Rooted & Grounded

Ever notice how much the bible talks about & compares us to trees?  God says that those that try to do things apart from him are rootless and tumble about like a tumbleweed.

Jeremiah 17: 5-6

Cursed is the strong one
   who depends on mere humans,
Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone
   and sets God aside as dead weight.
He's like a tumbleweed on the prairie,
   out of touch with the good earth.
He lives rootless and aimless
   in a land where nothing grows.

The Roots of a tree are the source to that tree’s supply – it’s nourishment & water.  So, if we are like trees, then what is our source / supply?  God is our Source.  We can exist in this Earth to a point without God, but we can’t truly live without him.  If we back off from God, then we’re cut off from our Source and the Blessing.

Matthew 21: 18-19

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.

The fig tree died from the roots up.  The roots in the tree are the living part and the living part in us is the Spirit.  Out spirit should bear fruit as we grow.  The fog tree is an example of what can happen when we do not bear fruit.

 
Jeremiah 17: 7-8

But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
   the woman who sticks with God.
They're like trees replanted in Eden,
   putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
   never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
   bearing fresh fruit every season.

Psalm 92:12

 The godly will flourish like palm trees

 and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

Palm trees are so deep rooted that they can bend completely to the ground and not break in a hurricane.   We need to have deep roots just like this so when we are pounded by life’s storms we do not break!

Psalm 104:16

 The trees of the Lord are well cared for—
   the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

So how do we develop deep Roots ?   We need to be rooted in God’s Word and what he says.  Take time each day to read his word and spend time in His Presence.  We will be forever changed.

Psalm 52:8-9

 But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
      I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
 I will praise you forever, O God,
      for what you have done.

Psalm 1:2-3

 They delight in the law of the Lord,
   meditating on it day and night.
 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
   bearing fruit each season.
 Their leaves never wither,
   and they prosper in all they do.