We’re in the middle of hurricane season in south Louisiana. In a really strong wind, I’ve seen towering water oaks toppled like sticks, due to their shallow root system. Sometimes, we don’t realize how deep our roots are, until a storm comes.
I had a major life altering storm four years ago. It threw me. My mom suffered a stroke, and two months later passed away. It wasn’t her death that was so surprising. Mama was 85 and had health problems. What shocked me, rocked me and tossed me around in hurricane strength winds, was how lost I felt after she was gone. Like those large water oaks, I was toppled.
But I didn’t break. As the storm raged, my roots dug deeper into Jesus Christ, and He held me firm. Although it took some time, I was finally able to grab those roots when I needed them most. I dug my fingers into the depths of the tangled root ball, and held on for dear life.
Be firmly rooted.
A strong root system nourishes the plant. Christ nourishes me. During that storm, I drank in His words to soothe my aching heart. I filled myself with Him. I devoured His word. The roots I have in Him provided strength for the hurricane force emotions I had.
Plants are anchored by a strong root system. I was anchored in Christ. My roots dug deeper and wrapped around Him while the storm whipped around me. I was battered by those winds of grief, but I was never uprooted. His roots anchored me.
Be firmly rooted.
We will have storms in our lives. Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will have tribulation and trouble in this world. Be prepared for it. Paul warned the church at Thessalonica that troubles would come, and we are destined for them (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4).
Be. Firmly. Rooted.
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. Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
Do your circumstances feel like a hurricane? Are the Category 4 winds knocking you about? Maybe, like me, you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one. Maybe you’re grieving the death of your marriage. Perhaps you’ve lost your job and the financial burdens are piling up.
Be. Firmly. Rooted.
Dig your roots deep into Christ. Siphon your nourishment from Him. Anchor yourself in His word. Though you may be whipped around and tossed about, though you may bend, you will not break. Your faith will grow strong.
Here’s what I’ve seen after a hurricane: In a group of tall trees, the storm blew some of them over. But they weren’t uprooted and they didn’t fall to the ground. They fell into the trees next to them. They were supported by the other trees. As we strengthen ourselves in Jesus, and build the foundation of our lives on Him, we can encourage and support others going through a storm. We can nurture them as their roots grow deeper in Christ.
Let’s be firmly rooted in Christ!
Until next week,
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Holley at Coffee for Your Heart
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Bonnie at Faith Barista
