Do Roots Just Happen?

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river. 

                                                                                                         Jeremiah 17:7-8a NKJV

Walking with Jesus isn’t a performance. In fact, ninety percent of our walk with Jesus is unseen. What makes a tree strong and able to withstand the storms? It’s the hidden root system. And yes, we have all heard that in a sermon at church. But what I didn’t hear was how that root system takes time, energy, and proper nutrients to grow strong. It just doesn’t happen without those things. 

So why do we think a deep walk with Jesus can “just happen?” Just by going to church, listening to sermons,  raising our hands, singing “I surrender all,” going up to the altar for healing, and yet going home and doing nothing different? Yes, these things are good, but is there a private heart surrendering time with Jesus? Trusting? Releasing? Letting go of our life for Jesus’ life? That is not done in the marketplace. No, that is done in the quiet, secret place of the heart. Just me, Jesus, Holy Spirit, and Papa God. And it takes multiple, on-going sessions, not a once-and-done thing. 

We walk by faith, not by feelings, although it is much easier to walk by feelings and not by faith—believing what God says in His Word. We MUST get into God’s Word, and KNOW what He says. Refuse to give Satan’s lies, half-truths, or schemes any power. Kick them back into his face! 

Psalm 1:2-3a RPV (Rheyma’s personalized version): “But my delight is in the law of the Lord, and in God’s law, I want to meditate day and night. Then, and only then, will I be like a tree that is planted by rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season.”

Blessings,

Rheyma Oosterman

Sanctioned Love