It was called a Topsy Turvy, an incredible hanging planter that promised to grow big red tomatoes upside down. My son bought it for me, and I couldn’t wait to see tomatoes growing from the apparatus hung on our porch.

I went to the hardware store and got everything needed—potting soil, a special fertilizer, and tomato seeds. I followed all the instructions. I watered religiously. I watched and waited for the promised fruit. Nothing happened—no little green tomatoes, no big red tomatoes. Finally, Lori made me take it down, and when I emptied the hanging planter, I discovered that there was no fruit because there were no roots. You can’t produce fresh tomatoes without roots!

What’s under the ground determines what shows up above the surface. Strong, healthy roots produce a healthy crop. A firm foundation ensures a strong structure. That’s why Paul exhorts followers of Jesus to be rooted and grounded in him.

Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

The strong root system that comes from following Jesus produces healthy spiritual fruit. This fruit is produced even when life turns “topsy turvy!” Fresh fruit comes from spiritual roots that are established in faith. Fresh fruit is not grown by achievements but from a root system of the soul grounded and built up in Jesus. Even when life is a bit topsy turvy, a grounded soul keeps us right side up.

Father, before we speak or act, help us nourish our souls in your Word and develop the strong roots that anchor our hearts and minds in Jesus. May our outward life be the result of being firmly grounded in him. In Jesus’ name. Amen.