Deep Roots

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5

“It looks like Dad’s getting ready to mow the lawn,” said Lucia as she and her mother worked in the flower garden.

Mom nodded as she looked out across the lawn in front of their house. “It will be the first mowing of the year, and it’s time—just look at all those dandelions!” The yellow flowers had popped up everywhere. Lucia thought they were pretty, but her family appreciated their beauty more in the woods behind the house than on the front lawn.

Soon the mower roared to life. Lucia and Mom watched as the dandelions began to disappear. When Dad was finished, the whole lawn looked green. “That looks much better,” said Mom.

“For a lawn, I guess it does look better without the dandelions,” said Lucia, “but I still think they’re pretty.”

Mom smiled. “Well, just give them a little time, and they’ll be back again. Dandelions have long, tough roots, and when they’re nourished by sun and rain, the plant simply grows back after the top is cut off.”

“I know,” said Lucia. “I remember pulling all kinds of weeds in the garden last year. Dad said we had to be sure to get the roots so the weeds wouldn’t grow back. I remember wishing they didn’t have such long roots!”

“You know,” said Mom, “as I watched Dad mow today, it occurred to me that we as Christians can sometimes feel cut down by things that happen in our lives—things that cause disappointment and sadness. But if our roots are deeply planted in Jesus and the truth of our salvation in Him, we’ll receive nourishment and care from God. We can trust Him to help us come out of our troubles even stronger than we were before.”

“So sometimes long, deep roots are a good thing,” said Lucia. She grinned. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda glad the dandelions have them too!” – Dorothy R. King

How About You?

Do you ever feel cut down by the difficulties in your life? Knowing Jesus doesn’t mean you won’t ever have any problems, but it does mean you’ll have Someone to help you through them. Root yourself in Jesus. Pray and read the Bible to learn how He wants you to live, so you’ll grow in your faith and be better able to spring back when trouble comes your way.

Today’s Key Verse:
Colossians 2:7 (NLV) Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught.

Today’s Key Thought:

Be rooted in Jesus