The Hidden Half

We were taking one last hike before the snowfall when one of the kids noticed an odd site. A large chunk of tree had washed up on the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille. I say "a chunk of tree" because it wasn't a log, and it wasn't a branch. It was probably 15 feet of trunk, with a large tangle of branches on top--or at least they looked kind of like branches... But a closer inspection led us to conclude that the tangle of branches were really a tangle of roots. A lengthy soak in swashing lake water had removed every clod of dirt, exposing the elaborate root system of a "once mighty" pine tree.



I walked along pondering what an unusual sight we had just seen. This tree's substantial (but normally invisible) undergirding was exposed to us for careful examination, raising questions about why it fell, and how it washed up on this lonely beach. I also began to consider what a picture this chunk of tree painted of fallen creatures like ourselves.

I believe that in every life, it is the hidden portion that really determines its health. The half of ourselves that is visible to others might receive most of our attention, but it is in the creases of our soul that true health is either cultivated or diminished. As Soloman once wrote, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23) But how are we to keep our heart? And how is it that our roots can develop into a source of strength, nourishment and stability?

Strong Soil
Jesus once explained that one who heard his words and obeyed them was like a man building his house upon a rock. (Matthew 7:24-27) The durability of the house had less to do with the materials used to build the house, but more to do the stability of its foundation. So we must ask ourselves, "How do I cope when the storms of life arrive and strength is demanded? Where does my heart turn in moments of weakness? What do I do when my best solutions seem woefully inadequate?" More than 30 times God in Scripture called himself a Rock--a source of strength and refuge. More specifically, Jesus is called the spiritual Rock (1 Cor. 10:4) and described as One upon whom we can build. (1 Cor. 3:11) Roots that are grown deep into the Lord Jesus Christ will add stability that we desperately need in these days.

Nourishing Soil
Roots have a way of seeking nutrients from whatever soil they are planted in. They can even be very strong roots, but if the ground is void of nourishment, the tree is hindered from growing. People sometimes form deep roots into nutritionally barren soil. Oh, how deeply we dig our hearts into activities, projects and relationships with hopes of finding some food for the hunger of our souls only to find that in spite of all the effort and energy invested, we are hungry still. Jesus said, " I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35) A heart that quietly looks to Jesus for nourishment will find itself strengthened and satisfied.

In a sense, when we first come to believe on Christ, a root of life is established in our souls. (2 Cor. 5:17) But if that root is not firmly and intentionally attached to Jesus, we can find ourselves weak, unstable and barren. Sometimes an honest recognition of soul barrenness, and the urgent pangs of soul hunger are really a call from God to repent of our foolish outward focus and to draw near to Christ in earnest faith with that hidden half of us. God will do the rest.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)