Roots

In the spirit of sweet potato season, let’s talk about roots.

I recently uprooted, moved across the ocean, and began the process of re-planting myself in a new community. If anything, being shifted to new “soil” truly reveals where our roots are. Suddenly, familiarity is scarce and conformity seems pretty appealing.

It turns out, responding to my situation with “unhealthy roots” is easy and, in fact, the most natural. However, this type of motivation leaves me exhausted, concerned about the approval of others, and confused about where I’m headed.

Jesus prepared me for this season of change. He is not surprised. We are in this together. I can take the risk, act out of spiritual health, and He will not let me miss any good thing.

Why choose healthy roots when unhealthy roots seem more satisfying?

Healthy roots sprout praise and righteousness.

Isaiah 61:11 “For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.”

Healthy roots allow me to respond to my circumstances in praise. My eyes are fixed on the Lord and not the details of my day-to-day struggles. By living with healthy roots, my life points to Heaven and God gets the glory.

Healthy roots restore peace.

Isaiah 61:3 “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Healthy roots allow me to be steadfast in the midst of chaos. I can stand firm because my purpose is not to reach success (whether relational, academic, etc.), but to reflect the face of the Father.

Healthy roots reveal purpose.

Isaiah 61:1-2 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

When I am centered in Jesus, my purpose comes naturally. I do not need to force a future. When I am confident in Jesus as my anchor, I can confidently allow him to be King of my heart.