Rooting Season: Grow Deeper Before You Grow Higher
Photo by Daniel Watson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-trunk-green-leaf-tree-beside-body-of-water-762679/
“They will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” – Psalm 1:3
Before Paul became the apostle who wrote letters that still shape the church today, he was Saul, a man fiercely zealous for religion, yet blind to truth.
Then, on the road to Damascus, everything changed.
A light from heaven knocked him to the ground, and Jesus Himself called out to him.
This encounter was immediate, but Paul’s ministry wasn’t.
After his radical transformation, Paul didn’t immediately begin preaching. He didn’t gather followers or launch a mission. Instead, he writes,
“I did not immediately consult with anyone… but I went away into Arabia.” – Galatians 1:16–17
Paul spent years in obscurity, learning, unlearning, praying, and being formed.
It wasn’t wasted. It was a rooting season.
God was growing him downward before using him outward.
Before Paul preached or wrote letters, he was hidden and anchored in grace instead of law, in truth instead of tradition.
He was being grounded before he could be sent. This is what becoming a new creation is all about, not just changing what you do, but being completely transformed in who you are.
Because of those roots, Paul later stood firm when others distorted the gospel (Galatians 1:6–9).
Paul’s rooted season helps him discern false gospel preaching.
He wasn’t just inspired. He was grounded.
Rooting seasons may seem still, but beneath the surface, God is doing His deepest work.
How to Walk Through a Rooting Season
Focus on Depth, Not Display
You don’t have to be seen to be significant. This is the season for truth over trend.Keep Showing Up to the Secret Place
Rooting happens in the presence of God. Stay planted in prayer, the Word, and worship even when no one’s watching.Let God Expose Weak Spots
This season is when cracks in the foundation are gently corrected. Let Him show you what needs shoring up.Ask Better Questions
Not “When will I get there?” but “How can I grow here?”Stay Planted in Community
Roots are strongest when intertwined. Surround yourself with people who water your growth and keep you grounded in truth.
Rooted for Any Calling
Not everyone is called to preach like Paul.
Not everyone will write books, lead ministries, or stand on stages.
But everyone who follows Jesus will need to be rooted.
Whether you're a teacher, nurse, parent, or artist, your identity isn't in a title — it's in Christ.
Rooting is what anchors you in that identity before the titles, tasks, or transitions of life start shifting around you.
Because no matter where God leads you, or how He chooses to use you, your life will need to be built on something deeper than your circumstances.
You're not being formed for applause.
You're being formed for a strong foundation.
Scripture to Sit With
Galatians 1 — Paul’s transformation and hidden season
Psalm 1:3 — A tree planted by streams of water
Colossians 2:7 — “Let your roots grow down into Him…”
A Prayer for the Rooting Season
Lord, thank You for the slow, sacred work You do beneath the surface.
When I’m tempted to chase progress, remind me that depth matters more than display.
Help me release the need to be seen and instead be content to be steadied by You.
Root me in truth. Anchor me in grace.
Let my identity be found not in what I do, but in who You are.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The Root of It All
Psalm 1:3 describes a tree planted by streams of water, but that promise follows a condition.
It says, “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.”
That’s the path to rootedness. Not striving. Not spotlight. Just staying close to the Word.
Delighting in truth. Sitting with Scripture. Returning to His presence again and again.
May you stay rooted in truth as He prepares you for all He has ahead.
✨ This is part of the Spiritual Seasons Series — a 7-part look at how God shapes us.
May you walk through this season with grace.
