They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isa. 61:3)
When I think about the woman that I desire to be, rooted is a word that resonates deeply with me. When the storms of life come (and they do), my desire is to be a woman whose roots are dug so deep that I am ultimately unshakeable.
I recognize that throughout our lives, every storm, trial, or challenge that comes presents us with an opportunity to dig our roots deeper still. Every lie that attacks your identity is an opportunity to dig deeper into discovering who God says you are and who He designed you to be. Every time you have been misjudged or mislabeled is an opportunity to discover your true name. Every fear and insecurity is an opportunity to dig deeper into truth that steadies you and a love that is secure.
I recognize that digging is painful. I recognize that staying closer to the surface can feel like the safer bet. It doesn’t require too much of us. It allows us to stay just deep enough that we remain comfortable and receive just enough of what we need to survive. However, when our roots are shallow, we always live with the risk that the next big wind will be the one to knock us down.
What would it look like to dig into the lies that have hindered you from moving forward in life? How would you dig into the places where you have stopped dreaming, stopped hoping? How would you dig into the wounds that have been too painful to relive? In what areas of your life does the hard soil need to be broken up, in order that roots can grow deep, and new life can come bursting through?
Some of us may need to put a shovel on our Christmas list this year, so we can begin the work of digging our roots down deep. As we reflect on the past year and prepare for the year ahead, ask God, are there any places in my life where I have stayed on the surface because I have been afraid to go any deeper? Allow him to show you the places in your life where he wants you to dig and the people he has placed around you to aid you in the process.
Allow this to be the year that you refuse to remain on the surface. Go deep in your healing. Go deep in your growth. And when the next storm comes, when the next lie comes, be unshakeable.
