Last winter, on one cold and drizzly afternoon, I took a walk through one of the busy trails close to my home. While on this walk I observed a striking scene: all the trees had lost their leaves and appeared dry. Yet, despite their seemingly lifeless appearance, these trees stood tall and firm, like electricity poles anchored into the earth. It was clear that these trees, though stripped of their external beauty, were still very much alive. Their strength seemingly came from having their roots tapped into an underground water source that sustained them through the harsh winter season. Sure enough, months later when spring arrived, these same trees burst forth with vibrant leaves and fruit, testifying to the life within them.
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” – Ephesians 3:17
This imagery is a powerful reflection of the spiritual truth found in Ephesians 3:17, where Paul prays that we may have roots that “grow down into God’s love.” Just as those trees survive the winter by drawing from deep beneath the surface, we are called to root ourselves deeply in God’s love, which will sustain us through all of life’s seasons. Trees face changing seasons (harsh winters, dry summers, and fierce storms) but those with deep roots remain standing. They draw life from underground, even when the surface seems barren. Similarly, when our roots go deep into God’s love, we find the strength to endure life’s trials, whether they bring joy or sorrow, abundance or drought. Jeremiah 17:7-8 beautifully captures this truth: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… They 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.” This verse reminds us that our trust in God enables us to thrive spiritually, even when external circumstances seem bleak.
But how do we allow our roots to “grow down” into God’s love? Paul notes in Ephesians that this rooting happens when we trust in Christ and depend solely on Him for our existence and sustenance. Our faith, like the roots of those trees, must reach deep into the soil of God’s love, drawing strength and nourishment from Him. Trust is the foundation of this deep rooting. No matter what season we face, whether it be a time of abundance or a period of drought, placing our trust firmly in God is essential. The Psalmist echoes this truth in Psalm 1:3, describing those who trust in God as “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever they do prospers.”
Being rooted in God’s love provides us with stability. Just as those winter trees stood firm despite the barrenness of the winter season, so does God’s love anchor us, preventing us from being swayed by the winds of doubt or fear. Colossians 2:6-7 encourages us to continue living in Christ, “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.” Our faith, nourished by God’s love, helps us stand firm, regardless of the storms we face.
As I reflect on the tall-standing trees of the Peak District, seemingly lifeless yet brimming with hidden potential, I’m reminded that in every season of life, whether we are growing or facing challenges, being deeply rooted in God’s love is what sustains us. It gives us identity and keeps us steadfast, strong, stable, and fruitful. Rooted in His love, we are able to stand firm in our convictions and thrive in His grace. As we draw nourishment from Him, we not only endure the changing seasons but also grow and flourish in His presence, bringing glory to His name.
May we all strive to be like those trees, deeply rooted in God’s love, standing tall through the winter seasons of life, and ready to burst forth with new life when the time is right.
Kingsley Udofa, PhD 