Devotion: Deep Roots

Deep Roots

Scripture: "Blessed is the man… He is like a tree planted by streams of water. "
-Psalms 1:3

Hurricanes teach us a great deal about life, nature, and people. While I don’t recommend them for anyone, they are great teachers. Hurricane Rita, in September 2005, was our teacher here in SW Louisiana.

Hurricanes also reveal a great deal about trees.
I saw trees that seemed strong and ready to withstand anything crash to the ground.
One big oak splintered in half revealing a rotten hollow core that was hidden by its massive size… until the storm came.

Other tall seemingly invincible trees lay prone on the ground “clayrooted.” Their root system exposed to be shallow.

Finally, our native pine species, longleaf pine, weathered hurricane Rita pretty well. Experts say it was due to their tap root—a long thick root that develops during the tree’s early life and digs deep into the sandy soil of the gulf coast.

It’s one of our slowest growing trees. That’s due to the early years growth of the tap root. Out of sight but building a tap root.

Trees teach us a great deal about life… and people.

The Psalmist used the metaphor of trees in Psalm 1, comparing the blessed man of integrity as like a “tree planted by the water.”

Deep-rooted to withstand droughts, storms, and the years.

Some folks are like the big oak. They look healthy on the inside but a storm or adversity reveals an inner hollowness and weakness. As one of my characters in A Good Place says, “A storm doesn’t build character. It reveals it.”

Other lives are tall and straight but shallow-rooted. Their inner foundation doesn’t go very deep. They’re three miles wide and two inches deep.

But the man or woman of God is like a tree planted by the water. Slow but steady growth deep into the fertile well-watered soil.

Application : How to get deep roots:
1. Dig into God’s word daily.
2. Surround yourself with people who’ll till the soil of your life. It’s best found in a warm church and among friends who are 'Builders not tear-ers.'
3. Walk daily with Jesus through prayer and obedience.

Quote: "Valor is not stability of the legs or arms, but of courage and the soul." -DeMontaigne

Prayer for the day: "Lord, help me find my strength and deep roots within the rich soil of your love. Amen"