Deep Roots
In my prior profession I was a vocal/instrumental music teacher for five years and a public school administrator for 32 years. During the retirement phase of my life I continue to enjoy a multitude of musical styles as well as taking walks with my wife. We have walked many of the trails here locally as well as trails in Maine, Oregon, the Ozarks, Tennessee, Kentucky, the Appalachian Trail, a multitude of different State Parks to name a few. His beauty in His creation became very evident as we experienced magnificent waterfalls, beautiful foliage, various creatures such as deer, cranes and bears, oh my.
As I observed the various and countless trees on many of these walks the Spiritual, “I Shall Not Be Moved” ran through my mind. The song describes how the singer is “like a tree planted by the waters” who “shall not be moved” because of their faith in God. His Word clearly expresses how we are like trees. Jeremiah 17:8: “They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water” (NLT). These trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. God challenges us to have those same kinds of deep roots so we can produce fruit.
A couple of verses from the New Testament emphasizes the importance of our roots.
- Ephesians 3:17: “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (NLT).
- Colossians 2:7: “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (NLT).
Several trees uprooted and had fallen on some of our walks. This caused us to walk over or around them to continue our path. This reminded me of Matthew 13:6: “But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died” (NLT). The deep roots are a necessity to keep us standing firm and solid in the Lord. The words recorded in Jeremiah 12:2 encourage me. God promises a good outcome if we dare to dig our roots deep into him: “You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit”(NIV). A deeply rooted love will make life work.
The stronger the roots, the stronger the love, the stronger the life. My wife and I will continue taking our walks and enjoying the splendor of God’s creation together. What’s holding you back. You do not have to wait for your retirement years to start.
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