By Rhonda Stinson
Towering water maple trees reside in my backyard. A couple of them were cut back many years ago, but they continuously grow up and out. The majority of roots are within the top twelve inches of soil and extends out three times the branch spread, so digging or tilling can be quite challenging. Thick roots can be found in almost any area of the backyard. I once again found this to be true when I was clearing a spot for a fire pit. I had to use an axe to chop these monsters out of the ground! Ahh, the feeling of hard earned victory!
We also can become stubbornly rooted; rooted in our families, finances, addictions, religiousness, worries, complaining, and on it goes. But, how rooted are you in God’s Word? Are you so stubbornly rooted that no one, not even Satan, can chop you off from reading the living and breathing Word of God? “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
When our roots are cut, we begin to rot. Our walk with God begins to slow down and we eventually end up at a complete stop. Not only do we suffer, but our leaves (those to whom we witness and disciple) become dry and withered also. When the roots of trees die, the leaves on that side of the tree also die.
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:2-3)
“…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
“…rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:7
Study the Word that you may become rooted and immovable in truth.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will give us spiritual wisdom and insight into Your Word this day.
