This year, the intense summer heat scorched many delicate plants, especially the flowering ones. You can imagine my surprise when I noticed the Spanish dagger plant in my backyard had a big, beautiful bloom on it!

Out of curiosity, I began researching desert plants. What makes them be able to survive – and even boom – in an environment that would kill many others? I learned some plants have shallow roots that are spread out wide, so they catch even the smallest amount of moisture from dew or occasional rainfall. Others, like mesquite trees, have roots that go down deep, where they are not as vulnerable to changing surface temperatures and evaporation.

Our lives can sometimes feel like a desert. How do we become refreshed so that we can bloom again?

The answer is found in the secrets of the desert plants. When we reach out to others, we find a support system that will carry us through the hard times and give us more opportunities to experience joy. And when we are rooted in God’s word and our relationship with Jesus, God gives us the strength to keep going under any circumstance, because we find our soul’s nourishment in Him. We can stand strong, not only surviving, but thriving in even the harshest climate.

How healthy is your root system today? Is it up to the task of supporting you in what you may be facing in life?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” – Isaiah 35:1-2a