There are things that we cannot hastily let go of because we are deeply rooted in them.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned about the Bible is the importance of learning the lessons from the Bible before you need the lessons from the Bible (yes I know… that sentence is a mess. It would be way better if you could hear me articulate it!)
What I mean by this is that the Bible is full of teachings and concepts that are practical to life. However many of them are hard to apply and understand, particularly in the very moments we need them. Thus it is necessary to learn them ahead of time. Let’s take an example…
James 1:2-4 is the cliché verse to quote to someone who is going through a rough patch. The account of Job is told time after time to those who are in the midst of devastation. This is meant to encourage, but really… it doesn’t very much. Not in the midst of trouble, anyways. Not unless the individual is already rooted in these truths. Without a prior belief and understanding of these scriptures, people are more than likely going to take this teaching as an insult and find it nothing more than frustrating. They are then likely to dismiss it altogether.
Approach the couple who just miscarried a child with Jeremiah 29:11…
Approach the family who’s oldest son is constantly getting in trouble with the law with Proverbs 22:6…
Approach the woman who just found out her husband has been having an affair with Romans 8:28…
Approach the man who lost his job and has no idea how to break it to his wife with Philippians 4:19…
Approach the college student who just had her heart broken by the man she thought she would marry with Psalm 37:4…
How they receive these scriptures will depend on their roots. If they are already rooted in them, there is room for comfort and encouragement. They will be able to trust God despite the circumstances they find their selves in. If there are no roots, however, they will find insult and discouragement. They will lose trust in God due to their circumstances.
You and I will react the same way.
That is why it is important to grow deep roots during the good times. The soil is more fertile. When trials come (and yes, they will come) and hard times find their way to our door, it is those roots that will keep us grounded.
And this is what it means to go through the motions; to rely on our roots even when our hearts are far from them.
If we are rooted in God’s word, we will not be quick to abandon him… even if our hearts feel far from him.
Roots are powerful.
No comments:
Post a Comment