Rooted Downward and Bearing Fruit Upward
“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:” - Isaiah 37:31
As I reflect on Isaiah 37:31, I can't help but be reminded of the significance of anchoring ourselves in the Word of God. Just as a tree needs strong roots to grow and flourish, so must we be firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word.
When we read, study, and meditate on the Bible, we nourish our souls and allow the Lord to shape and mold us. We also equip ourselves to bear fruit that will last, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our spiritual growth, but we must remember that our relationship with God is the most important thing. When we prioritize our time with Him and seek to know Him more deeply, we will be amazed at the fruit that emerges in our lives.
Like many of you, I struggle with maintaining a consistent connection with the Word. The demands of my writing, ministry, and household responsibilities often take precedence, and I find my time in the Word slipping. But when this happens, I can feel the effects of spiritual malnourishment. I become anxious, irritable, and negative. It’s a struggle we all face.
That's why making time for the Word every day is so important. Even if it's just a few minutes, it can make a world of difference. When we take the time to root ourselves in the Word, we'll be able to bear fruit that will last.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the transformative power of God’s Word. It has been my constant companion, encouraging me in difficult trials and guiding me in my daily routine. It’s a testament to the fact that no matter where we are in our spiritual journey, the Word has the power to transform us and bring us closer to God.
Let us not only take root downward, drawing from the rich soil of God’s Word but also bear fruit upward and outward. As we do, let us share the love and grace of Jesus with those around us. We have a responsibility to spread the Word, and in doing so, we can significantly impact the lives of others.
As a missionary in Wales, I have seen firsthand the spiritual oppression that can weigh heavily on a land. But I have also seen the power of God's Word to bring hope and healing. I pray that we will all be faithful in rooting ourselves in the truth of the Bible so that we may bear fruit that will last for eternity.
"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." - Matthew 13:23
