It’s that time of year again, when the leaves begin to change, and so do our routines. Fall is beautiful, but it’s also busy. The rhythm of the school year, ministry commitments, and social gatherings can slowly, subtly pull us away from abiding in Christ. Without realizing it, our mornings or evenings with the Lord can begin to slip into the background. At first, it’s a missed morning or two. Then, it becomes a week. Before we know it, our Bible stays closed longer than we care to admit.
So how do we stay rooted in Christ when the busyness of the season threatens to pull us away?
What does it mean to be rooted in Christ?
When we think of being rooted in Christ, we often turn to Paul’s words in Colossians 2:6–7:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.”
Here, Paul encourages believers to walk in a certain manner: rooted in Christ. Just as a tree draws life from deep roots beneath the surface, we, too, receive nourishment, stability, and growth from being rooted in Jesus. We draw our strength, identity, and purpose from Him, and in doing so, we are called to live in continual dependence on His presence and His Word.
But there may be times when our dependence falters, when we stop making time for His Word. While this doesn’t affect our union with Christ, it does disrupt our communion with Him—because we are neglecting to seek Him. Being rooted isn’t simply about having an emotional connection to Him; it’s living a life of trust—trust in who He is, what He has done, and what He promises. It’s the daily pursuit of Christ through the spiritual disciplines He has given us, such as reading and meditating on Scripture, prayer, fellowship with the Church, and worship. These practices aren’t just good habits, they’re essential for deepening our communion with Him. And the deeper our roots, the more grounded we are—even when the winds of culture or the weight of adversity press in.
So as the pace of this season quickens, let’s not forget where our true strength lies. Let’s anchor ourselves in Christ. Let’s return to His Word, make space for prayer, and gather with His people. And to help you stay rooted, below are three practical ways to remain in God’s Word and in prayer.
Three ways to stay rooted in God’s Word and in prayer
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Seek God in the Small Moments
When life feels full and busy, finding a moment to be with the Lord may seem out of reach. But staying rooted in Him often looks like turning your attention to Him in the small, ordinary moments of the day. It’s about inviting God into the rhythm of your life—not just in specific pockets of time.
So think about those small spaces throughout the day: the drive to work, the walk around the neighborhood, folding the laundry, or the few quiet minutes after putting the kids to bed. Each of these are opportunities to pause, breathe, and connect with Jesus. You could listen to a short passage of Scripture, whisper a prayer, or recall a verse you’ve memorized. Though it may feel small, it will be nourishing for your soul. These small moments of genuine focus on the Lord will have a cumulative effect to keep your mind and heart centered on Him.
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Cultivate Relationships with Others Who Point You to Christ
Christians need the fellowship of other believers and the encouragement that fellowship brings to stay rooted in Christ—because we were never meant to walk alone. When we try to navigate faith on our own, especially during a busy season, we’re more likely to drift. But when we walk with others—sharing what we’re learning, confessing struggles, and praying together—we’re reminded of our unity with Him and with each other. This kind of community provides the strength, encouragement, and accountability we need to grow deeper in our communion with Christ.
So consider inviting a friend to read a book of the Bible with you or commit to texting each other a Bible verse or prayer each day. Join a small group or attend a Bible study. Staying rooted is often a communal effort, and we help one another fix our eyes on Jesus, we all grow stronger.
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Return to the Why
When busyness crowds out your time with God, it’s easy to feel guilty or discouraged. But rather than trying to muster up more discipline, sometimes what we really need is to return to the why. We open God’s Word and bow in prayer not because we’re trying to be “better Christians,” but because we long to be near the One who first loved us. Jesus doesn’t call us to strive—He calls us to abide. And abiding starts with remembering who He is and what He’s done.
So when your motivation feels weak, look to the cross. Look to the Savior who laid down His life so that you could walk in daily, intimate communion with Him. Return to Him as your Friend and Redeemer. Let your time in the Word and prayer be fueled not by obligation, but by affection. The more you look to Christ, the more your heart will be drawn back to Him—even in the busiest of times.
