Planting Deep Roots into Living Water
- Deborah Rutherford
- Aug 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Do we sometimes worry that if we stop, the whole world will stop? Or do we realize it will keep on going without us?
As I washed the orange and began slicing it, I glanced up. Out the windowpane, a morning ray peered through the sweetgum tree. I swayed, captivated by the breathtaking beauty of God's creation.
Isn't that what it is like when we are in darkness? Though we know it won't last forever, there is a sigh of relief when the lights turn on—where joy comes with the first peep of the sun.
I need this 'soothing' transition built into my day as a preamble to the day's activities. It begins with preparing breakfast and then retreating to my prayer room for devotional time.
While I may not know what tomorrow holds, or even what the rest of the day will bring, I find comfort in the knowledge that the Lord does.
Jesus instructed, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:33-34, NKJV).
As summer transitions into fall, I find myself feeling a few things. I am tired because July has been busy with finishing a manuscript that’s on a deadline and visiting family and friends. At the same time, I find myself feeling obliged to fill some time I have open in August, but, thankfully, the Spirit says, “Keep it open.”
What I've come to realize is that it's not just a desire, but a necessity to rest and refresh before jumping into the fall season—and then into Christmas, and then into 2026!
Do we sometimes worry that if we stop, the whole world will stop? Or do we realize it will keep on going without us?
Sisters, God invites us to another way, where yes, we have whole lives, commitments, and dreams, but we also need to invest in His soul care by pausing for rest and renewal.
By pausing for rest and renewal, we can be fully present for those in our lives, while also nurturing our sacred relationship with God.
It is in His Word that we find true refreshment and renewal.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
–Psalm 1:3, NKJV
Like the tree King David wrote about in Psalm 1:3, we too can be deeply connected to a source of strength and renewal. Our source of water is the living water of Jesus. As our roots grow deep into the Word, we are renewed and refreshed. Abiding in Jesus (John 15:5) prepares us for the fruit that we will bear in upcoming seasons.
So, don't be discouraged if all your summer plans haven't worked out—if you never got around to organizing that closet (me), checking off your to-do list, or tackling your stack of books to read.
Be encouraged that by seeking the Kingdom of God first, your roots will be deep in His living water, and what beautiful fruit you will bring forth in the upcoming season!
Resting and renewing our hearts and minds in God's Word are life-sustaining. If you are feeling tired or depleted, that is an indication that you need to pause. Even if you can only spend a short time, being in the Word with God will bring you so much joy and energy.
How can you incorporate God's soul care of rest and renewal into your daily routine this week? Challenge yourself to find new ways to work these concepts into your day. Start your day with a devotion, read a short Psalm or chapter between activities, slip in a walk during your lunch break, or keep your Bible on your nightstand and read a few verses before bed.
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