That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19
When Roots Run Deep
When roots run deep
they anchor into the deep
ground, packed firm and
damp with waters brought deep
to fill in the holes, soil to keep
the roots that have run deep
from rotting, their tips to weep
when roots run deep
there’s a stately tree
above, firm in its stance
wavering for nothing
as it clings to the roots
that run deep beneath
when roots run deep
when the strength of the tree
is all you think you can see
you have forgotten what lies underneath
the foundation of the roots
the roots that run deep
when roots run deep
they spread, they grow, they sink
to deeper depths, anchoring their feet
when roots run deep
no matter how hard you try
how far down deep you dig
you can’t rip them out
you can’t cut so deep
the farther down you go
the further you will need
to work out those roots
the roots that run deep.
When roots run deep
you can stand on your feet
planted with care
by a God whose love runs deep.
His living water flows free
in meadow green or lakeside you be
in city streets or forest thick
sunshine, rain, or wind that beats
when roots run deep
you’re as secure as can ever be
and the day will come
when they will try to cut you free
but know this my friend
when roots run deep
your soul is His to keep
and forever you’ll be
rooted deep.
~Marcie Bridges
21 April 2021
This poem is long, but it is filled with many different ideas and truths. I want you to read it slowly and carefully. Find the truth in it, God reveals to you. What main theme do you see through it? How does this poem relate to the Bible verses paired with it? What other Bible verses come to mind when you read this? I’d love to read your answers in the comments section below.
From My Heart to Yours,
Marcie 🙂
All pictures courtesy of www.pixabay.com
Wow, wow, WOW!! I love this. The roots of our faith are SO important. It’s in the winter seasons that roots grow while the plant or tree lies dormant. It’s true in our lives as well. In the winter seasons of our soul, it’s important to not forget our roots of faith. It’s important to continue to seek the Lord and love Him with our whole heart. The seeds of God’s Word are scattered frequently, but is my heart fertile soil for that seed to take root? Is there Living Water flowing through a pure heart where the seed can be nourished and roots begin to grow deep? Am I planted by His river where my roots will never thirst? Oh, I pray so. Roots will hold me steady when the fierce wind of storms howl and try to blow me off the path the Lord has placed me on.
I was thinking about how much I miss singing the old hymns in church. It’s interesting what conjures up nostalgia or those things that just run deep in our veins. Those hymns are part of my Christian foundation and will always be a part of who I am and how I live out my Christian faith. Well, that’s what prompted this poem at least. Just holding onto that firm foundation and not the sinking sands. I love your take on this poem. Thank you for sharing and providing more life to it. I love you <3