What has 2022 been like for you? As we approach 2023, we can pray and ask precious Jesus to assist us to be firmly established and rooted in HIM, so that we will not be shaken while the world situations change significantly and rapidly.
To be established in Christ, is to be found in Him and rooted in Him. This means we need to establish a strong faith and dependence on Jesus and delight in His Word, readily obeying Him! Psalm 1:3 – “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
Are your roots stable, steady and strong? How can we FLOURISH, thrive and prosper and avoid being uprooted? The key is to be righteous! Prov. 12:12b – “…the root of the righteous yields fruit.” OR – “…the root of the righteous flourishes.” [Berean translation] Isaiah 54:14 says, “In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have NO FEAR. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.” When we are established in righteousness, we will be safe and have constant fellowship with God.
LOVE is another key to help us to be rooted in Christ. This love will overflow in thankfulness and in ALL its fullness, flowing in, through and out of us! Faith helps this process as Col. 2:6-7 states -> “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, CONTINUE to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” It is an ONGOING process!
Being rooted in the Word of God and in the love of Christ are essential to a strong foundation in Christ, but it’s also important to be rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit. Power, which Holy Spirit gives to us, helps us to accomplish what God calls us to do. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably MORE than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” [Ephesians 3:20]
Being rooted and established (remaining) in Christ helps is to bear fruit for God’s glory. Jesus said in John 15:4-8 -> “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – [John 15:4-8]
Precious Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd and King. Thank You that You are willing to take our hands and lives as we enter another new year, which brings about many new challenges. Thank You that You promise that if we remain rooted and established in You, that we will be safe and secure, no matter what 2023 might bring. In Your blessed Name we pray, Amen
Myrtle Turunen