Rooted, Grounded, Settled

Do you ever feel like you’re being tossed about, like you’re floating on an ocean, pushed unexpectedly by currents beyond your control?

Paul knew that it’s easy to feel this way. Circumstances change, unexpected events occur, and we can suddenly feel untethered and disoriented. He told church members in Ephesus that he had been on his knees, praying for them, that they would be “strengthened with might by [God’s] Spirit in the inner man,” so that they might be “rooted and grounded in love,” because of their faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesus 3:14-17).

Paul used similar language in his epistle to the Colossians, hoping that they would “continue in the faith grounded and settled” (Colossians 1:23), and urging them to walk in Christ, “rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith” (Colossians 2:6-7).

How do we become grounded? First and foremost, by building on the reliable foundation of the Savior. As Helaman taught his sons, Nephi and Lehi, “It is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.” He told them that this will give them “a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

Another answer comes from Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians again: The church provides ballast as we navigate the storms of life. God has called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, so that we will “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into [Christ] in all things” (Ephesians 4:11-15).

Now is a good time to become more grounded. Elder Neil L. Andersen warned:

As evil increases in the world, our spiritual survival, and the spiritual survival of those we love, will require that we more fully nurture, fortify, and strengthen the roots of our faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul counseled us to be rooted, grounded, and settled in our love for the Savior and our determination to follow Him. Today and the days ahead require more focused and concentrated effort, guarding against diversions and carelessness.

“Drawing Closer to the Savior,” General Conference, October 2022

Today, I will strive to strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ. I will remember that He is the only sure foundation who can enable me to weather the coming storms with steadiness. I will be grateful for the stability the church provides, to keep me moving forward on the path toward eternal life.