Where are You Rooted -What is Your Strength?

The walls were closing in on me. The late-night darkness flooding our street seeped into the room. The deadline for the project that seemed so perplexing was rapidly approaching. Then a pivotal thought broke through: Cathy, where are you rooted – what is your strength?

At the question, the accusations of self-blame (long conquered, or so I thought) stopped their insidious invasion of my mind. 

I wonder if you have experienced these thoughts too?

Where Are You Rooted – What is Your Strength?

Where is my strength rooted?

Chagrined, I realized I had only presented my mind, fingers, and keyboard to the project. The strength I was relying on was emphatically, my own.

In this projects my roots were only superficially in the truths of the Word. I had not let them go deep,

Disappointment and surprise filled me. A facepalm moment, as my son would say. Unknowingly, a bad habit, (self-reliance), had returned with a vengeance.

But I am glad through the questioning I realized my mistake.

Rooted and Strengthened

I returned to the Bible for some assistance. This verse in particular:

“Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

The illustration of a tree planted by the water producing fruit – living vibrantly refreshes me.

The strength of the tree is in the water source. it thrives by streams of water.

I have a picture of dancing water feeding the roots, bubbling as it travels. Life-giving water without a hint of stagnancy.

How to Become Effectively Rooted and Strengthened in Real Life

So how can I apply the picture of the tree to my, decidedly human life? How can you?

I think the answer is in verse 2. “but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”  Psalm 1:2 (NIV)

But I wondered about the law that was mentioned. Was it just the 10 Commandments?

The Amplified Translation gives some clarity in verse 2: “And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.”

So, the person is delighted by the principles and teachings in the Bible – and thinks about them.

The words are not stagnating or lifeless. Like the tree’s water, they give life.

My friend Gerry punctuates her conversation with the word delighted. I smile as I think of the word now, because of the way it sings with joy and contentment in her conversation.  

When I spend time with the words, they do generate joy and contentment within me. I feel delighted.

Nourished and Strengthened

And when I think about the truth of these words, nourishes me. Just like the tree.

And when I apply those truths to my life? I picture my roots pushing down a little bit further. Not into the ground, but into the rich wisdom God provides for us in the Bible.

Which strengthens my relationship with Jesus because I know more about Him, and what pleases Him.

As I feel closer to Jesus, I remember to rely on Him, not me.

(Well most of the time I remember 😊)

And as a result I can trust that He will provide all I need.

When I forget and speed off on my own, I can come back. God is patient and forgiving.

Remembering how I have experienced God’s provision and guidance in my life – many times – makes me want to stay rooted in His Word. Taking my strength from Him.

Because I have seen the truth of this verse in answered prayers, I know He willingly and generously does provide.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

You can read about some of those provisions here.

Practical Tips for Roots and Strength

What does planting my roots – your roots – deeper look like? How do we do it?

Verse 2 mentions meditating on God’s word. Here are a few ways that have worked for me:

I read scripture in 2 devotional books in the morning. One or two verses will usually stand out to me.I focus on them. Sometimes reading them in different translations.

Praying, asking God what He wants to show me makes a tremendous difference. And, I jot down what I learn.

I think about how to use what I learned in my life.

Because it helps me have easy access to the verses later, sometimes I put the scriptures in my phone, or write them on an index card.

When possible, I find a hymn or Christian song (usually on YouTube) that focuses on the truth that I am learning. As I listen to music, I often get a deeper understanding of the verse.  

Here’s an example: right now, I am focusing on letting Jesus lead me in my project. This song by We the Kingdom is helping me integrate the truth.

Where am I Rooted – What is My Strength?

So, how did I answer the question, Cathy, where are you rooted -what is your strength?

I am rooted in God’s Word and my strength is in Jesus.

The good news is you can be too.

Are you wondering if this answer solves the problem of my approaching deadline?

Definitely yes! I am moving forward in the work, knowing as I rely on the strength of Jesus and not my own, I will have everything I need to complete my project.

Thanks for joining me on this mini journey. Please let me know what you think in the comment section below. 😊