Category Archives: Grounded

Bible, God's Will, Grounded, Scripture, Seeking, Understanding

SEEK AND UNDERSTAND

ROMANS 3:11

“THERE IS NO ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NO ONE WHO SEEKS OUT GOD;”

When I read today’s verse (which comes from Psalm 14:2), I immediately thought of Matthew 7:7-8 which says, “‘7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.’” People don’t understand God because they are not seeking Him. God simply doesn’t disclose His precious truths to people who aren’t even looking for Him.

Paul continues his Old Testament quotations in today’s verse by continuing in Psalm 14. You really can use the Bible to explain the Bible. I was once told that the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. The more I study the Scriptures, the more I agree. As you dig deep, more and more hidden gems of truth are revealed. Verses I read for decades with no understanding suddenly come alive. That’s what Paul is pointing us toward.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “understands” is syniēmi which “expresses the action of ‘setting together’ thoughts so that genuine comprehension is reached. In the New Testament it consistently portrays a level of perception deeper than mere information-gathering; it is spiritual insight granted or withheld by God and verified by obedient response.” (Topical Lexicon). It is not just discerning what God is saying. It is also about doing His will.

Ekzētéō is the Greek word used for “seeks out.” HELPS Word studies says it “emphasizes the personal intent of the seeker, i.e. the outcome intensely and personally desired by the seeker. This seeking is only as valuable (viable) as the motive which drives it.” Hmmm! What is your motive in seeking? Is it to make yourself more knowledgeable or is it to live His will?

I urge you, my friends, to take the time to understand and seek after God. Be driven to do His will, not your own or someone else’s. When we are living daily to do His will, He will continue to lead, guide and protect us. His will is perfect. Why can’t we trust it?

O Lord, help me to trust Your will, to understand and seek You.

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Bible, Grounded, Rooted, Scripture

FIRMLY ROOTED

COLOSSIANS 2:7

“having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”

Deep roots are important for a strong, sturdy tree or plant. Why is it weeds send down these deep roots in your lawn? And why do most flowers have such shallow roots? That has always bothered me. It seems that the more beautiful things should have the deepest roots while the pesty things should be easily pulled up.

Paul gives us a great picture of our faith in today’s verse, and it begins with being firmly rooted. Once that is done, then you can be built up and established. That phrase “having been firmly rooted” comes from the Greek word rhizoó, which only occurs here and in Ephesians 3:17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”

APPLICATION

So, how are we “firmly rooted”? What causes us to sink our roots deep? A sincere love for the Word of God is one thing. As we develop a consistent and rich time with the Lord, we begin to go deep into His Word. That is where we get our food. That is where we get our nourishment spiritually. The Word is an exhaustible source of nutrients for your soul.

Another way we get “firmly rooted” is by enduring trials. I know you did not want to hear that, did you? You see, when we go through trials, we learn to lean into God. We learn to rely on His strength. James says it best in James 1:2-4. “2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Finally, I believe the security of your salvation gives you firm rooting. Knowing that nothing can tear you out of Your Master’s hand has such a grounding effect on us. In John 10:29 Jesus says, “‘My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.’” Now, isn’t that reassuring? The Word, trials and security will give you firm roots. Depend on it.

Father, I thank You that I am firmly rooted in You.

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