Rooting Our Lives In God’s Love

Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

Proverbs 12:3

Many years ago I learned a great lesson from a godly woman I knew. We both loved gardening and trees, and one day she shared with me something God taught her in a storm. Flo was in a season full of troubles: her daughter and two grandkids were living with her in their tiny house. Her husband was unable to work because of severe depression, and Flo worked long hours, weekends, and holidays to support them all. Her strength was almost spent, and she wondered how long she could withstand the pressure.

Late one night a winter rainstorm raged. As the wind howled and lightning flashed, Flo looked out at her young peach tree being whipped back and forth. Would the tree last until morning or be broken by the violent winds? The next morning, to Flo’s surprise, the tree stood tall, basking in the sunlight.

Seeing that her tree had survived, Flo knew that whatever happened or how harsh her trials were, God would provide the strength she needed, because she was rooted in his love and his Word. Though she might continue to be hit by gale-force trials, she would bend but not break.

Trees and people are created to bend with storms and bounce back—unless they are weakened by bitterness or improperly planted. We must be planted in God’s truth. Then “the godly have deep roots” will be true in our experience. God did sustain Flo through that stormy, trying period of her life. He gave her strength and grace to deal with difficulties and eventually brought her into a season of joy and new fruitfulness. He can do the same for you.

Thank you, Father, for giving rest to the weary and peace to the storm tossed. Keep me free of bitterness; sink my roots deep into your truth and love through Christ Jesus.

The Bible nowhere indicates that God withdraws us from the troubles of life. In fact, we become more involved in life’s troubles when we come to Christ. But he gives us power to go on with the battle.

Billy Graham(1918–), American evangelist and author