Stressed but Still Rooted

March 17, 2022

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord… They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. —Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah didn’t know that even deeply rooted trees are stressed by extended periods of drought, as science tells us now. Their chance of surviving and thriving is higher if they are well-rooted and planted near water, but they will still be stressed.

It is the same with us. Just because we are rooted in God doesn’t mean we’ll be protected from pain and struggle. It doesn’t mean we will never be anxious. If we’re deeply rooted in God, though, it will help us through the inevitable storms that come in our spiritual, mental, and physical lives.

For Action: What can you do today to put your roots down further into God? Do it!

To Pray: Lord, let me be more deeply rooted in you. Show me where to send my roots further down.