Rooted
Rooted.
Have you ever tried to cut down a tree that was overgrowing your garden? Cutting the tree isn’t the issue so much as the roots that were firmly planted in the soil underground, all over the garden. That’s why it’s advisable not to plant a tree too close to your swimming pool, as the roots can cause some considerable damage. Digging them up would be a more challenging job than cutting off the branches. The stump alone could take days to break down.
This is an excellent analogy of how our lives should be rooted in Christ. Our branches are the fruit of our lives, which are continually being pruned, cut off, or redirected by God and allowing us to grow into strong, mature Christians and to operate in the fruit of the Spirit.
Our moral code, our compass, and our ethics are all like the stump firmly grounded in Him, as described in the Bible. His Word is our lighthouse, our haven, our shelter. We run to it when the world gets too loud. We don’t follow the world and its way of operating. No, we operate on a higher level and line up our lives with God’s Word.
The circumstances in our lives can fluctuate, tossing us around and discouraging us, but because we are solid in our faith in Him, we won’t be moved. We remain focused and more determined than ever to overcome every challenge that comes our way. We don’t give up; we don’t quit. Why? Because our roots are firmly planted in His Word. His Word is what anchors us in life. We are strong regardless of what happens because we know our God. We know that He can move mountains, and that nothing is impossible for Him. Then we have based our lives on these truths, and come what may, that’s the foundation on which we stand. Understanding that our God is faithful and loves to work on our behalf in our lives. He requires us to have faith in Him. And as our roots grow stronger in our knowledge of Him, our faith becomes fixed and focused.
Of course, the tree would die if it weren’t continually watered. It relies on the water to saturate the roots, helping them stay strong and firm in the ground. A well-nourished tree has beautiful leaves and color, and it looks healthy and strong.
We also need to take the time to nourish our Spirit and soul by feeding on Scripture and spending time in His presence daily. We need to guard our hearts and stay in faith during tough times. Having a daily routine to spend time with God is essential if you want to remain rooted in Him. The more time you spend in His presence, the stronger you will become, and your life will shine with His goodness.
The less time you spend with Him and try to do life on your own, the more it will reflect in your life, with you being anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. We are not meant to carry the load of life filled with its problems and challenges, but to give it all to Him and listen for the direction and wisdom He will show us on how to deal with each situation.
Yes, it’s hard, and it requires dedication and commitment. But it’s also hard to be stressed out all the time. Just decide which hard you want in your life. I’ve made up my mind, it’s me and God all the way!
I’ve a daily routine that I’ve been following for many years, and it’s become a habit that I couldn’t stop if I tried. I love my time with Him. It gets sweeter every day. It’s such a relief and a blessing to cast all my cares and worries on Him. I mean, He can do something with them; He’s great, I am! What can I do, besides worry, and get in the way? So, yes, it takes commitment and dedication, but it’s so worth it. The results speak for themselves, and the taste of victory is so sweet. One Word from God can change your life, but you have to be in the position to hear that Word, to listen to His voice guiding you. That only comes from spending time with him and developing your relationship with him.
So, let me ask you: Do you have that firm foundation? Are you unmovable in your faith? Do you know that you know God is on your side? Because, my friend, once you settle these things in your mind and life, you can only grow from strength to strength. Now that’s something to shout about!
Scriptures to Meditate on:
Proverbs 8:10
Matthew 17:20
Luke 1:37
John 15:5
Hebrews 6:19
Thank you for reading.
Karin Thompson
For more information about me, my books, and my fortnightly blog, visit my website at
https://karinmthompson.wixsite.com/website