Preventing Drift: How to Stay Connected to God Even with Our Bibles Open

Are We Drifting from God Even with Our Bibles Open?

Picture this: you're sitting down with your Bible open in front of you, ready to dive into God's Word and spend some time in prayer. It seems like the perfect opportunity for spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. But have you ever considered that even in these moments, we can still drift from God?

It's a sobering thought, but the truth is that we are prone to wander. Our hearts are easily distracted, and even activities that are intended for our spiritual benefit can become opportunities for sin. This includes reading the Bible. We may assume that reading God's Word automatically guarantees a deeper connection with Him, but the reality is that we can fail to bring God glory even in the act of reading Scripture.

The Pharisees' Dilemma

A prime example of this can be seen in the Pharisees of Jesus' time. These religious leaders were known for their zealous devotion to the Scriptures. They were meticulous in their study of the Law and believed that eternal life could be found within its pages. However, Jesus confronted them with a startling truth: while they diligently searched the Scriptures, they missed the very essence of its message.

Jesus said to them, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life" (John 5:39–40).

The Pharisees had become so focused on the letter of the Law that they missed its ultimate purpose — to point them to Jesus, the source of true life. They were reading the Scriptures without truly seeing.

Avoiding Drift by Seeking God's Presence

So how can we avoid drifting from God even as we engage in Bible reading? The key lies in seeking not just knowledge of the Scriptures, but a personal encounter with the living God.

We need to approach our time in the Word with a humble and open heart, recognizing our need for God's presence and guidance. It's not enough to simply read the words on the page; we must actively seek to encounter the Author behind those words.

Just as the psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), we need the illumination of the Holy Spirit to truly understand and apply the truths found in Scripture. This requires a posture of dependence on God, acknowledging that without His help, our reading can easily become empty and fruitless.

Inviting God's Spirit into Our Reading

When we approach the Bible with a desire to meet God, we invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the words on the page and reveal their true meaning to us. It's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about encountering the living God and allowing His truth to transform our lives.

Just as the psalmist prays, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law" (Psalm 119:18), we too should ask God to open our spiritual eyes and reveal the wonders contained in His Word.

We can also follow the example of the Bereans, who were commended for their diligent study of the Scriptures. Acts 17:11 tells us that they "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." They didn't just passively read the words; they actively engaged with the text, comparing it to what they already knew and seeking confirmation of its truth.

Prayer as a Key Component

Another vital aspect of avoiding drift in our Bible reading is prayer. Prayer is our means of communication with God, and it is through prayer that we invite His presence and guidance into our time in His Word.

As we read the Bible, we can pray for understanding, wisdom, and the ability to apply what we learn to our lives. We can ask God to speak to us through the Scriptures and reveal His will for us. We can seek His help in overcoming distractions and staying focused on His truth.

Paul encourages us in Colossians 4:2 to "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Just as we need the Holy Spirit's help to understand the Scriptures, we also need His help to stay connected to God in prayer.

Accountability and Community

Lastly, we must not underestimate the importance of accountability and community in our pursuit of God through His Word. We are not meant to navigate the Christian life alone.

By sharing our struggles, doubts, and questions with trusted fellow believers, we open ourselves up to their support, encouragement, and wise counsel. They can help us stay on track and provide the necessary accountability to prevent us from drifting away from God.

Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Finding Solid Ground in God's Word

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it's easy to drift away from God, even when we have our Bibles open in front of us. But by actively seeking God's presence, inviting His Spirit into our reading, praying for understanding and guidance, and embracing accountability and community, we can find solid ground in His Word.

Let us not be like the Pharisees, who read the Scriptures without truly seeing. Instead, let us approach the Bible with open hearts and a hunger for encountering the living God. Let us allow His Word to transform us, guide us, and draw us ever closer to Him.

We need help, but we have a Helper. God loves to meet us as we pray to meet him in his word.