I grew up in Big D. From my first memories; I have been fascinated with trees. I just knew if I climbed all the way to the top, I could reach heaven. 

As I grew older, I became more aware of the world as we traveled around the country. When we went west, the “trees” were scarcer and smaller … just scraggly little shrubs. But when we went east … oh my … I had to strain my neck out of the car window to see the top of really big trees.

Now I live in the East Texas piney woods … and am in love with tall, beautiful pines. I love hearing and feeling the wind blowing through the swaying limbs. When I close my eyes, I see their strength and imagine how deep the roots of those trees must be.

God knows the importance of deep roots. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Explore me, O God, and know the real me. Dig deeply and discover who I am. Put me to the test and watch how I handle the strain. Examine me to see if there is an evil bone in me, and guide me down Your path forever.”

Believe it or not, I do listen in church, so when I hear a good sermon, I take notes. These were the points I wrote down from a recent sermon: (1) dig deep to last long; (2) dig deep to stand strong; (3) dig deep to produce lasting fruit; and (4) dig deep to build strong faith.

If we don’t have deep roots, we will fall away from God as soon as we have problems. If we want to stay faithful to God and strong throughout our lives, we need to learn to dig deep and have lasting roots. If we are going to last long in this life, we have to withstand the strains and storms. When high winds blow those big trees, those deep roots keep them grounded.

Just as important to lasting long is standing strong. When we build a house (which I know from experience), the foundation must lay on solid rock.  If floodwaters rise and break into that house, the house will stand because it is well-built.

What kind of lasting fruit will we bear if we don’t dig deep? I want to produce a harvest that’s a hundred times as much as I’ve planted. Deep-rooted hearts hear and produce fruit.

I have to dig deep to build strong faith continually. I have to know what God’s promises say and put all my faith in God’s character. If I’m going to be mighty in faith, then I’m going to trust in Him.

Thank You, Lord, for loving me and helping me keep my feet on Your solid rock.  Amen.

Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries. Learn more about the ministry by liking our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CJEMinistries) and downloading our FREE mobile app (get.theapp.co) from App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, allow notifications to keep you up to date on what’s happening in Cary John Efurd Ministries. Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com