He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. -Jeremiah 17:8

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Full disclosure. I am not a gardener. As a matter of fact, I would be the first to admit that when it comes to plants of any kind, I have what could be called a “black thumb”. However, those who do know about such things will tell you that understanding root depth is crucial for successful cultivation.

According to the experts, deep-rooted plants have the ability to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers, making them more drought-tolerant and resilient. Because they can penetrate deeply into the soil, they are also able to reach sources of water from deep underground. This allows plants with deep roots to sustain themselves and withstand a period of drought during hot climates. Deep roots also provide a stronger support system and are better anchored to withstand strong winds. Having deep roots provide the right stability, moisture, structure, and access to nutrients; resources which helps them survive a variety of conditions during tough conditions.

I am told that when you water a plant it is important to water deeply, otherwise in their search for water, the roots will grow toward the surface of the soil, making them weak and unable to withstand drought and other adverse conditions.

Are you seeing my point?

Our spiritual growth is much like a plant, the deeper our roots, the stronger our faith. So, how do we develop deep roots of faith?

We till the soil through prayer.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. – John 15:16

We water the soil by studying God’s word.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. –Psalm 1:1-3

We produce fruit by walking in the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23

We harvest the fruit by sharing the gospel.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. -Luke 10:1-2)

Just as a well-rooted plant withstands storms and drought, our faith flourishes when it is firmly rooted in Christ. Deep roots don’t grow by accident—they’re cultivated through intentional time in prayer, consistent study of God’s Word, a Spirit-led life, and a willingness to share the hope we’ve found. The deeper our roots, the stronger our witness and the steadier our hearts, no matter what comes our way. So dig deep, stay grounded, and trust God to bring fruit in every season.  

Grace and Peace,

Sandra