Deep Roots, Durable Life

“A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” (Pr 12:3 AV)

It’s not going to work.  No matter how well we think our actions may turn out, they will not turn out the way we had hopes.  The word ‘...established…’ is of particular interest here.  This word intimates a long-term goal and condition.  The intention of the wicked man is to be established by his methods or choices.  In the long run, the wicked will fall by the means he has devised.  But let us consider the second half of the proverb.  Note here the righteous are sustained by a root.  Plants and trees may be affected by the changeable winds of weather and time, but he root system is the foundation of overall health.  The picture here is obvious.  For the wicked, his methods have no root.  There is no integrity.  There is no depth of character.  Therefore, actions, motives, and methods change.  When they do, they are in conflict one with another and come to a destructive end.  The root of the righteous is deep and unchanging.  They are found upon absolutes that do not change.  The root is strong and deep.  Therefore, even though change may come on the outside, there is no change on the inside.

Over the years, I have hunted several styles of stands.  But the most secure are the ones attached to a tree.  There were several blinds from which I hunted.  One leaned downhill for several years until it finally topped over.  Another, built really well and one a secure stand was blown over by a tornado.  A third rooted away, and even though it was semi-attached to a tree, it too, fell over.  Then there was the ground blind.  A blind that I had received as a gift for turkey season.  My sons used it one fall for a deer ground blind and it was blown by the wind a quarter of a mile from its original placement.  Even though it was stacked down, it still came loose.  No root system.  Then there was the hang on stands.  A vast improvement to be sure.  However, over time, the hardware upon which the stand relied became old and worn out.  The best style of stands I have ever hunted from was a ladder stand.  These types of stands are secured three different ways.  The feet dig into the ground.  It is strapped to the tree by a stabilizing bar.  And at the top, there is usually two more straps securing the stand firmly to the tree.  Even of the tree sways a bit, the stand remains firm.  Proving its own ‘root’ system in planting its feet in the ground, and relying on the root system of the tree, this stand cannot be moved.  My kind of stand.

The more firm our heart is planted in the absolutes of God’s word, the more stable our lives become, even in the midst of the changing winds of finances, health, relationships, and even our struggle over sin.  Having our feet firmly planted in the ministry of the Holy Spirit allows us to weather all sorts of storms.  Even the strongest life can bring.  It amazes me when the LORD gives me the privilege of assisting a dying saint into glory.  Particularly those who have led a faith-filled life.  The strength they exude is something miraculous to behold.  Why?  Their faith has been planted deep in the truths of God’s word and His walk with the saint for a lifetime.  This exiting saint knows the last breath on earth means the beginning of eternity.  There is a great peace that comes for a firm and deep root system.  Life is difficult enough on its own.  It is even more so with a shallow root system.