A Heart Abiding In God's Word

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads out its roots by the river. And will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of the drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

God instructs us to nourish our spiritual root system in order to grow. We gain nourishment from reading and studying His word.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it abundantly." John 10:10

God promises an abundant life to those who develop a root system firmly anchored in Him.

Characteristics of Roots:

1. Roots are unseen. The most important and largest part of the plant is underground, not in plain view of society.


2. Roots are for taking in. "When we spend time with Christ, He supplies us with strength and encourages us in the pursuit of his ways." (Elizabeth George)


3. Roots are for storage. We can draw on our reservoir stored from God's word in times of trial.


4. Roots are for support. "The support of a healthy root system is vital for standing strong in the Lord." (Elizabeth George).

The root system of a plant acts as a place to exchange waste for nourishment...Christ can act as our nourishment and will take our "waste" in exchange for His blessings. Weariness for strength, weakness for power, problems for solutions, turmoil for calm, hopes for promises, doubt for assurance. Whatever troubles we bring to Him, nourishment for our lives can be found in His word.

Lord, help me to develop a healthy root system by being in Your word every day. Take my "waste" and exchange it for Your blessings in my life. Help me to build up my reservoirs to draw on in times of trouble and drought. Let live abundantly and produce fruit for Your kingdom.

-Amen-