Deeply Rooted

Wind and water are two amazing elements in creation that are both intriguing and amazingly powerful.

Gurgling streams and gentle breezes sooth the soul and bring peace, while accounts of floods and

tornadoes make one stand in awe at the shear force of both.

The other day, we had a nice float down the Juniata river and drank in the scenery. The river was lower and

in some places, the rapids brought the heart rate up a few beats. Overall, it was a good 3+ hours of

relaxation and rejuvenation.

Turtles basked in the sun, water skippers danced, raptors soared overhead, and occasional trains

lumbered down the nearby track. As we drifted along, I couldn't help notice the riverbank and all of its

intricacy. Obviously, much litter and building materials were caught in trees and bushes from previous high

water events. One thing in particular stood out to me though.

Many large deciduous trees along the river were and are withstanding the brutal forces of flood stage river

conditions. In almost every situation, the water has gradually swept away valuable dirt and rocks to reveal

the root system beneath these towering trees.

Over the lifespan of these trees, the roots have gone deep and multiplied to provide a support system to

withstand the brute forces of nature. I understand some trees (pines and other evergreens) lay roots out

along the surface of the ground and don't fare as well in storms. The trees along the river will eventually

succumb to erosion and flood force waters. For now though, they are a reminder to me of a need to have my

soul deeply embedded in Jesus Christ. Life giving soul food and drink are available to me when my roots are

deep and many in the word of God.

This life we live is filled with calm beauty and raging terror. In both cases, our need for firm foundations is

hopefully fed during the calm and fortified in the terror. Today is a good day to evaluate our foundation and

see how deeply it goes and how widely distributed it is. The words of the psalmist here in Psalm 1 are a good

place for me to begin. Maybe the text will help you too.

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 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 1:1-3, NIV)

There is a connection between meditating upon the words of God and prospering in this life. How is your fruit bearing coming along?

"A Musing Pastor"