Day 21 - The Sparkling Waters

Can you remember the loveliness of a green tree's foliage or the abundant sight of its luscious and tempting tasty fruit? Did you ever remarked to someone about the beauty of a particular tree and the goodness of God in bestowing such a gift, without giving even a passing thought to the soil-covered and unsightly roots hidden deep in the ground? But that tree depended on its roots for its life and beauty.

The copious canopy above and the flavouring of the fruit is generated by the roots burrowing deep into a rich and well-watered soil, down in the dark and silent chamber of the earth.

Now I remember those people whose faces always seem to be lit up with a radiant glory; I have always admired those sort of folk. Their words, and the way they speak them, seem to contain a secret grace for me. It is as though they lift me into some higher life. Their words, actions and the expression in their voices have the effect of making me forget the things of the world and I feel in their company that I just might have joined the society of angels!

Those sort of people have a hidden root-life which produces this peculiar and tangible grace. Down in a closet is a secret laboratory where the fragrance and beauty that flow out of their lives is built up in them. It is here that the roots of their personal inner life take hold of the riches of heaven's grace and drink the waters that flow there. In this frequent and quiet communion with God they root downwards, and are then empowered to go out into life and bear fruit upwards.

While other people meet and talk about the things of the world, these folk meet with God in the garden of grace, where the sweet spices flow and the frankincense and myrrh perfume the air. It is there that they become laden with a bounty of fruit and infused with a sweet bouquet, which they bear into the world. They are like the tree planted by the rivers of water, whose leaves never decay.

Disciple, make sure that the roots of your inner being are well watered; take them to drink in the sparkling waters of life. Remember, effective work for God comes more from what you are than from what you do.