Roots

Let's talk about roots! I'm not talking about the TV series from years ago, I'm talking about the things on the bottom of plants that most people never see. I'm talking about those long, stringy things that hold the plant into the ground. I'm talking about those tender shoots that provide nourishment for the plants. Some of you may have heard me talk about this last night at church, but I think it bears repeating.
David said in Psalms 1:1-4, “How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” HCSB

When David talked about this tree planted beside the streams of water, he said that it does not wither and that it always bears fruit when in season. But what about the tree that's not planted by the water? How does it survive the summer heat? It survives by expanding its root system more and more so that it can extract the most moisture from the ground. Any plumber will tell you that if there is a source of water close to a tree, its roots will grow to that source. In dry climates, root systems can become enormous.

But a shallow root system still does not give stability to the tree. Trees that are native to areas where the soil is soft, or that has a lot of wind, will have a taproot. A taproot is a long single root that grows deep into the ground, anchoring the tree into the ground. Other roots still grow from the tree, which provide the nourishment, but the taproot provides the strength. Try to pull up a elm sapling. For what you see above the ground, there is twice as much taproot underneath. Ever tried pulling out a elm tree stump? Not likely going to happen, unless you dig down and cut thru the taproot, or have a stick of dynamite.

Now that you have a lesson in horticulture, how do you apply this to your spiritual life? Many of us are not planted beside a stream. Most of us are planted in the middle of the field, some of us even in the middle of a desert. In order to survive, we need a massive root system to provide the spiritual nourishment that we need in our life. How do we do this? We do it by reading and studying God's word every day. The more that we understand God's word, the more spiritual nourishment we receive from Him.

But I live in stormy, tumultuous place. I need an anchor that keeps me from being blown over in the winds of life. Did I tell you I live in tornado alley? I need a root system that will keep me secure in the fiercest of winds. The only way to grow that taproot is to have a good relationship with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this [hope] as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” HCSB To establish this anchor in Christ, I have to pray, and I have to pray unceasingly. I have to give every care that I have over to Jesus Christ. Only then will my taproot grow and keep me safe and secure in His love.