Staying Rooted
Colossians 2:7 (CSB) “being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.”
On a recent hike near Idyllwild, California my friend and I maneuvered past the remains of a tree that had been uprooted. On its side, the tree was exposed and showed the massive root system that once gave it life. Over time, the wind and weather affected the tree. Erosion from the outside affected the tree, while disease and decay from the inside caused the tree to die. Life has a way of checking if our roots are strong and established. What makes for a good root system? How do we stay grounded in the storms of life?
This verse in Colossians offers several things to consider if we want to stay grounded; being rooted requires paying attention to where we are and what’s around us. We stand on the truth of who God says we are in a world that shouts we are not enough. Our roots require that we cling to the promises of God; that He is faithful and will never leave us on our own. To be built and established in our faith, we daily choose to walk the way of the ancient pilgrims, who stayed the course and didn't waiver in their belief. Being tightly tethered to the truth allows our minds to stay grounded when we face storms. God’s Word and the Holy Spirit are the only means by which we can withstand and remain strong amidst life’s storms.
In the classic hymn, “How Firm A Foundation” (anonymous), these words offer truth; “the soul on who Jesus does lean for repose, you will not - you will not - desert to its foes. That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake, you’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
In the last phrase, the outcome of staying strong and rooted appears, overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude is evidence of a rich root system. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Amen!
Let us stay rooted, grounded, built up, established so we can be filled to the brim with gratitude.
God, root us in the truth of who you are, and we are not. Let us not merely have the appearance of life but find true life in you. Thank you for the joy you provide in humility.
Amen
Amie Cross, M.Div. Chaplain and Missionary Biola University