As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

Luke 6:47-48

Oh, the importance of a good foundation! Numerous foundation cases were filed in Corpus Christi because of the shifting sand and soil of that area. As an attorney in Corpus, my husband heard some interesting facts in these cases.

A cracked foundation can break the plumbing in and under a house, resulting in seepage, flooding and termite infestation. The walls may crack allowing rain, wind and insects inside. One house had snakes coming up through the floor that the owner’s kids wanted to play with.

Termites? Insects? Snakes? No, thank you! I think we can agree on the importance of a sound foundation. So what does that take? Jesus said to dig down deep to hit rock to build the foundation upon.

I have dug a few holes in my life. Planting flowers in existing beds is pretty easy. Digging holes in the yard to plant trees took more time, effort and perseverance, especially in hard clay areas.

It is difficult to dig down deep in soil as well as in our relationship with Jesus. We must prioritize our time to read the Bible, pray, sit alone with Jesus, or help a hurting person.

Putting God’s word into practice takes tremendous effort as we set aside our desires for the good of someone else, forgive a person who has hurt us deeply, and change our thought patterns to line up with God’s.

We may be tempted to quit early but, like the builder who digs down deep, the payoff will be monumental if we persevere. When the storms of life come crashing down, we will be able to stand.

Lord, give us strength to dig down deep with you.

Terri