Wednesday, August 20, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

An Anchored Life 

 Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

We were informed yesterday that a large pecan tree has been uprooted due to bad weather on a portion of the Texas ranch that our property is located on. Although it was not evident to all of us, this pecan tree apparently had a poorly established root system. Its roots were unable to keep this large tree anchored in the ground in which it APPEARED to be rooted. 

As I read this email, I began to reflect on my own roots ... how can I be sure that I will be able to stand strong when the winds of life rise up against me?

Using an analogy of a tree, today's verses reveal the importance of establishing deep roots in Christ. We are told that we will not be bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought and that we will never stop producing fruit IF we put our trust in Him ... IF we place our hope and confidence in Him.

When asked how does he know if somebody has deep roots, renowned Pastor Rick Warren shared, "The evidence of roots is fruits. And the fruit is not just for a season ... it comes back every year."

My challenge to you today is to establish a solid, ever-growing root system that reaches deep into the spiritual soil that God has made available to you in His Word so that you will be equipped to stand firm and bear much fruit at all times. Always know that developing a secure root system in Him is a life-long pursuit (season after season, year after year) that leads to eternal rewards.

Dear Lord, Thank You for providing the daily nourishment that I need for a healthy root system. Keep me from failing to draw upon this nourishment on a daily basis. My desire is to always be deeply rooted in Your truths ... to live a life anchored in You.

Thank you my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grace so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: How does God's Word strengthen you and keep you deeply rooted in Him?