7 Ways To Grow Spiritual Roots

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7 Ways To Grow Spiritual Roots | by Jamie Rohrbaugh | FromHisPresence.comDo you want to walk in power, carrying weight and influence both in Heaven and on earth? If so, then you’ll want to grow spiritual roots.

Spiritual roots are an often-overlooked part of our walk with Christ.

If we have deep spiritual roots, then both God and people will be able to trust us. We can go far and make a major impact on the Kingdom if we have roots deep enough to sustain us.

However, if we don’t grow spiritual roots–or don’t grow very deep ones–then we will not be able to carry weight in the Kingdom. We may be able to walk in power, but we won’t be able to sustain the responsibility and influence that go with that power.

Without roots, we will simply topple and fall when the first big storm arises–even if we look really pretty on the outside.

Growing deep spiritual roots is simply a crucial part of our growth.

So how do you grow those deep spiritual roots? Here are seven ways that you can put down those roots. This list is not all-inclusive, but it’s a pretty good picture of how to begin–and of the seriousness of the root-growing process. 🙂

Read on!

1. Hide God’s Word in your heart.

I put this first because it and #2 are the easiest–and they will save you a lot of trouble if you do them!

Hiding God’s Word in your heart will keep you from sinning against God. Psalm 119:11 says:

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

Hiding God’s Word in your heart is important because God wants to build character in us, and knowledge of His Word will help us grow. He wants to give us those spiritual roots even more than we want them. His goal is to transform us into the image of Christ!

His Word even says that we do not have to sin at all. Did you know that? It is absolutely possible, in Christ, to live a sinless life.

But we will never get there without hiding God’s Word in our heart. In reality, we will never grow at all–and never put down any kind of spiritual roots–without God’s Word in our heart.

So how do you hide God’s Word in your heart?

You read it. Every day.

More than that, you read slowly. You digest it. You memorize it–first phrases, then sentences, then verses.

And most importantly of all, you pray-read through it, which means:

  • asking God for all the good stuff as you read about good stuff;
  • asking for His help with all the commands;
  • thanking Him continually; and
  • asking for His conviction, forgiveness, and power to change when He shows us sin in our lives.

If you will hide God’s Word in your heart, you will begin to put down spiritual roots. Even if you start at slowly, it will work!

So begin today. Start where you are, with tiny portions at a time if that’s what you can do. Just start, and you will grow!

2. Pray. Pray a lot.

Oh, beloved. Other than God’s Word and, of course, His Spirit, prayer is the most powerful force we have available to us on the earth.

Prayer is two-way communication. It is communion with God. It is the sweet savoring of intimate conversation with our Heavenly Father, the Lover of our souls.

When you pray, you encounter God personally. In prayer, you are very literally right before His throne. That’s why Hebrews 4:16 says:

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

People of much character are people of much prayer. If you want to grow and put down spiritual roots, prayer is absolutely essential.

Beloved, you can save yourself from a lot of agony and trouble if you invest your time in a whole lot of prayer.

I can’t even tell you how many times I went to the Lord, intending to do a particular thing later–and God showed me as I prayed not to do it … thus saving me a ton of trouble.

Likewise, there are just as many times–maybe more–when I wasn’t planning to do anything about a situation; but I began praying, and God showed me exactly what to do and told me to do it now.

God instructs us as we pray. And if we will listen and obey, we can grow spiritual roots simply through the discipline of tuning our ear to His voice and deciding to follow Him.

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges that we have.

The halls of history are filled with mighty men and women of God who became mighty through prayer. Stories abound about how some of the godliest, most fruitful people to ever walk the planet invested their time, first and foremost, in prayer.

The Call of Intercession | by Jamie Rohrbaugh | FromHisPresence.com
For inspiration, check out my 3-part MP3 teaching series about how to become an intercessor! Click the image to visit my Gumroad store.

Beloved, if we will pray much, we will learn much. We will grow. We will develop more godly character every moment that we linger in the throne room.

Oh precious friend. If you want to grow spiritual roots, become a person of prayer.

Related: 10 Prayers That Draw Me Closer to God Than Any Other Prayers;

3. Love and pray for your enemies.

Beloved, praying for your enemies can be a challenge … and that’s exactly why it helps us grow spiritual roots.

Oh, it’s easy to pray things like “Get ’em, God. Smite ’em.”

But prayers like that don’t please the Father. Jesus called us to love our enemies. Matthew 5:43-48 says:

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

In the passage above, Jesus clearly told us that the process of loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, et cetera actually makes us like God.

He even went so far as to say that doing these things will make us perfect.

Whoa!!!

That’s a really big deal, friends.

How does loving our enemies work such a change in our character? How does it help us grow spiritual roots?

Think about it this way:

  • Loving your enemies is something that you can only do with Holy Spirit’s help.
  • It requires us to see people the way God sees them.
  • It requires us to deny our flesh and walk in the Spirit.
  • It requires us to obey Jesus’ command.
  • It requires us to come into alignment with the heart of God for a person.
  • It requires us to come into agreement with God’s heart to see Jesus glorified, when we pray: “Father, help them so that Jesus will no longer be wounded by their actions.”

That’s a whole lot of available character growth, right there.

Related: How To Pray for Those That Hate You

Beloved, when you love and pray for your enemies, you make your spiritual roots grow. The very act of loving those who hate you forces your flesh, your heart, and your soul to conform to the mold of Christ.

Maybe that’s one reason God, in His wisdom, allows us to have enemies sometimes, huh? 🙂

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4. Die to yourself.

If you want to grow spiritual roots that will sustain a huge level of blessing, influence, calling, etc long-term, you’ve got to die to yourself.

More accurately, you’ve got to remember that you’re dead to yourself  and alive only in Christ Jesus … and you have to stay that way.

Galatians 2:20 says:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

If you have made Jesus the Boss of your life, then you ARE already dead to yourself.

It is no longer you who lives, but Christ who lives in you. You now live only by faith in Him.

But sometimes your flesh likes to stage a little resurrection. Sometimes your mind forgets that you’re dead to yourself, and it wants to do what it wants.

You probably know exactly what I’m talking about. You know, those times:

  • When you want to yell at your spouse;
  • When you want to cuss at your child;
  • When you want to get revenge;
  • When you want attention, bless God, because it’s all about meeeeeeeee …
  • When you want to insist on your own rights;
  • When you lie to cover up your sins; etc.

When your flesh stages a resurrection, you have to remind it that you’re dead to yourself. It can’t rise up if it’s not alive!

Also, if your flesh wants to make its own choices, you have to force your mind and your flesh to act only on the fact that you’re dead to yourself (and alive in Christ).

So, even though you’re already dead to yourself, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31, “I die daily.” You have to keep on dying to yourself daily, denying your flesh the right to do anything on its own.

But dying to yourself is actually how you get promoted.

In John 12:24-26, Jesus said:

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.

If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:24-26).

Dying to yourself makes you like that grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies. When you die to yourself, you will eventually harvest new life, increased fruitfulness, closer friendship with Jesus, and honor from the Father.

5. Receive correction from God and others.

Whoa! Ouch! Couldn’t we just skip this one?

Unfortunately, no.

It hurts. I know it hurts. Been there, done that. It hurts when it comes from God because we have to abandon sin and bad habits so we can be closer to Him.

And it hurts in a different way when correction comes from other people, because then we have to humble ourselves and–gulp!–admit that we might not be perfect quite yet …

… and apologize …

… and make things right …

… and potentially have our flesh embarrassed (you know, that part of ourselves that wants everybody to think well of us all the time).

Hey, we’re only human. It’s natural to want to be right.

But it’s SUPERnatural to humble ourselves, receive correction, make things right, and grow from it.

And only God can help us do it.

Again, the process of godly discipline and correction offers us the opportunity to choose life. We have to choose to obey God’s Word and submit to it, rather than trying to be right no matter what.

(Notice I said godly discipline; you should flee from ungodly discipline, shame, lies, accusations, etc. Those are NOT from the Lord.)

But if we will accept correction–whether it’s from Holy Spirit directly or whether it’s godly correction from those whom He has placed in authority over us–then we will grow. Our spiritual roots will become deeper as our character matures, and the visible part of our lives will become more fruitful.

21 Kisses: The Sure Mercies of David for Your Life | Jamie Rohrbaugh | FromHisPresence.com
21 Kisses is my 4-part MP3 word of hope and restoration for the victimized, rejected, and neglected. It’s based on the life of King David in the Bible. Click the image to check it out on my Gumroad store!

6. Be persecuted.

“Hey, sign me up!” – said nobody ever.

I know; this is a tough one. A very tough one. And I’ve been there–for looooooong periods of time, too. Anytime you stand for righteousness, you will make enemies.

🙁

But here are some of the things I learned–and the skills I gained–while being persecuted:

  • I learned that my identity is not determined by what anyone else thinks of me.
  • I learned that I could trust God no matter what.
  • I learned that God LOVES to elevate you above your enemies.
  • I learned not to put my trust in men, for even the people you thought were closest to you can betray you.
  • I learned what it felt like to complete the sufferings of Jesus.
  • I learned how Jesus felt when “they all forsook Him, and fled” (Mark 14:50).
  • I learned that Judas was a crucial part of Jesus’ destiny.
  • I learned to stand still and keep my eyes on God despite the worst, most depressing times I had ever faced.
  • I learned the power of forgiveness more than I ever knew it before.
  • I learned that, not only should I worship God anyway–but that I actually could. (There’s a difference between knowing you should worship anyway and actually doing it.)
  • I learned in a new way how to pray for those who hated me and bless those who persecuted me.
  • I learned how to rejoice in the midst of persecution, for great is my reward in Heaven.

Persecution is one of the biggest things that God has used to grow me.

I hate it. It’s not fun. It’s not God’s best plan. He NEVER inspires sin; and when people persecute others, it’s never His idea.

But He works it out for your good. And He always blesses you MORE for being persecuted than He could have if you hadn’t been.

Persecution will teach you to stand through things you never felt you could endure.

You may stand with a broken heart. You may feel like you’re bleeding out in the parking lot. You may get spiritually murdered.

But everything the enemy means for evil, God will turn around for good:

  • He’ll heal your heart.
  • He’ll fill you with the blood of Jesus and make you ten times stronger.
  • And He’ll resurrect you stronger than you ever were before.

‘Nuff said.

7. Go through hell.

I don’t want you to have to do this, but the fact remains that it’s a big part of growing spiritual roots.

When I talk about going through hell, I’m not talking about persecution (#6 above) … although that can be its own special sort of hell.

But when I’m talking about going through hell, I’m talking about:

When horrible things like this happen to us, we have to understand that they are not necessarily from God.

Sometimes they are. I’ve lost a job before and the separation was from God. I’ve lost friends before and the separation was from God.

But sickness is never from God. Divorce, adultery, betrayal, and sin are never from God. It’s important that we remember that.

Nevertheless, God will always work ALL THINGS for your good.

Romans 8:28 says:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

All things work together for good.

All things.

That means:

  • When that financial crisis comes, He’ll turn it around for your good.
  • When that divorce comes, He’ll either heal your marriage or He’ll bring you a better spouse if you’ll believe Him for it.
  • When that sickness comes, He’ll heal you.

He always works all things out for your good. And while He’s doing so, you will grow some fabulous spiritual roots if YOU are willing to do so.

Here’s the thing:

If you’re going to grow spiritual roots while you go through hell, you have to decide to stand in faith. You have to decide that you’re going to keep your eyes on Jesus, and not feel sorry for yourself all the time.

Because if you start looking at yourself, get into introspection and “poor me,” and keep your eyes on your circumstances, you’ll get to go around and around that same ol’ mountain.

You’ll get to wander in the wilderness like the Israelites did. Maybe even for years at a time! You’ll simply wander until you decide to keep your eyes on Jesus and get on board with His plan.

The wilderness is a time of training. It was designed as an opportunity for you to grow spiritual roots.

If you submit to the training quickly and stand in faith, you can take the shortest route to your Promised Land. But if you refuse to submit, you’ll simply wander until you do. 🙁

Take the short route, okay?

Beloved, spiritual roots are necessary if you want a big destiny.

The biggest, strongest trees have to have deep root systems if they’re going to last.

Oh, there are some big trees that have shallow root systems–but they blow over and die as soon as a storm comes. Don’t be like that. You don’t want to build something great with your life, only to lose everything as soon as a storm comes …

… all because you didn’t have the character needed to sustain it.

Instead, grow the deepest spiritual roots you can.

Let the roots come first. Let God have His way. Let Him build and mold your character, conforming you to the image of Jesus.

If you will, then whatever He finally builds publicly for you will last. Your destiny can endure. You will be a fit vessel, able to carry your blessing.

Is Holy Spirit speaking to you about growing spiritual roots? Does this message resonate in your heart? If so, please leave a comment below. I love to hear from you!

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33 Comments

  1. Laura Mancinelli says:

    Absolutely! ! What a powerful true right now word for me! Thank you!!

    1. Cassandra says:

      Such a great perfect timing because this is what I needed to hear! Thank you my Abba! Yeshua! Bless this Ministry you Desired to do a good work! Hallelujah!!

  2. Rebecca L Jones says:

    Deep roots, that’s truly what it takes.

    1. Dr. Torise Hiller says:

      This ministry and blog was truly a timely message that was needed for me TODAY. Surrendering my flesh, my feelings and observations are so vital for Spiritual growth and Soul care. Thank you Jamie for once again being a blessing 🙏 ❤

  3. Tamie Tyra says:

    Once again Father as brought a perfect word through your blog. Jamie I can not through errors convey to you how very blessed I am that He led me to your blog. Through you He is performing miracles in my life, He is walking me deeper in my faith, and feeding my soul in a way it has yearned for, for many years. My spirit is filling daily. I pray abundant blessing over your life Sister.
    Love your Sister in Christ
    Tamie

  4. This has made my day. Holy Spirit help me to grow spiritually in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    1. Praise the Lord. I appreciate the encouraging words on standing strong in the Lord. This is a true blessing. Jamie Rohrbaugh, may God continue to bless you as He uses you to teach and share His Word to His people. I love you.Ey

  5. Amen what an incredible uplifting blog! Thank you and bless you!

  6. Tracy Chappel says:

    I thank God for his word. Since I’ve found this site on Pinterest, everything has been on point. God knows what we need when we don’t. May God continue to use and bless you to bring forth his word.

  7. Jamie, this is such a timely Word for me from the Lord. Thank you for allowing God to continually speak through you to bless the masses.

    Poppa God help me to
    deepen my spiritual
    roots, in the Name of
    Jesus.

  8. Jim Lorton says:

    I’ve experienced this as an ongoing process in my life, not easy but well worth the cost. Thanks for your openness and honesty. I sense God at work in your life. Be blessed.

  9. AMEN & AMEN!! Every single word you wrote is the TRUTH, Jamie. Even as painful and difficult as it can be to have these spiritual roots grown & deepened, it IS worth it once they become established…and Father God is ALWAYS faithful to see you through the process. Bless you for your diligence and transparency in mentoring the body of Christ!

  10. Hi thank you for this I really needed this its been tough for a few years I know I am on a upward climb. Keep up the good work it is an inspiration.

  11. Yvonne Amituanai says:

    Amen I am truly blessed by your blog, thank you. May God continue to Bless your ministry, God is amazing ?

  12. Thank you! Always struggled in knowing how to build my spiritual roots but now I have a visual I can go back to when I need help when I’m struggling. Your ministry is a blessing to me!

  13. You may or may not remember, but last year, when I discovered your website (hurrah), I said that the Spirit had told me to end 3 women relationships. I considered them close friends and it was a very painful experience. Recently, I lost another woman friend and I don’t understand how or why it happened and I was grieved for awhile and most recently a woman member of our church (I’m a Pastor’s wife – and believe me I don’t think I’m special) has accused me of something untrue and is hateful toward me which has cut very deep. Knowing that Satan is at work and daily prayer has allowed me to deal with most issues, but this latest one HAD undone me, UNTIL I read this post. I had an epiphany when I read your ‘desert’ comment. Rejection has been a big player in my life since childhood and it ‘keeps happening’, but your insightful words were revelatory. It keeps happening because I haven’t fully submitted in these trials. I’ve prayed, cried, stood on the Word, but not submitted, more wanting to get ‘past it’. At this point I felt Jesus’ presence and heard myself say, “I have no friends because You want me to come to You alone.”
    l have been asking for big things and He has used me in some pretty amazing ways, BUT I need to get over rejection for my roots aren’t deep enough to go to the next level. Hallelujah! I immediately submitted and declared that I no longer wanted to stay in the desert. I’m ready for the Promised Land. Lots of work to come. May God richly bless you as you continue to hear, obey and convey the truths from His Holy Spirit.

  14. Hi Jamie I saved this post for so long and tonight feel the need to read it.Oh my word what an on time word for me as I was on the verge of giving up.Thank you for being a vessel through who God can speak.It help me understand a lot of things better.Keep up the good work

  15. Hi Jamie
    This Massage is so powerful, and i like the part that talk about paying for enemies. I have being a slave to hatred and anger,but after reading your blog I started praying for my enemies and I am now better as this is the long walk the Holly spirit is helping me to forgive when the flash want to stage it’s self.
    I thank God for using you to deliver me.

  16. Hi Jamie! This message resonates with what has been going on throughout my life. Thank you for sharing this, may God bless you even more! 🙂

  17. Mogany Naicker says:

    Amen i am so blessed by this word, it came at the perfect time. I need to grow my spiritual roots..

  18. Thank Father O ask you to strengthen my spiritual roots in you in the name of Jesus 🙏🏾🙌🏿😭

  19. You’re always such a blessing to me, and your messages from our Father are always timely.God bless you

  20. God my father, thank you for this woman of God whom you are using to as a chosen vessels to speak to our situations in our daily lives.
    All the areas of my life have been touched through the revelation of the Holy spirit.
    Now I choose to humble as God allows my routes to grow deep spiritually..
    Help me God.
    Amen

  21. Dottie Mulenga says:

    Hi
    This article blessed my heart so much. Thanks for posting. I was able to share with the ladies I hold bible study with. Most were blessed and ministered to.
    God bless.

  22. Jessica F. says:

    Hi Jamie,
    Thank you so much for this. Your emails always minister to me. Also, I prayed for you on your television appearance today. You will do all that God has called you to do and say today in Jesus name!

  23. Millicent says:

    Yes Lord. I want to grow spiritual roots. To fix my eyes so on Jesus that I shall be able to stand no matter the circumstances. Such a timely word. God bleds you Jamie!

  24. Wow I am so inspired and uplifted how GREAT is our LORD MIGHTY REDEEMER that very powerful I felt every word speaking with me .
    Bless you our beloved Jamie
    We love you

    1. Thank you Papa for such a healing on timely word i a so blessed,may God bless you too the author of this article.

  25. Melinda Davis says:

    Jamie,
    This was what I needed to hear and thank you for sharing this word of encouragement with me. I pray God will bless your Ministry.

  26. So powerful the whole passage hit my heart thankyou Jamie, I dont know why but I felt a little guilty I thank God for you Jamie

  27. A beautiful analogy of all I have experienced. We share similar journeys.
    Thank you for your prayers in how to respond to my situation.
    Thank you, Jamie, & thank you, Lord, for sustaining us & transforming us through our wilderness seasons.
    God bless you!

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