Shallow Soil

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Mark 4:5-6

For some of us, there was a time when the Bible gave us hope. We were filled with joy at the thought of Jesus. We believe it’s enough. Unless we are saturated with the living water of the Bible, the trials and sorrows of life take over and we allow the little faith we had to fall away. It withers and dies, leaving us parched and alone in a difficult world.

Our faith was shallow. The roots never took hold, never grew deep enough to sustain us. There is nothing to hold onto through the dark nights. We ask, “Why?” and we don’t hear an answer. Is that the cry of your heart today?

The Word is able to root us deep as we abide in Jesus. Developing strength and trust and hope and perseverance through knowledge of the Bible will prepare us ahead of time. There will be promises from the Word of God to lift us up and sustain us through the difficult days. Let this Scripture be a prayer for you.

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees. I will not neglect your Word. Psalm 119:15

We can meditate and consider and delight in God’s Word. Do not neglect it. It will nourish, fill and support us during the desert times.

Jesus, once again, explains the verse we began with today in this parable of the farmer:

Others, like seed sown in rocky places, hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away. Mark 4:16-17

Let’s become rooted deep, so we do not wither or fall away. Is the soil of your soul prepared? The living water of the Word is ready. Let’s plant it in our hearts and souls. It will be our miraculous reservoir when trouble comes.

Dear Jesus,

You are the Word. Show us the Words meant just for us today as we seek to dig deeper, to be rooted in good soil, to abide in Your vine and to bear much fruit.

Amen