Practical Steps to Stay Grounded

Life is a minefield of distractions, temptations, and questionable influencers. Staying grounded—rooted in faith and not blowing in the wind of cultural trends—requires deliberate choices. Let’s walk through some practical steps, backed by scripture, to keep your feet planted firmly on holy ground.

Daily Scripture Reading

The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s a guide, a mirror, and a compass. It doesn’t sit on the shelf waiting for special occasions or crises—it’s designed for everyday use, like a sturdy pair of work boots or your morning coffee. Reading scripture daily aligns your heart with God’s standards, not Netflix’s latest moral ambiguity or Instagram’s idea of perfection.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NASB)

Notice the imagery here: a lamp. Not a floodlight, not a spotlight, but a lamp. It doesn’t blaze a trail for miles ahead or illuminate every possible outcome. It gives just enough light for the next step, and that’s all you need to move forward. God’s word isn’t about satisfying your obsession with control or foresight—it’s about trusting Him with the moment you’re in.

Daily scripture reading isn’t a marathon of chapters or a quest to finish Revelation by Friday. It’s about consuming bite-sized truths that settle into your heart and guide your choices. Start with a verse or two, something manageable, like the spiritual equivalent of a snack instead of a buffet. Reflect on it. Turn it over in your mind while you’re driving, folding laundry, or pretending to pay attention in a meeting. Let it simmer until it starts shaping how you see the world.

And look, let’s be real: some days will feel holy and enlightening, and other days you’ll fall asleep halfway through Leviticus or get distracted by your phone. That’s fine. God’s not grading you on your reading streak. The key is showing up again tomorrow, even if yesterday felt like a flop. The transformative power of scripture isn’t in perfection; it’s in persistence.

Community

You were not designed to do this alone. The lone-wolf approach might sound heroic, but it’s a one-way ticket to burnout or worse. Scripture makes it clear:

“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)

Surround yourself with people who encourage accountability and shared values. Real community isn’t just potlucks and small talk; it’s about someone lovingly calling you out when you’re off track and celebrating your wins when you’re walking in obedience. That’s the kind of sharpening that hurts but ultimately hones your faith.

Community is perhaps one of the most important aspects of God’s love. We have a more in-depth look at the Bible’s take on community here.

Prayer for Wisdom

Life is full of moral dilemmas that feel like tightrope acts—balancing between truth and grace, conviction and compassion. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to navigate this on your own. God has offered His guidance if you ask:

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NASB)

Prayer isn’t about saying the right words; it’s about humbly admitting that you don’t have it all figured out. And when you ask for wisdom, don’t expect a burning bush or an angelic announcement. Sometimes wisdom comes as peace about a decision, a verse that suddenly jumps out, or even a gentle nudge to pause and rethink your plan.

Grace

Here’s the reality check: You’re going to screw up. Maybe today, maybe before you even finish reading this article. And guess what? That’s okay. Staying grounded isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about the direction you’re moving in. Remember this:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

Grace is the safety net that catches you when you fall. It’s God saying, “I see you trying, and I love you anyway.” It’s not a license to sin, but it is freedom from the crushing weight of perfectionism. When you mess up, confess, repent, and keep walking. Forward progress, not flawlessness, is the goal.

We All Benefit From Staying Grounded

Staying grounded in a world that celebrates chaos takes intentionality. Daily scripture reading keeps your soul in alignment. Community provides accountability and encouragement. Prayer connects you to divine wisdom. And grace reminds you that it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up. God’s got you. You just need to show up.

Additional Resources:

Books:

• Grounded in the Faith: An Essential Guide to Knowing What You Believe and Why: This guide by Kenneth Erisman offers foundational insights into Christian beliefs, aiding readers in deepening their understanding and commitment to their faith.

• Living Faith: In this spiritual autobiography, former President Jimmy Carter shares his personal journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and service.

These are Amazon affiliate links for these books. We use affiliate links to offset our operating costs. Using them helps us stay online. You don’t have to use these though; you can just search for the book. Happy reading!

Web Resources:

• Ethics and Morality: Walking in Righteousness in a Modern World: This article delves into maintaining ethical and moral integrity amidst contemporary challenges, providing practical advice for righteous living.

• The Pull of the World vs. the Call of Christ: An exploration of the tensions between worldly distractions and the commitment to follow Christ, offering insights on staying spiritually focused.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®), Copyright ©, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.