And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19
Seasons change. Leaves fall. Roots remain.
There are difficult seasons for everyone. Perfectly and purposely placed by a loving Father in Heaven to grow roots. While in the season of stress or pain, it is hard to see the growth, but out of it one feels stronger and can even stand taller. My challenges today look different than they did even a year ago. Many days I find myself running here and there for the kids’ activities, making meetings with teachers or tutors, potty-training and all the while trying to find a balance for myself. It can be stressful. There are days when I want a sick day. Days when I feel completely depleted and then I remind myself that my strength and help come from the Lord. No matter the season, I know I want to dig deep roots for myself and my family.
This fall one challenge I have embarked on is to write a Words of Life wall. To capture the positive, affirming things my family has been doing and putting it up on the wall. It is much easier to focus on what my kids are doing wrong, then to catch them doing something right. It is a challenge for me to stay positive and to affirm them…especially when I am utterly exhausted. Each day I purpose to give affirmation to them. In order to do this, I first need to get my affirmation from the Word of God.
God affirms me with His word. He gives me truth to cling to and truth that waters my soul.
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Ps 139.
- I set my heart and mind on things above, not earthly things. This gives me peace. Colossians 3:1-2
- I guard my heart because it determines the course of my life. Proverbs 4:23
- God keeps me in perfect peace because I trust in Him and fix my thoughts on Him. Isaiah 26:3
- I experience true life when I deny myself, turn from my selfish ways and follow Jesus. Matthew 16:24-25
- Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
God, the creator, desires for His creation to be affirmed and to affirm others. His truth is the place to dig deep roots.
What truth am I rooted in right now? How do I affirm others?