Deep Roots

“Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.” (Proverbs 12:3, NLT) 

Several homes in my neighborhood, including mine, have very tall and very old trees. When the area was developed, the builder saved these beautiful old trees, and I’m glad. Someone had also planted a small, decorative tree in my front yard. It produced lovely blooms in the spring, but it had shallow roots. A storm damaged that small tree, and I had to remove it. It was too weak to survive. However, the large old tree with deep roots still stands. Oh, it may lose a dead branch or two if a strong wind blows, but the roots hold firm.

Jesus frequently used different things in nature to illustrate His teachings. The crowds enjoyed His stories about trees, types of soil, seeds, and harvests. These were things they understood and could relate to. These things were very familiar to them and allowed Him to share life lessons with a spiritual impact.

DEEP, STRONG ROOTS

Whether we are talking about trees, plants, or our walk with the Lord, there is a common factor: the need for deep roots.  Just as healthy roots are essential for strong, healthy trees, healthy roots are essential in our walk with God. Roots allow trees to absorb nutrients and water. They also provide stability and allow the tree to produce fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says that a tree whose roots reach out toward water stays strong and remains fruitful. It has the ability to survive, and even grow fruit, during times of heat and drought. We are like that tree. Even in times of extreme trials and difficulties, we can survive and thrive.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (ESV)

Perhaps an important question for us is, “Where am I planted and how deep are my roots?” Colossians 2:6-7 says that if we have committed ourselves to walking with the Lord, our roots are in Him.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (ESV)

STRONG IN THE STORMS

That old oak tree in my yard has faced many seasons of strong winds, heavy rain, hail, ice, and snow. Yet, it survives. Like that tree, we will also face many storms in life. Those storms may be severe and leave us feeling battered and scarred. But because our roots have grown deep, we will survive. Our stability and endurance come from the Lord. Proverbs 12:3 promises that “the root of the righteous will never be moved.”

REFLECTION

• How will my faith in God hold me steady during times of testing and trials?
• What portions of Scripture encourage and bring hope when storms come into my life?
• What things can I do to grow stronger in my walk with the Lord?

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk