A devotional by Eliya Criniere
Staying grounded in God is a fundamental aspect of faith for all believers. Just as a plant relies on its roots for sustenance and nourishment, our spiritual lives depend on our relationship with God, providing us with guidance, purpose, and meaning. This deep-rooted connection to God forms the very foundation of our lives.
God not only provides us with a purpose but also ignites our passions and sets our hearts ablaze with a sense of divine calling. It is through this connection that we find our unique gifts and talents, which, when nurtured, enable us to fulfill our God-given purpose. Our relationship with God is the root system that sustains our spiritual growth, just as a plant's roots support its upward growth. It gives our lives depth and purpose, and it fuels our passion to serve. This connection with God is not just a belief system but a way of life, a deep and abiding relationship that underpins daily actions and decisions, enriching our lives with meaning and fulfillment.
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus shows what happens when he is not our foundation. Our lives crumble and fall apart. He said,
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them; I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
So, even in times of great shaking, stay rooted and grounded in God. Put your needs before him. He is our helper and our strength. I have learned over the years how to stay connected with God. My dad was always an amazing example of someone who patiently waited and grounded himself in the Lord. Even while he was juggling a family, a full-time job, and full-time school, he learned pretty quickly how important coming before God was. He always said he got so much more done if he made space for the Lord. Now, this is something that practically any believer would agree with, but actually applying it to your life is a whole other story.