When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind. (Chinese Proverb)
When I hike, the easy path is not always the one I take. Sometimes I clamber up or down the steep hillsides in search of a new wildflower or a different viewpoint of a familiar scene. There are times though that the hillside is too steep for easy walking and with the thick carpet of last fall’s and probably the last five fall’s leaves underfoot, a careful downhill walk can turn into an all out slide.
Luckily I can usually grab hold of one of the tree saplings that abound on the hillsides to stop my slide and catch my balance. Unluckily some of the tree roots have failed to grab tight to the soft loam soil of the hillsides. When you are in a full-fledged slide, you can’t exactly examine the roots on the tree to be sure it is anchored solidly.
Sometimes the tree I grab just slides down the hillside with me. For some reason, when you grab hold of tree that gives way with you, the slide downhill suddenly feels steeper and faster with the rocks below holding out a sure promise of a bruising landing. The best thing is to let go of the rootless tree and grab hold of a well-rooted tree that will stop your slide downward.
The same can be said as we walk through our daily lives. If we grab hold of things or people with no roots, then we can expect to slide toward disaster. We need to grab hold of the truth in the Word of God and rely on people who are firmly rooted in their faith in the Lord.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJ)
Thank you for reading my First Sunday Hiker’s Devotional.
What keeps you rooted in your faith?
Comments 6
Ann, these are the things that keep me rooted in my faith: reading God’s Word, prayer, encouragement from family and friends, listening to inspirational music and speakers, living in awareness and thankfulness of our Lord’s love, peace, joy, strength, and hope! How great is our God!!
Author
Sounds as if you are rooted in many good things, Lauren. To live in awareness of the blessings of life and the Lord’s love is a way to not miss the joy of each day.
I like it! Yes, I’ve stepped on those leaves and started sliding. I will try to remember to let go of anything that is sliding with me and grab a firmly rooted tree.
Author
That will be good, Birdie. When I was a kid, I’d have probably simply enjoyed the slide. 🙂
Oh I love that, Ann. You’ve said it all and thanks for pointing my thoughts upward. Great way to start each day, remembering how firm our foundation is.
Author
Glad you liked the thoughts, Amy. It was so fun seeing you Saturday at my book signing. I very much appreciate you making the drive over to talk with me a while. Maybe I can sometime make another visit to Shepherdsville in the future.