Establish Your Roots in Christ

By Twana Young

November 8, 2020

My beautiful and talented sister in Christ and author, Chinwe Okpalaoka posted a picture of this beautiful tree. She said this about the tree: “Every year, I photograph this same tree through every season. The seasons change, but the tree remains firmly rooted. Great reminder to me, again, that to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven” – Chinwe Okpalaoka

Chinwe’s post inspired me and she encouraged to write a blog about the comment I left on her post about the tree. So I have written this blog about it.

Sometimes trees will catch my eye and stir my spirit and when I saw this picture I immediately began to think about the tree, its beauty, and its roots, particularly the strength and sturdiness of the roots. What those roots are taking in feeds the tree and determines if it will emerge as a thing of beauty. If the fruit it produces will bless or curse. If we are taking in the word of God and allowing it to feed our spirits, then what is produced out of our mouths, our actions, the way we treat others will be filled with grace, love, and blessing. How could it not? After all that He has done for us.

When I think of the roots, I am also reminded that what the tree is rooted in will determine if it is destroyed by the storm. If we are rooted in Jesus, then the storm will still come, and we may feel the winds blowing, but we will not be destroyed. In Him we will stand firm.

Trees always make me think of Psalm 1. I love the way the VOICE translation puts it, “God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn: when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes when you avoid sin’s highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse. For you, the Eternal’s Word is your happiness. It is your focus—from dusk to dawn. You are like a tree, planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun. No matter what you do, you prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-4

I was so blessed by the picture and the reminder that everything has its season and purpose under heaven. Everything also means everyone. This may be a difficult season for you or 2020 may be a difficult year for you, but never forget that God is soverign and He cannot be moved. Let His Word take root in your heart and anchor you so that even the strongest storm cannot destroy you.

I encourage all of you to check out my friend Chinwe’s you tube video series called REST STOPS. Many of us need to take a pause and rest from the worries of the day and be reminded that we serve a God whose very voice makes mountains shake. And that same all powerful God, chose to send His son to die for you and me. He loves you and will never forsake you. So don’t be shaken by your season, instead stand firm in WHO God is.