So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love . . . Ephesians 3:17 (ESV)
As my husband and I were home shopping, we found some land with a spectacular view of the mountains that can be subdivided into two building lots. It’s too much for us to do alone, so we’ve been talking with a couple who have had a longtime dream of building a retreat center and providing soul care for leaders in ministry. We’ve been prayerfully asking Jesus to show us if this is a place He wants us to pursue. I’ve been waffling because the portion of the land we would buy has a house on it that needs work.
While praying with my close group of girlfriends about this, one friend led us in a Lectio Divina exercise, which is a prayerful reading of the Bible. She had a compilation of verses she read three times, inviting us to listen to what Jesus was saying to us through those particular Scriptures. When she read the words “that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” I sensed Jesus had a message for me.
I’ve been focused on planting myself in a physical place. This Scripture verse reminded me to plant myself in knowing Jesus and His love, rather than a temporary home. Our physical homes often change. We can be uprooted for all sorts of reasons, and if our roots are planted deep in an earthly place, it will be painful when they are uprooted. But by being planted in His love and developing deep roots in faith in Him, we will find joy and fulfillment wherever our homes are.
Whether this plot of land is our next home or not—as I plant myself in His love—I believe I’ll feel at home wherever I land.
Faith Step: Prayerfully read Ephesians 3:16–19. What is Jesus saying to you today?