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Build a Strong Foundation

Hurricanes are one of the most dangerous natural disasters. They can reach speeds of over 140 mph and damage just about anything else in their path. Many trees topple over when they face winds this strong—but the palm tree is an exception.

No, that’s not a typo. Yes, those skinny, leafy palm trees found in warm climates around the world are capable of surviving winds that bring down far larger, stronger trees. How? One important factor is their root system. Rather than sending a few roots down deep, palm trees send many, many roots wide, like a blanket. Because of this root system, palm trees stay anchored to the ground, even in forceful hurricane winds. They have a secure foundation.

Our lives work the same way. The better our foundation, the more we can withstand in life. We’re able to weather the storms of change and continue growing and thriving. How can we build a strong foundation? We build this foundation by growing closer to Christ through consistent prayer, Bible reading, worship, and other spiritual practices.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we can see that He understood just how important spiritual practices are.

• Jesus knew the Scriptures well. He used them to encourage His followers and admonish His opponents.
• Jesus made time to go to the synagogue and worship with His family and friends.
• Jesus prioritized taking breaks from teaching to spend time in prayer with His Father.

All of these practices kept Jesus connected with His Father and spiritually healthy. By prioritizing His relationship with His Father, Jesus had the foundation He needed to endure the ultimate test—dying on the cross for the sins of humanity. When we follow Jesus’ example and put these habits into practice, we’ll have the foundation we need to endure change well, too.

Next Step: Think of one spiritual practice you’d like to try this week. It could be a totally new practice or an old favorite. Take a moment to put it on your calendar.

Want to learn more about spiritual practices? Check out the Basics of Faith video series!