Roots

The other day I was listening to a little blurb on Bott Radio (1090 AM for y'all in Fort Wayne). The speaker was talking about how the Christian life should be like the California redwood trees - growing close together, with roots that, although not deep, are entangled with all the other trees. The trees are supported by the roots of all the trees around it. At first that sounded good. I thought, yes! That's been my problem since moving to Indiana. I left all my Christian friends behind. I have no support around me, and I've been floundering spiritually.
Fortunately, I have recently been memorizing Psalm 1, and the Holy Spirit brought that Psalm to mind while I was listening to this radio speaker. I realized that the righteous man is like a tree planted beside the still waters. The picture is a solid tree standing alone with deep roots. No matter what comes - wind, storms, whatever - that tree yields its fruit in its season, and it's leaf never withers. If my roots were deeply anchored in Christ, I wouldn't flounder no matter what my circumstance. Surrounded by Christians, or alone in a prison cell - I would not be moved in my faith, because I am abiding in the True Vine, the Solid Rock, the Firm Foundation.
I thank God for His constant hand on my life, even when I'm not abiding, but am allowing my circumstances to toss my faith to and fro on the waves. I thank Him for the evidence of His work in my heart and life. And I praise His for this great love that He has lavished on this undeserving child.