HOW DEEP ARE YOUR ROOTS?

Faith is often compared to a seed. Like a seed, full of promise, is planted in the dark soil without light, Jesus tells us that news about the Kingdom is planted in our hearts. The seed first develops roots underground, then it can start breaking through and stretching its leaves above the surface and into the light.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells us the story of a farmer sowing seeds. “Some [seed] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.” Matthew 13:5-7 NIV

Wait – they had no roots? I didn’t even know plants could have no roots…

I am not very good with plants. So to understand any plant-related parable, I need to ask Google a few questions. Why do roots matter? How do they work? Fortunately, a quick Google search helps us understand the crucially important role roots play. According to Google, there are at least 3 reasons why roots matter and it all applies to our spiritual life:

• Roots anchor the plant in place through tough weather, wind and rain. Do you feel tossed around by the storms of life? Does it feel easier to walk away from your faith instead of standing firm on the Truth?

• Roots also feed the stem, leaves, flowers, and fruit it produces. It absorbs nutrients and water to feed the plant and allow it to grow and flourish in its season. Without roots, plants can’t survive, let alone thrive. Do you feel spiritually dry? Do you need to be refreshed by Living Water? Are you surviving instead of thriving? 

• Plants also experience stress. Harsh environments, extreme temperatures, and encounters with predators (bugs, animals, or a lawnmower) cause them stress. It’s just part of life. But deep and healthy roots allow the plant to recover, to bounce back, to grow what it lost and continue to thrive! Do you worry that your circumstances might crush you and the Enemy of your soul might win? Does it feel as though it might be too much for God to handle? Do you feel stretched beyond your ability and burdened down?

Roots matter. We need deep spiritual roots in order to thrive, to bear good fruit, to weather the storms of life and to stay anchored in the One who satisfies our soul.

Just as a plant’s roots grow underground, so do our spiritual roots in the unseen places. They grow in the secret place, in our time alone with God, and in our prayer life. They develop by reading Scripture and knowing who God really is. They strengthen by practicing in private what we believe in public, by growing in spiritual disciplines and applying what the Word of God says.

But as we pursue spiritual disciplines and intentionally grow stronger and deeper roots, let’s remember that their purpose is to drink in the goodness of God.  Let’s firmly plant ourselves in God’s abundant love for us today and allow our roots to grow stronger and deeper in it. Let’s drink in the nourishment our souls need in order to be fully satisfied and sustained in who He is.

My question for you is: How deep are your roots today?

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the streams. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Your Turn! How deep are your roots today? We would love to hear from you, so leave a comment in the box below. Thank you!