Rooted

"For God is able to graft them in again"

Romans 11:23

The foundation of life is set up long before you really understand the concept. It is more likely that you learn about the foundation after a foundation has already been set. The foundation is often established from your upbringing-- through your childhood, into adolescence, young adulthood, and so on. The thing about foundation though is that while it is the basis of you, we learn in Romans 11 that through God's grace there is an option for transplanting, for grafting onto other foundations. This should bring hope to anyone who is seeing their life, their foundation, crumbling. "For God is able to graft them in again" Romans 11:23. This word "a g a i n" is significant because it reminds you that God's grace is ongoing. It is forever; it is again, and again, and again.

The first question that Paul asks is:"Did God reject his people?" (Romans 11:1). The answer is "By no means!" Depression and anxiety can leave you feeling rejected by life. Rejected by the foundation in which you have for so long depended. This foundation, that is one during times of depression and anxiety, is weak. It cannot withstand the storm. This foundation is the reason that things never seem to be stable. However, when turning to Him--the foundation becomes more stable in Him. The foundation is Him. Because He is the one that rules the universe. He is the one that has even the wind listen. The foundation in Him may not take away the experiences of depression and anxiety, it will however create strength that can withstand those crumbling moments. Because it is no longer a foundation set on worldly things, but on Him.

The one who created everything.

When Paul counties to speak of grafting onto other branches that are strong. Paul reminds you that it is not the branches that are the strength. It is the root. It is the foundation. Without the roots, the branch cannot survive. Without the grounding, you would lose your footing. This is seen in treatment for depression and anxiety. This is seen in accountability and having people that hold you grounded. This is seen in 12-step programs and sponsorships. This is seen in friendships. This is seen in the therapeutic relationship. You graft yourself onto others. You turn to others that you see and want to be more like. Keep in mind though that they, too, are grafting onto others. Once grafted Paul reminds you that you must not believe that because you have been grafted that you are now the better of all the branches, in fact it is the roots that continue to be far more superior to the tree as a whole. Without the roots, the tree falls. (Romans 11:18). This brings to mind that what you water is the ground that leads to the roots, you do not water the top of the tree, you water the foundation of it.

I remember as a kid seeing a small branch that had fallen and being told if it is still green inside that it was still alive, it could be grafted to another tree and grow. It was only dead if nothing was done to it and it was left alone. This is the same for people who experience symptoms related to depression and anxiety. Even when not grounded to something, even when not grafted to someone, they are still alive, it is only when they are left to fall alone and have nothing to graft to that they die. Paul urges you to graft yourself to likeminded Christians, which then implies to graft yourself to Him. The experiences of depression and anxiety do not just affect you, it affects the whole community of roots and branches. It requires commitment and acceptance. Commitment on the roots part to continue to feed the branch. And acceptance on the branch's part to accept the help.

Does this not look exactly how struggle looks? You see your friends and family members going through something and you either try to help or leave them alone. As someone going through something you either accept the help or walk away. Without the roots, the branch is just a branch. It needs something to graft to.

Scripture:

Romans 11

Romans 11:23

Romans 11:1

Romans 11:18

Questions:

What are you rooted in? Who are you rooted in?

What would it look like to be rooted in Him during times of depression and anxiety? What would it look like to be rooted in Him when someone around you is experiencing depression and anxiety?

How are you the roots for others? How are others the roots for you?