Our yard has a beautiful hydrangea tree. 

Actually, our yard used to have a beautiful hydrangea tree. It got knocked down by the wind.

I took a close look. The blooms were gorgeous, especially in autumn. But the root structure was basically non-existent. I’m not sure why. For some reason, the roots weren’t spread out, and they didn’t go down very deep.

I’m a preacher so I see illustrations about biblical principles everywhere. You already know what I’m going to say, don’t you?

You can look great on the outside but if you don’t have roots the storms of life are going to knock you down!

Proverbs 12:3 says: “the root of the righteous will never be moved.”

Life happens. Storms arrive suddenly. You receive a call late at night. Someone delivers some bad news. Your plans fall flat. Someone stabs in you in the back. There is an accident. A loved one gets hurt. The list goes on and on.

If you neglect Jesus, his teachings, his ways, his church, and his priorities, your roots are dying. You’re vulnerable.

Roots stabilize you.

In Isaiah 61:3 a group of people are described as “oaks of righteousness.” May you be an oak of righteousness. May your roots run deep as you follow the word and way of Christ. May you weather the storm. 

If you are in Christ, you will.

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on October 30, 2023.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.