Roots of Glory

Where I live, the terrain is a mix of farmland, woods, lakes, streams and patches of small to medium size hills and rocky slopes. In any season it's a beautiful drive on the outskirts of town.  

One of many things that inspires me the most are the trees that poke their tiny branches through layers of solid rock on the hillsides. The tree's tenacity, thrive to survive and ability to overcome obstacles of hardened surface surrounding it are incredible. Immediately I think of Jeremiah 17:8, "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."


Of course, a tree can't think. It can't reason. It can't choose its way out of its dilemma. But it does grow as a result of the nutrients put into it, not to mention the fertile ground hidden underneath the rock and the sun and the rain that provides extra essentials. Once a seedling, now a tall and mighty fruit-bearing tree, shade for some animals, food and shelter for others.

Like the seedlings underneath layered rocks or trees in a season of drought, what should our response be to challenges in our own lives? Back up to Jeremiah 17:7,“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."  Trust (and faith) comes before growth, before becoming that tall and mighty fruit-bearing child of God.

Once we all realize we've already been blessed with seeds of faith, we will also experience His fruit rooted inside us and soon our branches will be poking through the layers of solid rock on the hillsides. We too will never fear. Our lives will always flourish. No worries. We will never fail to bear His fruit.

As our faith continues to deepen its stretch toward the stream of His Word, we too will be empowered to make it through all seasons unscathed and unaffected. Blessed indeed!

One final thought: God's reflection is not just 'out there'. We can see Him clearly in the depth of our own spirit. His roots (in us) are just as beautiful as our branches (through Him). 

Blessings on you dear one, and glory to God!

Bonny.