Every so often, a word or phrase will catch my eye.

Like a vintage wine, it begs to be appreciated, not glossed over.

God’s words are not fast food, they’re meant to be savoured.

One sticky phrase that has been swilling in my spirit this week is, “the root of the righteous”.

“No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.” (Proverbs 12:3 ESV)

“Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.” (Proverbs 12:12 ESV)

Remember the parable?

The sower sows the Word, but only the deep receiving heart holds to its transforming power.

The invisible root of righteousness reaching down to the depths of your spirit is the sustaining force that soon pushes through the surface to bear rich fruit.

Do not “covet the spoil of evildoers” or “desire the booty of evil men”.

The feeds on your phone are the foil for the real thing.

Full of exaggerated promises and pathways to satisfied desires, their falsity stands in contrast to the reality of life lived in contented fellowship with the Father.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6–7 KJV)

Selah.