FIRMLY PLANTED….DEEPLY ROOTED!

For years, we lived in a quiet neighborhood, right across the street from the community pool and playground. This area was meticulously groomed each week and was always in the best shape when it came to the caliber of care that it received. I guess that is why I was so surprised to see one of my favorite willow trees cut down and carted off one week. Now, to be sure it was dead, but what struck me as odd was its demise.

Now, there where two willow trees planted not fifteen feet apart and for the last five years, I have watched them grow and mature, ever spreading their lovely branches and providing a great place for young children to take shade from the hot summer sun….and that’s my point of consternation. One lived and one died; each, seemingly, planted in the same soil, given the same care and exposed to the same elements. But, upon closer examination, I found the difference ….one had been struck down by some insects while in a weakened condition from the drought…the other willow tree’s roots had found a greater source of water. You see, about six feet away, the sprinkler head had malfunctioned and had built a small pond in a low lying area. In fact, every time we got any rain, the water puddled there….so, the tree near the puddle got more water and nutrients and was able to remain strong while its next door neighbor succumbed to the drought, insects and other natural causes and eventually died.

The lesson for us in all of this is found in Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green and is not anxious in the year of the drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

How’s your root system today? Are you trusting in the Lord …is your trust in the Lord and not in what you can do? Are you firmly planted in His Word so that the barbs and darts and arrows from the Devil have no effect on your life? God has promised in His Son, Jesus Christ, to NEVER leave us or forsake us. No matter what you are facing today, God is here to see you through. Let you roots sink deep into the well of everlasting water and be refreshed. Know the joy of your salvation is something that is yours now and eternally. Don’t let the devil or circumstances or others rob you of the joy and peace that is yours as you continually grow in the Lord. Remember, WE BELONG TO HIM ….and we are to produce much fruit.

Today, give up the dry, barren way of following Christ…giving lip service and little else. Instead, look for a way to serve, offer a word of encouragement, do more than is required of you….Smile, tell someone you love them and back it up with your actions. God is the great gardener and He is watching to see if you are growing or if your roots have died and you should be cut down.

I pray that today you will be firmly planted, growing exponentially with roots that reach to the very soul of the Master and that your fruit will be bountiful for the Lord…."He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3

Planted together…prospering for the Kingdom,

WPQ

Poem for the day:

The troubles that we face each day

May surely drag us down;

But when we’re planted in our Lord

Then we’re on solid ground.

So let the seasons of life roll on

Bringing pain or drought or blight...

For we are watered by the hand of God

And bathed in the Son of Light.

So let your roots sink deep into

The Father's perfect, holy sod;

As we all shall await the day

To kiss the face of God.

WPQ @ 2017