In scripture, trees are often a symbol of blessing and spiritual prosperity. Psalm 92:12 -14 confirms that "the righteous shall flourish like a palm tree. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing."

The righteous are those in right standing with God. We are to be ever growing and continually meditating on the law of the Lord. (Psalm 1:2)

Jeremiah 17:7-8 states “⁷Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. ⁸For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”

Psalm 16:8 says “⁸I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

We often sing a hymn titled “I Shall Not Be Moved”, let us consider these words.

“Glory, hallelujah...I shall not be moved...Anchored in Jehovah....I shall not be moved... In His love abiding...I shall not be moved...And in Him confiding…I shall not be moved…Though the tempest rages...I shall not be moved...On the Rock of Ages...I shall not be moved...Just like a tree...That's planted by the waters...I shall not be moved...”

In today’s world, many Christians find it hard to not be moved. We are to stand firm in our convictions. We are not to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. (Ephesians 4:14) We are to be rooted in God’s Word. 2 Timothy 4:2 says “²Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”

So ask yourself the question today, how far do my roots go? Am I rooted in The Word or in the world?

Jeremy Harrell