I grabbed the root and started pulling, thinking it was part of the dead bush I had just removed from my ice storm decimated landscape. However, the more I pulled the longer the root went until ten feet later, I realized it was connected to one of the few plants that had survived the unusually cold weather.
I was amazed at how a small bush could put out such long, deep roots. It also explained why that flower had survived. Although it had suffered from the freeze, its deep and long root structure had protected it and kept it alive when most of the landscape had died in the harsh winter storm.
That experience reminded me of Psalm 1:1-3. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, not sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Notice the yield from having roots firmly established near streams of water – fruit in season and a leaf that does not wither. Deeply established roots provide protection from weather and drought. Regardless of what season of life we are in, we can flourish and produce quality fruit when we are rooted and grounded in God’s Word.
Scripture is often referred to as water (see John 4:13-14, Ephesians 5:26) and provides the fundamental requirement for our spiritual health. When we tap into God’s Word, our roots are supplied with what is needed for life and health.
Not only do established roots provide protection from weather, but they also provide stability. Trees that withstand the harshest winds have very extensive and deep root structures. Living in an area occasionally affected by hurricanes, I’ve witnessed what lack of deep roots can do. After a storm passes, the trees that topple are the ones that didn’t have deep roots to hold them secure. Those that did, withstood the most intense winds.
Just like those trees, we too must develop a deep and established foundation by consistent daily study of the Bible. This requires more than a surface level quick verse of the day. We need time to reflect on what God is showing us through His Word and how it can be applied in our lives. As we seek to better understand Scripture, our roots grow deeper. That growth establishes and secures us to weather the storms and drought seasons of life.
And as Psalm 1:3 states, we are planted by streams of water. Streams indicates an ever-fresh supply. This is not a stagnant water source, but one that is perpetually refreshed. Don’t let your time in God’s Word ever get boring. Ask God to speak to you and reveal Himself as you study. He will never allow that time to be boring if you do!
Let’s work to develop our deep root structure…starting today.