When Harsh Conditions Expose Our Roots
“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7
Alongside the highway that leads to our church, winds a bayou. Standing tall on the banks are massive trees. Many of their roots have become visible through erosion. Deep into the soil, reaching toward the bayou, these trees flourish. They have learned to not only survive their circumstances, but to thrive.
I want to be like those trees. Don’t you? When our foundations are exposed, will they be strong enough to withstand the harsh conditions that life sometimes provides? They can be. God speaks clearly in our verse. Trust Him. Place our hope and confidence in Him. Then we will be like…
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:8
One of the things I’m doing to deepen my roots is to make time for Bible reading everyday. I’m trying to not use the excuse that I studied for ministry so no need to read more. I have found when I daily read the Scriptures, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to me – to let me see familiar verses in a new way, I get a word for me.
Feeding my soul sets my roots free to stretch toward the water, the Living Water.
What’s one thing you can begin to do that will set your roots free to grow deeper?
Linking with, Kelly Balarie at Purposeful Faith, Holly Barrett at Testimony Tuesday , Crystal Storms at Intentional Tuesday and Susan B. Mead at #DanceWithJesus Friday
Hi Carmen. Thanks for this reminder from Jeremiah — “…not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.” That is certainly my goal. Your post brings the encouragement my heart needed today. Visiting you from #RaRaLinkup!
So glad you stopped by to encourage me today Joy! Thank you.
Carmen, I agree, we need to listen to what He has to say to us, not just study for ministry. My quiet time with Jesus restores my soul. It is too easy to be busy in ministry and miss our love relationship with our Savior.
Debbie, I get so caught up in doing, I forget to listen. I needed this reminder so much. I like what you said, “My quiet time with Jesus restores my soul.” Yes ma’mam!
I love these verses from Jeremiah. A tree can look good on the surface but it is during the hard and dry times that its true state is revealed. It is so important to keep ourselves rooted in God so that we can draw strength from him regardless of our circumstances. Reading his Word each day and reminding ourselves of his truth are crucial. Visiting from Testimony Tuesday.
Keeping ourselves rooted, Carly, is so necessary. Like you have said, “regardless of our circumstances.” Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
Simple, yet so true, Carmen. One way I want to strengthen my roots is to get more intentional about using my prayer list again. This year my daughter comes with me when I walk, and that used to be my time for praying through my list. haven’t gotten in a good groove with that again… Thanks for the encouragement! #RaRaLinkup
Betsy, that is a wonderful time to pray. I sure hope you find a new process. Having company during your walk is a wonderful blessing and pushes you toward the opportunity of finding a “new” way. Glad you stopped by!
I love the title & sentiment of this! Xo
Thank you, Leah!
Such simple, but profound, truth here today, friend! Thank you!
I like simple. So glad you stopped by for a visit.
My friend, just what I needed to hear today. I can get so caught up in all that I’m reading- good biblical books, that I could go days without reading the bible. As amazing as these books are, there is nothing more powerful than reading God’s word. Thanks for this reminder to seek Him in His word. Have a great weekend!
I find myself there too Alisa. I think its a diversion by the enemy. And, I easily follow along too often.
Thank goodness God is a patient Father and nudges us back into His word.