Get Rooted for the New Year

Proverbs 12; Matthew 7:24-29

The root of the righteous is immovable…is productive (Proverbs 12:3, 12)

“Give your servant a receptive heart… to discern between good and evil.” 1 Kings 3:9

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Congratulations and welcome to a year of divine guidance and abundant blessings! Being here today in worship is commendable because it lays the foundation for the path you plan to walk in 2026. It is my prayer that we all remain faithful to our shared objective of seeking God's presence together in this sanctuary this year.

As we step into the New Year, it's exciting to reflect on how much our experiences will be shaped by what we contribute to them! I believe it’s essential to embrace more wisdom this year. Remember the moment in 1 Kings 3:4 when God asked King Solomon at the beginning of his reign, "What should I give you?" It’s like receiving a blank check with endless possibilities! This thought inspires me to consider how we would respond if offered the same opportunity. What dreams, goals, or aspirations would we boldly declare?

Let’s take a closer look at Solomon’s response in verses 7-9: "Lord my God, you have made me king in my father David's place. I am just a young person with no experience. Your servant is among your countless chosen people, a group too numerous to count. Please grant me a receptive heart to judge them and to discern between good and evil. Who can judge such great people?"

What a remarkable request! In verse 12, God assured him He would grant his request and also provide additional blessings he hadn’t even asked for: riches and honor, making him unparalleled among kings. Isn’t it amazing how God often gives us more than we ask for?.

How many of you would like to emulate Solomon in your New Year’s resolution by seeking wisdom to navigate the year ahead? This is wisdom that deepens your faith, helps you endure challenges, keeps you calm, and guides you toward peace instead of panic.

That kind of wisdom is found in Proverbs 12, which centers around two key words: “root” and “righteousness.”

First, let’s look at the word “root.” In verse 3, it states, “...but the root of the righteous is immovable,” and in verse 12, “...but the root of righteousness is productive.”

The second important word is “righteous,” found in verse 3, “...the root of the righteous...,” and again in verse 12, “...the root of the righteous.” This Hebrew term describes someone who is just or has been justified. A righteous person is someone in a right relationship with God. Notably, the word “righteous” appears nine times in Proverbs 12. Overall, this chapter is about roots and righteousness.

As we consider being grounded and ready for the new year, what does that look like for us today? What does it mean for us now? Why is it important, and how can we stay rooted and prepared so we won't be uprooted when the storms come our way this year?

The first thing to note is that the root of the righteous is immovable (cannot be moved) 12:3. The roots that can withstand the storms of life, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7, are like someone who built their house on solid rock. No wind could topple it. No storms could destroy it because of its foundation, its roots! Disasters may come, but they don't defeat us. They may bend us, but they cannot break us. In fact, for the righteous, disasters develop and deepen our faith. Disasters produce patience in our lives. In fact, we become overcomers through disasters as “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

Secondly, the root of the righteous is productive (yields fruit) 12:12. Verse 5 explains that the righteous are productive because their thoughts are just and align with God's word. They foster positive relationships with their neighbors, seeking the welfare of others and focusing not only on earthly gains but also on benefits in the afterlife.   

We have heard that the root of righteousness is unmovable and fruitful. The main question is: What makes the righteous unmovable and fruitful? The answer is THE ROOT! It's not about the righteous themselves. It's all about the root. It doesn't say the righteous are unmovable. It says, "The root of the righteous is unmovable… is fruitful." Therefore, you need to have the right root to become immovable and productive. 

What is the right root? Jesus Himself answered this question when He declared His divinity to John in Revelation 22:16, saying, "I am the root and descendant of David, the bright and morning star." Here, Jesus is claiming to be God. This "I am" in Revelation is the same as the "I AM" in Exodus 3:14, where God told Moses to tell the Israelites that “I AM has sent me to you."

Jesus is our root and foundation! He is the source of our steadfastness and productivity. He brings stability, strength, and tranquility to our lives. It is through Him that we can gain the confidence and assurance needed to face the challenges of the next twelve months. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end!

Are you ready to (get rooted) and establish a strong foundation for the new year? It all begins with nurturing your roots! Reignite your faith in Jesus Christ. Remember Paul's words in Colossians 2:6: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, being rooted and built up in him." Also, keep in mind his teaching: "He who hears and keeps my word is like a person who builds their house on the rock, able to stand firm during a storm!" Now is the time to reconnect with Jesus, the source of your stability and strength, with unwavering faith in Him! Happy New Year!