3 Hidden Roots

Have you ever considered the strength of a cedar tree? How does it stand strong in every windstorm? How can it rise so high to the heavens without toppling over? What causes its limbs to stretch out boldly with strength and beauty seemingly all its own?

 

It’s depending on hidden resources.

 

Its roots run deep.

We, too, have hidden resources—a refuge, strength, and help when all around us should push us to the ground, stunt our growth, and weaken our hands and knees.

 

God is our Refuge. Psalm 46:1a

Everyone has a refuge. What’s yours?

 

What do you run to when things get difficult?

 

Tonight, my coworker ran to hers and suggested I join her. Some things aren’t necessarily harmful on its own, forbidden in Scripture, or permanently damaging. Some are.

 

But the only true, lasting shelter from the storms of life is found in the only One who can give inner peace—an inner peace, like a root of a giant tree holding us strong and steady.

 

 

God is our Strength. Psalm 46:1b

Are you pressed down by the weight of life that threatens to leave you weak-kneed and unable to stand?

 

Our powerful God promises to strengthen the weak (2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 40:31).

 

Our powerful God spoke this world into existence and raised Jesus from the dead.

 

Our powerful God is the living God who doesn’t hoard His strength but gives it to those who ask.

 

Like a root system hidden and quietly powerful, the strength that comes from dependence on our powerful God will keep us from falling.

 

 

God is our very present Helper. Psalm 46:1c

God loves to hear us acknowledge our need and call to the only One who can truly help. He hears those prayers. He is a hidden Source, ready and willing and able.

 

A very present Help.

 

What is the result of a life quietly depending on this 3-fold root system?

 

“We will not fear.” Psalm 46:2

We will become like that cedar tree strong, reaching to the heavens, with arms stretched wide in boldness and beauty, no matter the storms of life.

 

Do your roots run deep?

 

 The LORD of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:11

 

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

 

Photo by Jan Canty on Unsplash