Living Waters: Navigating Seasons of Spiritual Dryness
By Crystal Warr
Have you ever gone through a season that felt a little dry?
That was me last year. Even in the midst of blessings, something felt off, and I began to ask the Lord why my soul still needed quenching.
That’s when He led me to Colossians 2:7:
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
This scripture spurred me to dive into the topic of roots—both in the natural world and in our spiritual lives. Gardening is a hobby of mine, so I began studying different types of roots, realizing that God’s creation reflects how intentional He is with us. Today, I want to share three types of roots and how they relate to staying rooted in Christ.
1. Taproots: Deep Study of God’s Word
Taproots grow straight down, gathering nutrients from deep within the soil. They’re strong, drought-tolerant, and hard to pull up. Likewise, our spiritual lives need to be anchored deeply in God’s Word. Like a taproot, we must go deep into the Bible to gather spiritual nutrients that sustain us, especially during dry seasons.
In Jeremiah 15:16, the prophet says, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.” Are we devouring God’s Word daily, storing it up for both good and challenging times? Just as a taproot provides storage, God’s Word stores strength in our hearts. If you’re not regularly in the Word, ask yourself: what might be choking out your roots?
2. Aspen Roots: Rooted in Community
Aspen roots are unique because they form a connected, intertwined root system. When one tree suffers, the root system allows it to regrow. Similarly, we’re called to be rooted in community. We need strong relationships, nourished over time, with people we can be vulnerable with.
Romans 12:5 reminds us, “So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to one another.” Relationships aren’t just for sharing joy; they also help us stand firm in tough times. When we struggle, community strengthens us. Are your roots intertwined with other healthy believers? Who is in your circle to help you stand when life tries to knock you down?
3. Brace Roots: Serving with Your Gifts
Brace roots, partially visible above ground, provide support for plants, but they also give back to the soil. Similarly, we are called to use our God-given gifts to serve others, feeding our communities and helping them grow. Serving should invigorate you, just as cutting flowers prompts more blooms to grow.
Romans 12:6-8 speaks about the various gifts we’ve been given: teaching, encouraging, serving, giving—whatever your gift may be, use it to build up others and glorify God. Are you serving in a way that gives back to you and those around you? Even the acts of service that go unnoticed by others are seen by God.
Growing Through Every Season
Whether you’re in a season of drought or flourishing, your roots matter. Jeremiah 17:7-8 paints a beautiful picture of this: “They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
No matter where you are today, let your roots grow deeper into Christ. Tap into His Word, build community, and serve with the gifts He’s given you. God’s promise is that even in the toughest seasons, our roots can reach deep into the living water of His grace.
Let’s grow deep, friends, and produce fruit that will last.
