You Can Never Drift Too Far - In the Morning When I Rise

Lord, I have drifted so far from my faith. How can you accept me again?

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to me than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Luke 15:4-5, 7

How can I come close to you again?

Return to me, the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to me. Say to me, “Forgive all my sins and graciously receive me.” Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.

Hosea 14:1-2, 4

What can I pray when I find myself drifting again?

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalm 51:12, 17

No matter how far we have drifted from God, there is no amount of distance he won’t cross to bring us back. And his Word assures us that when we repent and return to him, he responds with joy and celebration. Take a minute to confess any hidden sin or resistance toward God. Now imagine him responding the way the shepherd responds in Luke 15. How does this make you feel?