I pray that according to the riches of His glory, He may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through His spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
Ephesians 3:16-17
Evelyn Underhill in The Spiritual Life puts it this way: “For a spiritual life is simply a life in which all we do comes from the center, where we are anchored in God…”
Consider the power and awe inspired by watching the mighty Mississippi River. The sound and flow of the river fills us with a sense of peace and joy. Amidst the peace and joy, however, exists a powerful current that must be taken seriously. Imagine being on the river and losing an oar — and then having an engine that won’t start! Looking around, you discover you are without an anchor — drifting rapidly downstream with the current.
In Ephesians 3, Paul speaks of being rooted and grounded; Evelyn Underhill speaks of being anchored in God. True stewardship begins with the realization that we are called to live our lives being rooted, grounded and anchored in the love of God. How many of us spend most of our lives being swept away by the currents of life, the demands of our jobs, family, education and even church responsibilities? We search in vain for a rope and anchor. We think if only: if only I could make more money, if only I could save more money, if only we had a bigger home, a better car or a faster computer. And still we find ourselves swept downstream. True stewardship begins with a life that is rooted, grounded and anchored in God’s love.
Questions to consider
Do I have an anchor in my life?
Do I find myself being swept away by the demands of society and culture?
What are some practical ways I can begin to be grounded, rooted and anchored in Christ?
Prayer
Oh Lord, I confess that I often find myself being swept along by the currents of life. I put my faith and hope in power, people, and possessions. Forgive me. Help me to turn to You during this campaign that my life would be rooted, grounded and anchored in You and Your wonderful love. In the name of Christ, Amen.
–From The Journey Begins: Devotional Guide, Scott McKenzie, PhD.
This devotion comes from a series of 21 daily devotions from the devotional guide for our capital campaign. (An earlier message, sent on October 20, 2015, included a message from Fr. John about using the guide as a prayer tool.)