4 Keys to Growing Spiritual RootsSample

Key 1: Hide God’s Word In Your Heart

Have you ever noticed how many gardening metaphors God uses in the Bible? From the parables to the promises, God speaks continually about planting His people; about bringing us a harvest; about seedtime and sowing; and even about tilling and plowing the ground.

God, who created a garden as the first home for the first people, is Himself a Master Gardener. And He uses the pictorial language of gardening throughout His Word in order to teach us His ways.

In Colossians 2:6-7, God used another powerful word picture: that of spiritual roots.

This passage tells us to be rooted, built up, and established in Christ. How do we do that? By examining the Scriptures, applying its truths to our lives in practical ways on a daily basis. This is how we grow spiritual roots.

In this Bible Plan, we will look at four simple keys to growing the spiritual roots we need.

Key 1 to growing spiritual roots is to hide God's Word in your heart.

Hiding God’s Word in your heart will keep you from sinning against God. (See Psalm 119:11.)

How do you hide God’s Word in your heart?

By reading it every day. And more importantly, read it slowly. Take the time to digest it as you read. And after you read it, memorize it: first phrases, then sentences, then verses.

Additionally, I always recommend "pray-reading" through it, which means:

• Asking God for good things as you read His promises;
• Asking for His help as you read the commands and instructions;
• Thanking Him continually for everything you read; and
• Asking for His conviction, forgiveness, and power to change if He shows us that we are sinning.

As you will hide God’s Word in your heart, you will begin to put down spiritual roots. Even if you start slowly, God will still do His work in you, conforming you to the image of Jesus, as you read and absorb His precious words of life.

So, begin today. Start where you are, with tiny portions at a time if that’s what you can do. Just start, and you will grow!