Deep Roots Bear Fruit

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what He says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ERV)

But blessed is the man who trusts Me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. – (Jeremiah 17:7-8, MSG)

 

As the need to “shelter in place” grows, so too ought our commitment to trust in the Lord. When we choose to be intentional in our time with God, our confidence in Him grows and our roots gain depth and strength. Deep roots protect us from storms and harsh weather, as depth creates a capacity to continue to draw nourishment and water from what has been firmly established, rather than being tossed to and fro, or uprooted by the unanticipated storms. Incredibly, not only are we able to be nourished ourselves, but we can produce fruit that is beneficial to those around us, as we stay securely planted in Christ. May we seek the Lord in trust, so that we grow confident in Him; ever deepening our roots to nourish and bear fruit in every season.

 

Blessed is the one, Deep Roots Bear Fruit

Who trusts in the Lord;

A tree, well planted,

Nourishing reward.

For deep roots are strong,

Always resolute;

Hold fast through the storms,

And keep bearing fruit.

So, let us resolve,

Be planted in Christ;

Secure and fruitful,

Joy in sacrifice.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we trust in You, we gain confidence in who You are and how You love and protect us. Thank You that our trust is like the roots of a tree, growing deep and far-reaching, granting us what we need to weather whatever comes our way. Thank You that the nourishment we receive produces fruit that can be shared with others too. Forgive us for the times that we allow trials to challenge our root system. Teach us to trust You more, so that our roots will be planted so deep, that we will not be shaken by anything that comes our way. Show us how to love well and bear fruit from where we are, however we can. May many come into a lasting, deep-rooted relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest in our roots and seek You to bear fruit. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

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 1:3

 

 

Genuine Faith

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” – (Luke 17:6)

 

Jesus was speaking to his disciples about faith. They were concerned about how much faith they should have to accomplish all that He was asking, yet His response reminded them that it was not about how much faith they had, but rather their need for even a small seed of genuine faith. For a seed of genuine faith, though small, is alive and growing. It will take root and grow. Though almost invisible at first, it will begin to spread, change and ultimately produce major results. We don’t need more faith; a tiny seed of faith is enough, if it is alive and growing. – (NIV footnotes for Luke 17:6) May our small seeds of faith that are actively pursuing God, take root, grow, thrive, and spread to the vast reaching circles of our spheres of influence. Grow our faith, Lord God.

 

What starts as a seed,Genuine Faith

so small and unseen;

shall grow when tended,

effects unforeseen.

Our faith shall take root,

in Christ, the Divine;

we are the branches,

and He is the vine.

In the growth process,

our hearts learn to know;

the truth that is certain,

so onward faith grows.

In the assurance,

rooted in the Lord;

we lay hold of faith,

trusting our Adored.

May our tiny seeds,

be genuine, strong;

as we go boldly,

as His, whom belong.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not require us to have giant faith, in order to move, but rather You look for a small seed of genuine faith that is seeking to grow, and You do the miraculous within us. Thank You that You cultivate and nourish the soil and tend the seed of all whom seek to plant themselves in You. Forgive us for neglecting to invest our hearts and minds into matters that allow our faith to grow, and help us to seek You and trust You in all things and at all times. Grow our faith, Lord God. May our small seeds spread into something that touches many. Let us love as You so tenderly love each of us, and may many come to know You as a result. Be glorified, O God, as we go forth in genuine faith. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; …my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5