Being grounded was always the toughest punishment to take.

I could handle a short term punishment, but being grounded for an extended period of time was a crusher.

I’ve been grounded from TV, video games, driving the car, going to a friend’s house, having friends over; if my parents thought it would get my attention, they would use it to teach me a lesson.

It’s funny, I was never grounded from eating vegetables or doing homework. My parents always welcomed me to participate in both of those things as often as I pleased.

I don’t begrudge my parents for using “grounding” as a punishment.

It was a good one. It always got my attention.

Truth is I’ve already passed on the joy of grounding to my kids.

In my mind, grounding has a negative connotation.

The Bible is actually full of positive reasons to be grounded.

Like this one from Psalm 130:

“Ground your hope in the Eternal. For in the Eternal lives the most loyal love, and with Him comes the most abundant redemption.” (The Voice Bible)

Obviously the meaning and use of the word ‘ground’ has changed a bit, but you get the idea.

Being grounded, rooted, and planted is encouraged throughout scripture.

Being grounded is one of biggest concepts we teach to our students in youth ministry.

Paul, author of most of the New Testament prayed, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love.” (Ephesians 3.17, NKJ)

Why?

So that we’d, “have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3.18-19, NLT)

So many young people want to make a positive impact at their school, in their family, and in their community; the key is helping them get planted in God’s house.

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.They shall still bear fruit in old age;
they shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92.13-14, NKJ)

Want to make a huge difference in this world for God?

Stay planted.

Be rooted.

Get grounded.

When you do, you’ll begin to understand God’s love for you.

And you’ll flourish.