Ever pulled a stump from the ground? If the tree is dead, it is pretty straightforward, but it is thriving its roots don’t let go too quickly. Roots are a good symbol of the condition of our hearts. When we are tapped into streams of living water, we thrive; when we aren’t, we shrivel up. Are you flourishing?
Ezekiel 17:24
“All the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will perform it. “
Show He is Lord
Prophecy in the Old Testament often paints a picture so that the listeners can understand what the prophet is preaching. In this passage, Ezekiel tells the people through the picture of a tree that everyone will know that He is Lord. He will bring down the prosperous tree and will lift the struggling one. Trees often symbolized countries or nations. In Israel’s history, prosperous nations often oppressed Israel, and God would send a word of encouragement to His people.
Tend Your Roots
The personal application for this is that we need to be very careful about letting pride take root in our hearts. If this is the case, then God is going to humble us by bringing us low. At the same time, if you are struggling and feel distant from God, He tells you that He can revive you. The key to both of these conditions is where your heart is. The prideful heart is focused on himself, and the struggling heart is often focused on his problems. To be set free from both conditions, your eyes need to be on Jesus.
Are You Flourishing?
Are you flourishing in your walk with Jesus? If not, I suggest you determine your source of life. Is there a constant source of living water flowing into your heart? Are you reacting well to the pruning? These may be the reasons that you are struggling. Let the Holy Spirit do the necessary work in your life so that you can flourish.