Growing Deeper Roots.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I admit I don’t know much about this plant at all. I have no idea what it is called. What strikes me about it, though, is how green it is against such a dry brown background. It’s leaves look healthy and lush and there are pretty orange berries ripening on its limbs. How is this plant thriving so well in such a desert setting? Did it grow somewhere else and someone recently transplanted it? I don’t believe so. It’s settled, grounded, and deeply rooted there.

This plant survives its desert condition by sending down deep roots to access water. We too experience times that make us feel isolated and dry. Sometimes it feels as if God’s Word and His people are far from us. However, if we have stored His Word in our hearts through memorization, and walked closely with Him, we can be filled and refreshed by the knowledge and understanding we’ve stored up.  God fills us up with His living water, from which we can draw when we are thirsty for Him.

 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
 “For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 New American Standard Bible

Learning to trust in the Lord is what causes us to flourish during times of drought. When we cannot see or hear Him, we trust that He is with us and we remain at peace, continuing to flourish and bear fruit that glorifies Him.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 New International Version

Continue to memorize His Word, fellowship with other believers, and thank Him for all He has done. The more you do these things the deeper your roots will grow, and you will have His peace in every season.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO