A tree with shallow roots may thrive for a season, but when strong winds and storms come, it is easily uprooted. However, a tree with deep roots remains unshaken, standing firm despite the harshest conditions.

Similarly, a Christian with only surface-level faith may appear strong outwardly but will struggle when faced with life’s challenges. God’s desire for every believer is to grow deeper in Him—to develop profound knowledge and intimacy with Him, not just to remain at the surface with a vague understanding of who He is.

This is why Apostle Paul prayed for different churches that they would increase in revelation knowledge of God (Col. 1:9-10, Eph. 1:17-18). God desires depth in our relationship with Him.

While salvation is the crucial first step, God doesn’t want it to end there. He wants more—He desires that you know Him for who He truly is, and understand the authority you have in Christ. He desires growth and maturity for each believer.

Hebrews 5:12-14
New King James Version

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

One characteristic of an infant is dependence on milk; they cannot digest solid food as they have not yet matured to that stage. Here, the writer of Hebrews rebukes believers who should have matured but are still dependent on “milk”—those who have yet to mature in their faith.

After some time following salvation, there is an expected level of growth you should achieve—where you’re no longer dependent on “milk” but have advanced to “solid food.” This represents going deeper in your walk with God, becoming firmly rooted, strengthening your convictions, and becoming able to teach others.

It means moving from mere obligation to true devotion because you have genuine understanding of who God is and all you have received in Him.

Daniel exemplifies a man with deep roots in God. Scripture says in:

Daniel 1:8
New King James Version

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

And in:

Daniel 6:10
New King James Version

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Daniel lived in circumstances where compromise would have been easy. No one was watching to ensure he aligned with God’s will, yet Daniel understood that regardless of his surroundings, regardless of being immersed in a culture that contradicted his faith, he would stand firm. His convictions were unshakeable.

Dear believer, let this be your reality—that regardless of the contradictions the world throws at you, you would stand firm in your faith. This steadfastness can only be cultivated through a deep relationship with God and knowing Him intimately.

There is a profound difference between knowing about God and knowing Him intimately. Many people know about God—they know He can do all things, they’ve heard of His power and wondrous works. Some believe He was a great prophet, while others acknowledge He came and died for their salvation.

But there exists another group who not only know these facts but have developed a personal and intimate relationship with Him.

So I ask you: which group do you belong to? Do you have a personal relationship with your Father? Are His desires your desires? Do you truly comprehend His love and all He has done for you in Christ, or do you just know about Him?

Never fall into the misconception that depth in God is only for pastors or leaders. God desires that all believers develop deeper knowledge of Him and understand what they’ve received in Christ. He desires that everyone grow and mature in faith.

This growth is necessary because you can possess much yet be unable to utilize it without knowledge of what you have. When you cultivate an intimate relationship with God, you won’t be easily deceived by the enemy or swayed by every wind of doctrine.

Ephesians 3:16-19
New King James Version

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

God longs for you to comprehend the fullness of His love because truly understanding His love will deepen your yearning for Him. It will transform your superficial knowledge into personal, intimate relationship—moving you from head knowledge to heart knowledge, from doing things out of duty to a place of delight where you prioritize your Father’s will.

As you go about your day, remember this: God desires more. He wants a closer relationship with you. Perhaps the reason He seems distant is that you haven’t yet cultivated this depth of relationship. He is not far to reach—His arms are spread wide, yearning for much more with you.

Prayer Point:
Father, I refuse to remain at the surface. I desire to know You deeply, to walk in maturity, and to be firmly rooted in You, increase my hunger for Your Word, increase my yearning for you and help me have a deeper relationship with You.