Forging Deep Roots

What is it about the Sequoia tree that allows it to grow to enormous heights up to 300 feet and live throughout many generations as long as 3,000 years? Is it the climate? The geographical location? Perhaps, but the most important factor lies below the surface. The Sequoia root system is made up of a matte of roots covering up to an acre and that dig deep into the soil up to 14 feet. It takes multiple generations for the Sequoia to reach its peak in height and width. It takes time to grow and the only way this spectacular tree can grow fully is to be planted in fertile soil, next to a source of water, and allowed to establish DEEP ROOTS.

What happens to the Sequoia however, when it doesn't meet its potential growth and slowly begins to wither and maybe even appears to be dead? Job 14:7-9 tells us that "there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant." And that's good news for the tree. It's even better news for you and I.

If we, as followers of Jesus, become dry and parched or if we experience an offense that hurts us deeply we can fall into the withering effect of deterioration. Eventually, this deterioration will show up in our faith. But notice what Job says that when a stump that appears to be dead smells the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots. What's the key to this miracle? Finding the source of water and drawing near to it. John 4:14 reminds us of who that source of water is. Jesus says, "..whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

In order to fully grow to our spiritual peak in height and width, like the Sequoia, we need to seek out the source of life, become deeply rooted in Him through studying His word, attend church, and connect with a body of believers. Even if we appear to be dead on the outside, there is living water within us. We just need to draw near and smell the sweet fragrance of our Savior.

Jesus, thank You for being our source of life here on this earth and our source of eternal life in the life to come. Open our minds and give us understanding of Your word as recorded in the scriptures of the Bible. When we feel parched and dry, pour out Your living water upon us and revive us LORD.  Help us Holy Spirit to reach our growth potential as we become deeply rooted in You. Bless us and keep us. Make Your face to shine upon us. Be gracious to us and give us Your peace. In Jesus name, amen.