Deep Roots

As a nature lover, I have a certain fondness for trees. At this time of year, they begin showing signs of life again, even after what seems like a never-ending winter. The depth of the tree’s root system allows it to draw nourishment from unseen sources and thus withstand long winters, droughts, and seasonal storms.

What is true of trees and their root systems is also true spiritually. If my root system is strong and deep, I will be able to draw strength from an unseen source--nourishment and living water from the rich soil of the Scriptures. Like a firmly established tree, I too will be able to withstand the brutal winters, withering droughts and the seasonal storms of life.

According to Ephesians 3:14-19, our spiritual root system is the vehicle the Holy Spirit uses to help us tap into the true power and richness of the Christian life. When my spiritual root system is healthy, one of the ways it will manifest itself, is through my ability to draw nourishment and living water straight from Scripture.

I can read the Scriptures and draw nourishment to sustain and strengthen my soul. While others bolster and strengthen me, I am not dependent upon them to nourish me spiritually.  I will not perish of spiritual malnutrition without someone else spoon-feeding me. When life circumstances isolate me from the encouragement of others, or I dwell among people who are not encouraging, or even hostile, I can stay vibrant even in undesirable circumstances.

Scripture points us to a few examples of this. One is found in 1 Samuel 30:6b, and it states that David did something that no one in Scripture is described as doing before:

“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God”.

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God—what exactly is that? How does one do that? This implies that David engaged in a dialogue with himself about God.  That conversation redirected his mindset away from fear, despair, and his overwhelming circumstances to a mindset focused upon the faithfulness, goodness and sovereignty of God. Following this dialogue within himself, it seems God directed David to the one remaining man who would help bolster his sagging faith, Abiathar the priest. Abiathar then helped David gain the clarity and direction from God that he needed. I wonder what David said to himself about God? What did he say to himself about his circumstances and God’s hand upon his life?

Though we aren’t told what David said to himself about God in 1 Samuel 30:6, we are privy to a hearty slice of David’s thought patterns when he found himself in similarly difficult situations. While on the run from King Saul, David penned the words of both Psalm 57 and Psalm 142. In both scenarios, David found himself taking refuge in a cave, and calling upon God for help and deliverance. Both Psalms illustrate beautifully how we can move ourselves from a disheartened mindset toward one focused upon the faithfulness and goodness of God. David recognized God’s power to deliver him, and cast himself upon the mercies of his mighty God. He reminded himself of God’s deliverance in times past, reminded himself of God’s call upon his life, and calmed and quieted his soul in that truth.

Because David’s spiritual root system was strong and deep, he was able to calm and quiet his soul with the truth. As I follow the path he left for me, I can do the same.  I can raise my voice alongside his, and boldly sing as I stand firmly through life’s storms:

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storm of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness.” (Psalm 57:1-3)