Dig Your Roots

There’s no doubt about it – I am obsessed with leaves changing colors in the fall. My favorite trees are the ones that are a dark, olive green color that turn to a radiant red. Also, I love the bright orange ones that don’t even look real because they are perfect like a pumpkin. Even in the summer and winter however, I love taking pictures of trees – especially when I can get beneath the branches and can capture the simple twigs breaking up the bright sky above them. Trees are absolutely beautiful, but what they symbolize is what makes them perfect.

“Let your roots grow down into Him and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7

Beneath the ground, under the trees are the roots. Even though the roots aren’t the picturesque part about trees, they keep the trees growing. Not just growing taller, but deeper. Does this sound familiar to something else in our lives? We are told to let our roots grow down into Him so that our lives can be built on Him. Without roots that are firmly planted, trees would fall down because of the weather – just like our faith. If our faith isn’t strong and rooted, we will also fall to the same fate as weak trees.

“Storms make trees take deeper roots.” -Dolly Parton

Through the storms that we encounter, without realizing it, our faith is getting stronger and stronger. The roots are being dug deeper. Without those trials and tribulations, we wouldn’t be able to stand up strong. According to Kathryn Shirey, there are 10 signs of deep rooted faith:

1. Received Jesus Christ

2. Learns and is instructed

3. Has a grateful heart

4. Does not follow the way of the world

5. Keeps good company

6. Delights in God’s law

7. Meditates on God’s scripture

8. Trusts in God

9. Does not wither when trials come

10. Bears fruit for the kingdom

First and foremost, I hope that if you are reading this that you have received Jesus Christ into your heart. If you haven’t, take some time to do so. It’s never too late. He will accept you no matter what your past looks like. If you have any questions about how to do this and what your eternity looks like, please let me know and I will certainly pray for you or pray with you.

Secondly, if you have received Jesus Christ, it’s not too late to follow these other practices. Strive for that deeper relationship with your roots in God, not just wider. Focus on being rooted completely in His love.

“Be rooted and established in love.” Ephesians 3:17

A few weeks ago, Tyler and I saw Florida Georgia Line in concert. One of their popular songs is called, “Dig Your Roots.” The chorus goes like this:

You gotta dig your roots

‘For the sun goes down

Show some love back to your hometown

Fall in love, plant some seeds

Carve some names in the family tree

Raise your kids, love your wife

Put God first, just to live your life

Hey, I think I’m gonna go

And get a little more dirt on my boots

You gotta dig your roots

When we put God first, those roots will go deeper. Our faith will be stronger. Our relationship with Him will be better. When we see trees (the ones with the red, orange and yellow leaves) think about how they got there. How did they get to be so strong? How do they produce so much fruit? Why do they have those carvings in them? How big are their roots? This week, let’s focus on that deeper relationship with God. Plant those seeds in the hearts of those surrounding you and dig your roots.