I love gardening of all kinds, but I find that my love for trees has grown exponentially. In other words, I am drawn to trees, bushes, and all manner of that particular species. Whereas I once was planting and cultivating perennials, my attention has been diverted. I find that my desire now is to be surrounded by mature trees of all varieties. In fact, the wallpaper on my phone is a picture that I took of my own trees.
Is it safe to say that the more mature the tree the deeper the roots go? I am not an arborist, but I do believe that trees have a distinct root system that allows them to go deep. What I do know is that soil, water, and oxygen play a major role in the health, sustainability, and consequently the depth that the roots will go. I received this information from my 8 year old grandson when I asked him what trees need to flourish.
I especially like this because as believers we love to hear that our roots go deep, but for that to happen certain conditions must exist.
Our soil is the foundation of God, and scripture tells us to build on a good foundation. I am confident that none of us would argue with this word! The water is the Holy Spirit and we all benefit greatly from His life giving nourishment, and the oxygen is the environment that we create as we allow God and Holy Spirit to grow us to maturity. Of course, this is just my analogy, but you can see the connection.
Scripture tells us that deep calls unto deep. When I reflect on this particular Scripture it speaks of distinct elements that are life changing for me. It speaks to me of the deep that is within me calling out to the deep that is within God. It means that as I go deeper in my relationship and understanding with God, my spirit will long for, and call out for more. In other words, as I go deep into the things of God my spirit is no longer satisfied to stay where I am today. I must go deeper still because as deep calls unto deep it is for the revelation that I have yet to have, but clearly must!
When I think of a tree that is planted in good soil, having every nutrient that it needs to prosper, having the right amount of water, having the oxygen that it needs, then I think of those roots reaching out for more. Going deeper and deeper to obtain all that they need to stand fast, stand tall, and stand immovable against any and all storms that come their way. Those roots will keep them not only strong but resilient, and as the storm passes they will still be standing.
Psalm 42:7-8 CSB Deep calls to deep, in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me. The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life.