
This verse is speaking of Christ being our eternal hope of salvation because he has conquered sin and death. Certainly He is our eternal hope! On a smaller scale though, He is also our daily hope. When we are anchored to Him and His Word, our soul can hold firm and secure through crashing waves or peaceful waters. Yet drifting happens subtly when the waves roll gently. Before you know it, you are miles away from where you began.
Wanted to share an idea which a friend in our Bible Study recommended this past fall. They are called Journibles. The idea behind these comes from Deuteronomy 17:18, speaking of the priests who wrote for themselves a copy of the law.
These journals take you through a book of the Bible and essentially let you write a copy for yourself. The intent is that by processing it through your pen will drive it deeper into your heart. I am looking forward to trying one this summer. Fresh methods can certainly help!
Do you find yourself in a similar situation when your routine changes? What are some ways you’ve purposed to remain anchored to Christ and stay the course? I hope you will share your helps and insights in the comments for our mutual encouragement!
Warmly, Erika
