They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. 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 17:8 NIV
My wife loves our tomatoes picked from our garden. We have two raised beds for the tomato plants. Sadly 1 whole bed of plants have turned brown and given their last fruits. I am unsure if it was the heat, inconsistent amount of water, a fungus or lack of good air spacing. The other bed is producing strong. Maybe next year, we will get it right.
Jeremiah is recording God’s perspective on how to continually flourish in harsh environments. Many would say that it is impossible to keep flourishing when conditions are extremely bad. Yet God says your life can be green and fruit producing underneath intensive heat and drought. How can God be so sure? The roots are connected to continuous life giving water supply.
Roots are unseen. Roots do not do as well when exposed. They are designed to do their best work underground and connected to a good water supply for absorption. Roots remain connected, they do not have to go back and forth to the water supply. Roots are the carrier of energy for the rest of the plant, which will receive all of the attention. Roots provide the strength and stability for the plant to withstand windy conditions. Healthy root systems produces healthy plants.
Spiritual roots are the foundations of life giving habits that nurture your ongoing relationship with God.
- Spend time in the soil of God’s word. Interact with the revelation of God’s character. Follow His heart and desire for mankind. Keep digging and praying for wisdom and understanding.
- Use the prayer closet to develop intimacy with God. You can expect a greater ability to sense His voice. You will learn the flow of unpacking your worries, concerns, dream and even fears. Those who are comfortable with the silence of the closet are not rattled by the noise of the world.
- Worship stretches your roots to the endless supply of God’s grace. Life is hard, but God’s grace is greater. God’s grace can envelope every trial and horrible circumstance that you may endure. Worship takes you to the well of grace and lets you plunge into it’s healing and unconditional acceptance.
On this Fear Not Friday, take some time to reflect on how you are developing your spiritual root system to God’s life giving water supply. He will maintain green growth and continual fruit in your life. May you spend the energy and unseen time to tend to that which brings eternal favor.
Blessings Love y’all