Roots

 I have always loved trees! For me, looking across a large field with green grass and plentiful large oak or pecan trees brings me so much joy. I find it absolutely peaceful. What contains so much value yet is hidden from sight are its roots. A massive oak tree has a system of roots deep and wide beneath the soil. These amazing roots keep it firmly planted to weather most storms. Of course, these roots don’t just anchor the tree but provide nutrients for growth.

Analogies are so powerful. In our lives, what anchors us? Where are we getting the nutrients for the soul? What areas in our lives are able to weather the strong storms? Which ones could use some work? We all have a list.

I want to be like the tree I am about to describe. It is resilient, strong, confident, and bold.

This tree is planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river. It will not fear the heat when it comes. Its leaves remain green and moist. It refuses to be anxious or concerned in a year of drought and will not stop bearing fruit.

I found this in Jeremiah 17. If you start with verse 7, it reads blessed with spiritual security is the man who believes and trust in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord. For he will be nourished like a tree planted by the waters…

We all have our own journey in life. I am thankful for my journey. It has not been always easy. Many of my worst moments came because of the decisions I made on my own, trusting in my own strength or wit. I can honestly say the more I have depended on the Lord for guidance, strength, and help, the more success and protection I have found. The more I depend on him the more he shows up.

When I think of my root system, I am grateful for my relationship with God. Not the hoops of religion, but my talks with my Savior, the Word of God when it comes to life in any situation I am walking through, my decisions to obey often when my flesh is not wanting to, yet the rewards becoming life-changing. A relationship, it is powerful and it is where my root system is found.

The more I have grown and learned of God’s system, the more strength, and power I find. These benefits and promises are not just for another life after this one ends. He says we can have access to His Kingdom and its benefits now. Trusting and depending on the Lord doesn’t stop the cares and worries of this world from knocking at the door or barreling in. However, in this relationship, I have found tools to overcome the obstacles and troubles they present.

Being able to sleep at night in the midst of any trial, keeping a genuine smile on one’s face, having the confidence God is working behind the scenes on my behalf are realities of walking close to God. These are just a few.

I truly have a friend in Jesus. He listens, lets me vent, lets me ask tough questions, loves me unconditionally, provides answers, and heals me inside and out.

Two weeks ago, I had a moment. I would not say it was a pretty one. Some old stuff had resurfaced causing me to feel discouraged and down. Yes, we all have these moments! After having the main button pushed, I released those feeling. I was alone with God in my closet! After letting the yuck out, I started asking the Lord some questions.
Why…
Where…
Show me…
I don’t want to react this way anymore…

In the quiet of my closet, he started showing me moments from the past, gave me understanding, and helped me see the roots surrounding the emotions that had been stirred up. So I asked God to heal those areas and remove the triggers from me since he shined his light on those areas and exposed what I was trying to understand. I wanted the roots of these things to be removed from me. I wanted to heal so I would not respond to them in a negative way anymore. In reality, they were robbing me of the joy I should be having. I desired the freedom God offers to anyone who asks.

Let me say it was not a magical moment. I honestly did not feel anything special. I believed and trust as I sat there. I believed He was doing something in me even though my perception said nothing was happening. After several minutes, I left the closet and continued with the things I needed to accomplish.

Later, I shared with Darin, my husband. I was not as sensitive as I had been about the topic. After a few days, I realized the healing was evident. Now, I have the choice when moments arise that tempt me to go back and wallow or resist and maintain my freedom and move forward.

I can assure you, the junk will try to work its way back in. It always does. Life’s games never change. I have found another treasure in the battles and that is to ask God for help. I continue to ask for more wisdom and discernment to protect my future in the choices I make.

This is called growth. It drives my roots deeper into the good soil that is available.

Many times I have pondered the questions but never asked God specifically, therefore, no answers came. Other times, I did not want the answers for fear of the response.

If you want to change in any area, I encourage you to be intentional. Examine what you are rooted in. Are your roots deep or shallow? Are you receiving life-giving information? Are you benefiting from your influences? If you find your roots are shallow then purpose to grow them deeper. Step out, trust, and rely on God more! He won’t let you down. He is truly waiting for you to let him.

If you think you are planted in the wrong soil, it only takes a moment to change that. I would be honored to walk you through. Email me.

I want my life to always reflect the tree planted by a never-ending stream always green and able to bear good fruit even when times are dry and troublesome. The beautiful thing is all of our lives can.

 

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