Jesus and Deep Roots: Anchor Habits

When we look at plants, our focus is on what we can see, on what is visible above ground.  We admire a rose on a rose bush, the fruit on an apple tree, or the majesty of a redwood tree.  

But for any plant to grow and thrive, it must have an extensive root system below ground.  The root system is not visible and can’t be seen but is vital to the health of the plant. A 10-foot-wide tree has roots that can range from 10-15 feet away from the trunk.  

As followers of Jesus, it is easy to focus on the visible things: church activities, our actions, and service to God.  But repeatedly, the Bible tells us that those visible activities must come from our deep roots with Him.  

We Are Rooted in Christ

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Those words don’t simply say, “Our lives are built on Christ.”  The author of Colossians, Paul, specifically wrote “let your roots grow down into Him” first.  Why? 

Without a root system hidden in the ground, a plant simply can’t grow.  In the same way, our spiritual growth, our being built on Christ, depends on and comes from our hidden “root system” in the Lord.  

Roots are simply our Anchor Habits.  Those small, regular steps toward God which nurture our hidden root system so we can absorb the riches of Christ as our nourishment.   

An Anchored Relationship

Our Anchor Habits anchor us to the Lord.  Trees with deep roots aren’t easy blown over in a storm or strong wind.  And if our roots in the Lord are deep, we too can stand firm despite winds of trouble and difficulty.  

By putting Anchor Habits in place, we strengthen our relationship with the Lord, we enjoy Him and His word.  We are also nourished and given power beyond our power, direction beyond our decisions.  

As a result, we grow in our relationship with the Lord.  

Build a Life-Long Habit

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)

It takes time for a tree to grow.  It takes time to build up a lifelong habit that will change our lives.  If we fail, we can start afresh the next morning.  There’s no need to give up.  The Bible tells us that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.  

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.   Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

We live one day at a time.  God is at work behind the scenes.  God is with us.  Take steps toward God.  Repeat.  Make it a habit.  God is with us.  You get what you repeat.  

God is at work and you are not alone.