The term "adrift" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of being adrift, both physically and spiritually, is present throughout Scripture. The idea of being adrift can symbolize a lack of direction, purpose, or connection with God, often leading to spiritual peril or moral confusion.

Physical Adrift

In a literal sense, being adrift refers to the state of being carried away by currents without control or direction. This imagery is vividly captured in the account of Jonah. Jonah, fleeing from God's command, finds himself on a ship caught in a violent storm. The sailors, recognizing the danger, cast Jonah into the sea, where he is swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:15-17). Jonah's physical adrift state mirrors his spiritual disobedience and separation from God's will.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul experienced being adrift during his journey to Rome. In Acts 27, Paul is aboard a ship that encounters a severe storm, leading to the vessel being driven across the sea. Despite the chaos, Paul remains steadfast in faith, encouraging those aboard with him. Acts 27:22-25 records Paul's words: "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not a single one of you will be lost, only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.' So take courage, men, for I believe God that it will happen just as He told me."

Spiritual Adrift

Spiritually, being adrift can describe a state of wandering away from God's truth and guidance. The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of spiritual drift. Hebrews 2:1 admonishes believers: "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." This verse underscores the importance of remaining anchored in the teachings of Christ to avoid spiritual drift.

The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the concept of spiritual adrift. The younger son, seeking independence, leaves his father's house and squanders his inheritance in reckless living. His journey away from home represents a spiritual drifting away from the father's love and provision. However, upon realizing his lost state, he returns to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. This parable highlights the hope of restoration for those who find themselves spiritually adrift.

Anchors of Faith

To prevent spiritual drift, Scripture emphasizes the need for steadfastness in faith and adherence to God's Word. Colossians 2:6-7 encourages believers: "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." This passage calls for a deep-rooted faith that acts as an anchor, preventing believers from being carried away by false teachings or worldly influences.

The imagery of an anchor is further reinforced in Hebrews 6:19 : "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain." Here, hope in God's promises serves as a secure anchor, providing stability and assurance amidst life's uncertainties.

In summary, while the Bible does not use the term "adrift," it addresses the concept through narratives and teachings that warn against physical and spiritual aimlessness. Believers are encouraged to remain anchored in faith, grounded in Scripture, and connected to God to avoid the dangers of drifting away from His truth and purpose.(adv. & a.) Floating at random; in a drifting condition; at the mercy of wind and waves. Also fig.4014. periaireo -- to take away (that which surrounds)
... per-ee-ahee-reh'-o) Short Definition: I strip off, cast off Definition: (a) I strip
off, strip from, take away, (b) I cast off, cut adrift, cast loose. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4014.htm - 7k

Our Need of a World to Win.
... If he isn't tied to some great gripping purpose the wash of the sea will send him
adrift, or the fierce undertow will suck him under. And many are adrift. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/our need of a world.htm

The Cruelty of the Sacrifices to the Gods.
... inhabit the Tauric Chersonese, sacrifice to the Tauric Artemis forthwith whatever
strangers they lay hands on on their coasts who have been east adrift on the ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter iii the cruelty of the.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... Young girls, who come from quiet country homes to seek employment, cast adrift on
these surging tides of life without a friend or an adviser, readily fall ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm

Church Abuses.
... for conscience' sake had been excluded, and the accounts which they have left us
of the abuses existing in the Church which had turned them adrift must not be ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... in Ephesus, whither St. John took her soon after the Jews had set Lazarus
and his sisters adrift upon the sea. [182]. Mary did not ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

God the Teacher.
... For suppose that you were set adrift in a ship at sea, to shift for yourself, would
it not be mere common-sense to try and learn how to manage that ship, that ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xi god the teacher.htm

The Reformation.
... were in a very bad state, and had forgotten their rules; but instead of setting
them to rights, he seized their wealth, and turned all the monks and nuns adrift ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxxii the reformation.htm

He Careth for Thee.
... Still this was not of much consequence. One by one more were broken but unheeded
because each was so small. Finally all were broken, and the boat went adrift. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/he careth for thee.htm

Another Friend of God
... CHAPTER XLIX ANOTHER FRIEND OF GOD. "O Lord, the most Fair, the most tender,
My heart is adrift and alone; My heart is weary and thirsty,. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlix another friend of.htm

The Freighted Ship
... And this does God delight to do with His beloved children. "But many there are who
are like men adrift on a great sea with a treasure in their ship, and they ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xviii the freighted ship.htm

Adrift (1 Occurrence)
... Also fig. Multi-Version Concordance Adrift (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians
11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. ...
/a/adrift.htm - 6k

A'dri-el (1 Occurrence)
A'dri-el. A'driel, A'dri-el. Adrift . Multi-Version Concordance A'dri-el (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). A'driel, A'dri-el. Adrift . Reference Bible.
/a/a'dri-el.htm - 6k

Aduel

/a/aduel.htm - 6k

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Adrift: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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