A Righteous Root

[3] No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved. Proverbs 12:3

The righteous have a root that is immovable and firm. Since our righteousness is credited to our account because of Christ, our foundation is as sure as the finished work of the cross. Our very lives are rooted in his love and kept by God’s promises, both of which never, ever fail. Our righteous root is stubbornly fixed, fed and sustained by our Lord.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 1:

[1] Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

As righteous people, we walk not according to the flesh and the wickedness that comes along with it. Instead, we walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8:4). For the Christian, delight is found in the Word of God. It strengthens us and grows deep into our lives, making steady our minds and hearts. It feeds our souls and nourishes us as we dwell upon it’s life-giving truths.

Compare this to the way of wickedness. “No one is established by wickedness…” The truth of the matter is that wickedness cannot sustain or support anyone or anything because it’s father is sin. And sin corrupts, destroys and leads to death. Surely building our lives on such an unsteady, crumbling foundation would not honor God or lead to any lasting joy. In fact, it leads to pain, regret, heartache and shame.

The Psalmist goes on to state that blessing comes to those who love God’s Word. The righteous. They are “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” Oh that we are planted firmly by the Source of all life and remain steadfast, enduring the wind and elements that might bend our branches!

The root of the righteous comes with it a Source that never fails. It never runs dry or leaves us wanting. As a result, our branches bear fruit and we are found fulfilling our purpose on this earth. We are evergreen, never withering because of what runs deep beneath the surface. We should, however, always be aware of the craftiness of sin. It can creep in stealthily and choke out the good work God has begun in your life. Guard against the schemes of the enemy. Paul reminded the Colossians to remember what they were taught: “…as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, [7] rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” 

Remember your roots. Grow deep and secure by the fresh, flowing stream of living water welling up in your soul. Then you’ll be satisfied and established for eternity.