rooted

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

When a new year comes, many of us (in lieu of or in addition to resolutions) choose a word for the year—a singular focus with great depth and width of meaning to us. A simple reminder to think, feel, and do in a way that captures that intention. Simple, yes…easy, not so much.

As 2020 was upon us, I had been in a new community for six months. And although I’d already been digging in at church, I had a desire to establish roots that spread wider (volunteer work, friendships, activities) in order to truly connect and make that town home. The word I chose made sense and carried layers of meaning for me: ROOTED.

Of course, come March, activity—and thus connectivity—ceased. I’d been working remotely since we’d moved, and I’d even quit my job just before COVID hit the proverbial fan, so I could pursue work that would allow me to be among people and not sit alone all day in my house. (Ironic, no?) Needleless to say, rooting in became a bit more difficult. 

Fast forward to January 1, 2021. Interestingly, my word for 2021 is the same as for 2020. Here I sit, in another new town where I know no one. My mind and heart are once again intent on establishing friendships, a church family, etc. I need to get ROOTED. So, it makes sense that ROOTED is my focus word for the new year, right? It is, but I chose it for very, very different reasons. 

Friends, I am confident that the year(s) ahead will hold many more challenges than did 2020. Our nation founded on liberty and freedom—specifically the freedom to worship God outside the mandates of the government—is quickly changing. The Truth of God’s Word held by believers is increasingly being mocked, suppressed, and outright erased. Christians are being shut up and shut out—even out of our own houses of worship. 

For believers in the U.S., storms are fast approaching. So, our roots must be deep. For me (and I pray for you), being rooted takes on Biblical proportions. Literally (Mark 4:1-20; Matt 13:1-23). We must hold fast to God’s Word and His Truth, trusting and hoping in Him alone. We must stand firm on the promises of God while the wind and waves try to blow us over. Brothers and sisters, unless we are deeply rooted in the Word and in a faithful community of believers, we may easily topple under the cultural pressure. 

Roots not only keep trees standing securely, roots nourish for sustenance and fruit-bearing. Similarly, staying in God’s word and connected with other believers will feed our souls and allow us to bear sweet fruit to a hungry world. So, whatever your resolution or word-of-the-year, I hope you add “ROOTED” to the list.

Lord, I pray that I—and fellow believers in our nation—get firmly rooted in the Truth, so the lies of the enemy will not prevail.