root |ro͞ot| noun 1 the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibers: She was deeply rooted in God’s truth.
Writing to you this weekend from my family lake house. I’m watching the kids play as we enjoy the final month of our summer here together. As I look out the window, I can see a small patch of grass near our house that the sprinklers don’t reach. All of the grass around it is watered and green, but this patch is brown, dry… and dying.
Grass doesn’t have deep roots. It can’t survive if it’s not watered often. When plants don’t have deep roots, they may look okay for a little while, but soon, they will dry up and wither away. They won’t last in seasons of drought.
In Luke 8:4-15 Jesus told the parable of a farmer scattering seed to illustrate why having deep roots is so important. In this story, a farmer went out into the field to plant his seeds for the next year’s harvest. As he scattered the seed across the field, some fell on the footpath where the birds ate them. Other seed fell among the rocks, and when they began to grow, the plants weren’t able to survive because they didn’t get enough moisture to live. Another seed fell among thorns, and they choked out the little plant. The last seed fell on fertile soil, and this plant grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times more than what had been planted.
When the disciples asked Jesus what His parable meant, He said, “The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts… The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message, but fall away when they experience temptation… The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message but get distracted by the cares and riches of this life. The seeds that fell on the good soil, represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.” (Story paraphrased from Luke 8:12-15, NLT)
Having deep roots comes from being spiritually nourished each day. This means spending time reading the Word of God, praying, and meditating on Him throughout the day.
These aren’t “religious” activities. Growing your spiritual roots is growing in relationship with God. You develop a deeper connection by spending time with Him. All of this stems back to relationship and love. When hard times and spiritual storms come our way, we are rooted and anchored in Him.
We need to be anchored in Jesus so that when storms come our way, we won’t drift away. We may shift and sway from side to side because of the waves. We might even get wet and wonder if we may drown. But our boat, our hope, our roots are anchored in Him. We aren’t going anywhere.
We can survive horrible storms if we have deep roots. Some trees are known to have roots more than 20 feet deep. That’s why they can survive through hurricanes and destructive winds.
Oak trees are known to have deep, strong roots and can live up to 200 years. I think that’s why the Bible often refers to oak trees when speaking of great faith. (Side note: I just looked up “the oldest tree in the world,” and it is nearly 5,000 years old, snuck away in the White Mountains of eastern California – wow! LOL).
“…In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalm 1:3 (NLT)
When difficulties come your way—what are you rooted in that keeps you grounded?
Keep your heart rooted in Him, and you won’t be moved.
XO-
Sabrina
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in 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.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)