Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalms 1:1-3 NLT)

Stay rooted.  Find strength in whom you have your root, your source of nutrients.

Roots are full of illustration in God’s word.  It warns us against a bitterroot.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:12-15 ESV)

Grace is available rather than bitterness. Both are options when you need healing. One is the humble way.  Like a child called to a meal, we humbly come.  The other bitter, cold, hurting, shut out from the very help you so desperately need.

Are you hearing me?

Let me approach this from another angle.

I absolutely love root vegetables, especially as fall’s cold nights wither the fresh herbs and other garden produce.  Roasted to make and serve a delicious potato, carrot, beet, parsnip, sweet potato, or yam fixing for our plates…yes, these are all wonderful.  God has given the earth food sources for each season.  He knows the season of your soul.

Souls listen:

Hope sprung quietly as she peered into the warmth of a robust meal and a thought gave way within herself,  I could rest here a bit.  The courage it took for her hands to slide the loud wooden chair out from under the table almost defeated her resolve.  However, her hunger so real, her mouth still bitter from pride’s promised meal.  Yet shaking her head she knew within herself the server here could be trusted.  He glanced down from the head of the table, his eyes filled with love and tears, a deep warm joy burned in his heart that she had come.  Daughter he said proud for all to hear, welcome home to the feast I have for you prepared.

Upon glancing it is an ordinary meal.  But with the unchanging truth of God’s word written down for all generations we understand more is found in this meal.

He prepares my table.  Psalm 23 the good shepherd plans for my nourishment. The Father of the prodigal throws a feast, a hearty welcome home for his lost Son.

Yes even in the presence of enemies, we can still gather and feast with God.  To know Him in every trial of life.  This is to be rooted, found in Him.  When everything tells you God has abruptly left the table- dear love he can’t, he won’t His name is faithful. His nature and name is unmoved.

Though the life of your souls garden wilts in the trial, His root sustains me.  God’s word my hope secure.  God’s love so plain and beautiful hung strong upon that cross.

The family table welcomes you.  Be rooted in His love.

Pray God’s word with me today:

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, in order that he may give you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the inner man; that the Christ may dwell, through faith, in your hearts, being rooted and founded in love, in order that ye may be fully able to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height; and to know the love of the Christ which surpasses knowledge; that ye may be filled even to all the fulness of God. But to him that is able to do far exceedingly above all which we ask or think, according to the power which works in us, to him be glory in the assembly in Christ Jesus unto all generations of the age of ages. Amen). (Ephesians 3:14-21 DARBY)