Roots and Balsam Trees

I was fascinated by a tree.
The roots of the tree were girdling around the base of the trunk.
One large root was trying its hardest to break out.
I saw one obstacle in the path of this tenacious root…a cement storm drain.

How I wish I had eyes to see beneath the surface of the ground.
I would love to see the extensive root system that is underneath us all the time.
All we see is what is above the ground…the beautiful trees that provide shade for us.
We don’t give much thought to what is underneath them…holding them up.

There are many reasons that roots girdle around a tree…too much mulch around the base, not removing the burlap around the root ball; not removing the metal root ball cage.
Whatever the reason, the roots cannot expand properly.

A tree needs good roots.
Roots keep the tree from blowing over and they supply the tree with nutrients.
It is important that they be allowed to spread without anything getting in their way.

We are no different than that tree since we need to have good roots.
Our roots hold us up and keep us steady, so that we don’t fall over with every wind of change that blows through our life.
Our roots soak up nutrients from the soil we are planted in.

What is preventing us from growing?
What cement wall have our roots bumped into?
What is wrapped so tightly around us, that our roots are becoming strangled?
We need to break free and reach fertile soil so our roots will be fed and we will thrive.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)

Our roots need to be deeply planted in our Lord Jesus.
His Word is the nutrient we need to feed us.
Our thirst will be quenched by Him, who is our Living Water.
The enemy enjoys watching us hit the cement walls he puts in our path.
He binds our roots with things that entangle us.

But through the Holy Spirit, we are tenacious.
The Spirit is able to rip the burlap that is around us.
He can break through any metal cage that holds us in.
The tenacious root plants itself in fertile soil, abundant with nutrients, so that we always bear fruit.

I thought of David as he was ready to battle the Philistines.
He inquired of God as to what he should do.

God answered him. Do not go straight up but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army. (1 Chronicles 14:14,15)

Do we even consider the battle that goes on in the heavenlies every day?

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

As we go about our days, in Him, we have support above us and beneath us.
We have a root system underneath us…holding us up, feeding us, strengthening us.
We have the heavenly army fighting for us in the tops of the balsam trees.
Though unseen to us, it is no less real.

The battle over sin, death, and Satan has been fought and won by our Lord Jesus.
We stand and testify as mighty oaks…firmly planted…immovable…with deep roots spreading out beneath us…producing much fruit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)