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Day 16: Go Deeper

In Tri-Cities, where I live, we get strong winds. One time, a tree close to our church toppled over. The tree was big, but the roots were surprisingly shallow; they were totally exposed. That is exactly what happens when our public life is more notable than our private life.

Trees have a root system that supports their weight and branches that produce leaves and fruit. The roots are usually underground; they are not visible. It is the same with our life. We have branches (responsibilities). The responsibilities change and increase with time. Over time, the branches grow, tasks increase, and branches become heavier.

It is important that, along with the branches, our relationship with God grows proportionally.

The roots of a tree grow deeper over time. What does that mean in our life? It does not refer to praying longer or fasting and giving more. Deep roots actually refer to being humble. As the roots grow lower in the ground, we should think of ourselves as lowly, less, and dependent on God.

Are your roots shallow or deep? Are you prideful and independent or humble and dependent? Fasting and prayer will produce humility. To go deeper, you must intensify your dependence on the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, what happened to the tree next to our church will happen to us. The branches outgrew the roots. Responsibilities can outgrow relationships.

Let's Pray:

Lord, You know me better than anyone else. I cannot hide anything from You. You know how long and heavy my branches are, but You are also aware of the growth of my roots. I do not want to be knocked down like a tree with shallow roots. Help me, Holy Spirit, to live a surrendered life, a life of humility and absolute dependence on You.