Your Roots Grow Strong When You're on the Rock

As the leaves begin to change colors and fall from the trees, the cragginess of the local mountains is exposed. Much of what we see is almost pure rock. I am amazed at how a tree can grow in such rocky conditions. Its roots are often exposed and there seems to be no visible soil to give it sustenance to grow. Yet grow it does. The roots extend out over chasms and appear from under jutting boulders.... There’s not much outward difference in the upper part of the tree as the leaves grow and fruit and nuts are produced, even on the evergreens as they produce their seed cones. You have to wonder if the seed from a tree growing in these conditions makes for stronger progeny.

What we don’t see is that the tree has found energy to thrive somewhere between the crags. The strength of the tree is not found in the branches but rather in the roots. The tenaciousness of the will to live is seen in a tree. It does not consider the stark conditions of its life but hangs on to life itself. Not only does it hang on, it thrives. It becomes an oasis as birds and animals alike find rest in the boughs. While trees in the valley are often taken down by the winds and storms, the trees whose roots are twined through the rocks hold fast, no matter the conditions.

God speaks to our hearts: Precious child – many times in your life you have found yourself in the starkest of conditions. Nothing but rocks of trouble, boulders of trials, crevices of hardship abound all around you. You feel as you have nothing to hold onto, nothing to cling to and nowhere to live. It is then that you can find your greatest growth. For where you find nothing, you find Me. I AM enough. I AM your portion for living water and good soil. Cling not to the circumstances of your life. But rather cling to Me. I will keep you secure from the dangers of unbelief. I will give you growth even in these hard times; I will give you hope and purpose to put your roots down deeper and make them stronger. You are beloved to me and not a single thing in your life is wasted. While the valleys may feel like they are where your abundance is, it is in the high mountains that you find Me the strongest on your behalf. In the storms of life you will remain strong for your roots are grown around the Rock. Not only will I keep you and cause you to thrive, but your testimony and your stamina will be a source of comfort and strength to others as they observe you hanging tightly to Me.

Oh beloved, cling to the Lord! Put your roots down strong into the Word of God. Look to the Name of the Lord for your reason to live. God loves you right where you are and He’s never going to let you lose your footing as long as you cling to Him alone!

Colossians 2:7 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.

2 Peter 3:18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.

Psalm 62:2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Ephesians 3:17 Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

When Our Fears Meet King Fearless Everything Changes

 

The Wizard of Oz had some very interesting characters. My favorite was the lion. He was a very unusual lion in that he lacked courage. I’ve had dreams over the years about lions. In every dream they were ferocious and fearless. I’ve watched lots of shows about lions and never once have I seen a lion backing down from about anything. Movies depict them as a intrepid foe and a crafty stalker.

But here we have a cowardly lion. He jumps at his own shadow. He hates to face obstacles. He is reticent and reclusive. He needs lots of help from friends and lots of encouragement as well. When faced with a problem he starts whining instead of roaring! You have to feel so sorry for the creature.  His kind is considered “king of the jungle” and yet this lion felt like anything but a king!

In his desire to be more than he is, to get rid of his cowardice, he follows along with a group to the Land of Oz. He’s not sure, but he’s hoping that what he’s heard about this magnificent place will help him.  All along the way the lion and the other characters meet up with obstacles, terrors, dangers and enemies.   He is so full of his own fears that he doesn’t even realize that he is overcoming obstacles and facing uncertainties all along the way.

I understand the lion.  He’s supposed to be one thing, but he keeps seeing himself as much less than he is. He’s afraid and unsure of himself. Even though the nature books tell all about lions and their courage and fierceness, he has neither.  Maybe you can relate.  Are you lacking courage? Are you having a hard time facing things that come into your life? Maybe it’s rejection, unforgiveness,  unresolved relationships or the uncertainties of life itself. Our world is full of dangers and dread. As the movie line goes, we’re not in Kansas anymore.

Oh beloved, it’s time to run to the reassurance of the King of Kings! Everything we lack – absolutely everything – He is! Everything we fear – He conquers! Everything we’re weak in – He’s Courageous!  Maybe you don’t know it yet, but you are an overcomer, you are victorious, and everything, every single thing you need for life and godliness is found in Him! If you will let yourself trust Him, He will take you beyond your own mortal weaknesses and set you apart for Himself! He will make your way secure, your sight full of faith and your life full of His glory. For He loves you and He’s able to save you not only from the penalty of sin, but from yourself! The God of the Universe is Fearless and Able to make all grace abound to you – so that in all things you will have the courage and fortitude of a child of the Most High God. Look back and see – you have come a long way and He has taken every step with you! Look forward and see – He will go ahead of you to get you where you need to be. Look up, for He is your Redemption and Your Place of Safety. He loves you, oh beloved, and He’s for you, His child, and that is all that really matters!

I Peter 5:7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. (AMP)

Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

1 John 4:18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.