SETTING DEEP ROOTS
    We often speak about ‘shallowness’ in Christian circles, but few are the remedies. Let us consider a formula for setting deep roots. For example, a tree must drink water from far beneath the ground. A tree thus develops a complex root system, therefore, whenever drought comes, the tree is able to survive while other smaller plants die. So, water is extremely important to the fruit bearing tree. In the life of a child of God there is a need for spiritual water. This water, of course, comes from the word of God and the fountain Head Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (Jeremiah 17:7) 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. (Jeremiah 17:8)
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. (Psalm 1:1) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2) 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. (Psalm 1:3)
  These verses show us a combination of deep roots and fruit bearing for God, thus, answering the sad question, Why doesn’t God use me? There are three points found in Jeremiah 17:7 and 8 and Psalm 1:1-3:
1. The blessed man TRUSTS the Lord.
2. The blessed man DRINKS from God’s river of water (the word of God).
3. The blessed man SEPARATES himself from evil.
  To be used of God in His service there must first be preparation and willingness. The apprentice often is willing to do the task but is not yet qualified by God. The journeyman is able, but he also must be willing to accomplish the task. Both can be used, but it is the preparation beforehand that gives quality to their service.
  The word of God must be studied and lived before the world and before God. A child of God must develop a vast root system in the word of God. There are many books today on how to study the Bible, however, the ONLY proven book is the Bible itself. And to know this book one must forfeit oneself and the world to KNOW it and to BREATHE it! Comparing Scripture with Scripture will truly set deep roots, and so, the mind will be conforming to the mind of Christ. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
  What about inactiveness? Inactivity breeds spiritual laziness, often caused by sin. As root disease in a tree keeps the tree and its branches and its leaves from refreshing nourishment, so sin in the child of God causes that child to put off reading the word of God and praying to God. This canker or fungus can be removed by confessing sin before the Lord. However, the sad part for this diseased tree is that this type of disease is beneath the ground and cannot be seen immediately. Bugs and pests can be detected quickly because they are outwardly visible, but a root disease is often discovered too late because it destroys from within the heart of the tree. Thus, secret sin is such a spoiler! The plant of life can be actively attending meetings and even be involved with Christian functions, but this plant has clogged roots. Sin restricts growth and cuts off fruit for God.
  The blessed man: first, trusts in the Lord; secondly, hopes in the Lord; thirdly, drinks of the river of God (the word of God); fourthly, cannot be scorched with heat (persecution and rejection); fifthly, shows green leaves in nourishment (in the word of God); sixthly, drought cannot affect this tree; and seventhly, this tree will not stop bearing fruit.
This post was taken from an article that was published in January 1985 (Volume 3, No. 2) in the Editorial section from our magazine called God’s Final Call.Â
© Copyright 2022, Michael Haigh
This article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the King James Bible. (KJB)