Feeling Drained? It’s Time to Check Your Surroundings.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)
🧭 Spiritual GPS: Are You Drifting or Drawing Near?
Have you ever been driving, completely sure you were going the right way, only to look at your navigation and realize you’ve been drifting? Maybe the scenery was pleasant, but your arrow was pointing exactly where you didn’t want to go.
In our spiritual lives, it’s so easy to drift. The gentle currents of culture can nudge us off course without us even realizing it, until we feel that hollow, far-from-home feeling in our chest.
Our faith isn't meant to be lived on autopilot. It requires a constant, conscious check-in—a spiritual GPS check—on the most immediate elements of our day: our conversations, our activities, and the company we keep.
🗣️ 1. The Test of Conversation: Are These Words Building Up?
We spend countless hours talking, listening, and scrolling. But pause for a moment and ask yourself the tough question:
"Is this conversation leading me closer to God or further away?"
It’s easy to slip into complaint, criticism, or negativity because it often feels good in the moment. It gives us a quick, shared bond with others. But when we participate in talk that tears down, we are essentially walking away from the heart of Jesus, who was the ultimate builder and encourager.
Check-In: If you walked away from a conversation feeling slightly worse about yourself or someone else, that was your spiritual alarm telling you you've drifted.
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
🤝 2. The Vetting of Relationships and Actions: Does This Honor Him?
Now, let’s look at the people around you and the actions you choose. This can feel vulnerable because it touches on things we often protect: our free time and our friends.
"Is this person, this action, truly honoring God?"
This isn't about being judgmental. It’s about being discerning. When you choose a movie, a hobby, or a relationship, are you constantly having to lower your guard and compromise your values just to fit in? Do you feel pressure to participate in things that leave you feeling spiritually empty or guilty later?
The key is this: God wants us to enjoy life, but we must choose things that nurture our spirit, not stunt it.
Check-In: Do your surroundings make it easier or harder to follow Jesus? If you leave an environment feeling renewed, you are drawing near. If you leave depleted, it's time for realignment.
🏡 Realignment: Making Your Heart Home for God
Finding you’ve drifted isn't a moment for panic; it’s a moment for realignment. The Holy Spirit is your constant guide, always ready to turn you back onto the main road.
Commit to making choices that reflect intentional living:
The Pause: Before you respond to a challenging text or click ‘play’ on that questionable show, pause for three seconds.
The Question: Quietly ask: "Does this bring glory to God?"
The Choice: Choose to pivot. The peace that comes from honoring God is worth more than any temporary comfort or approval.
Your soul's ultimate environment should be the presence of God. Today, let’s commit to making daily choices that lead us home—closer to Him.
🙏 A Prayer for Discernment and Direction
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the constant, gentle guidance of Your Holy Spirit. We confess that we often drift. We pray for the realignment of our hearts.
Lord, give us the courage to pause before we speak, and the clarity to see what truly honors You. Help us examine the company we keep, trusting that when we draw near to You, You will draw near to us.
May our words build up, our actions reflect Your love, and our whole lives lead us closer to You, our truest home.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Meditation Verse:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
