How Deep Are Your Roots?

Scripture says the Word of God is living. This means that it has a life of its own. The Word of God is the most powerful thing in the universe. Jesus described the Word of God as a seed. Seed grows and bears fruit because it is alive.

Hebrews 4:12, NASB: "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Scripture says the word of God is living. This means that it has a life of its own. Jesus described the Word of God as a seed. A seed grows and bears fruit because it is alive. Scripture goes on to say the word of God is active. It is an active force that constantly moves, creating, sustaining, stirring, and causing all things to manifest according to God's will. The more we meditate on the words of the Bible, the more it grows in us. the more it grows, the more it affects us. Then the scripture says the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. Swords are used in warfare to tear apart the enemy. This speaks of how we are to handle spiritual attacks. We declare the word of God. We confess the answer, not the problem. We put the Word in our mouth! I pray we remember not to act out of our flesh, but we shall walk by the Spirit, and will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
 
The scripture, then, says the Word of God pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and can discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. As we meditate on, chew on, and eat God's word, it goes inside us; and like a skillful surgeon, it looks for things like hypocrisy, hatred, unforgiveness, rebellion, greed, bad attitudes, lustful hearts, and hatred. It looks for everything that will block the blessing and favor God has decreed upon us to cut it out. I encourage you to allow it to do what it needs to do. The word of God is so powerful that it will cut through every stronghold and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. A stronghold is a place that has been secured tightly.​

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​Strongholds are like concrete that has embedded and enclosed our minds. Strongholds can become prisons that keep us bound in things that God wants to free us from. As we meditate on, chew on, and eat God's living and active word, it continues to break through strongholds like a strong root of a tree planted by the rivers of water until it breaks us free! The Word of God goes to the root of the matter. Have you ever seen a driveway or sidewalk that has been cracked because the roots of a tree have begun to push the concrete out of its way? Nothing can hinder the word of God once it has gone forth (Isaiah 55:11).
 
Psalm 1:1-3 says, "1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." This passage was our Bible Study discussion one night, which was absolutely amazing! God has continued to open the passage to me. When you meditate on and delight in the Word, you are like a tree planted by streams of water.
 
​Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, "7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." It’s interesting that the Word of God compares people to trees. Tree roots anchor the tree in the soil, keeping it straight and stable. They absorb water from the soil and take nutrients and chemicals out of the soil and use them to produce what they need for the tree’s growth, development, and repair. 

​Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me" (John 15:4). Listen, like the tree gets its nourishment through the soil, Believers are rooted in Jesus, and He nourishes us through His Word. A life rooted in Jesus yields fruit and provides blessing and nourishment to others. Adverse conditions do not affect the fruitfulness of this person. He prospers because he follows God’s directions and warnings. A life absorbed in the things of the world, and following bad counsel eventually leads to destruction. If we deny ourselves spiritual nutrients, the result will be a lack of growth and a vulnerability to temptation and sin.
 
How deep are your roots? Do you feel stagnant in your faith? Does it seem as if you are in the midst of a hurricane in your life? Is your spiritual life like a tumbleweed or an oak tree? Focus on being rooted in Jesus. Spend quality time in Bible study, meditating on God’s Word (Psalm 1; 2 Timothy 2:15). Let the Word of God dwell richly in your heart, mind, and mouth, and you will see continuous, significant change.

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