Flourishing Like A Palm Tree

Psalm 92:12-15

Message No. 0760 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

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Hello everyone and I hope that your week has started well. It shall also end well in Jesus’ name. This week we will examine why the writer of Psalm 92 compared the righteous to a Palm Tree as well as to Cedrus libani (the Cedars of Lebanon). What are the qualities of these trees that the life of the righteous resembles? Happy reading and be blessed!

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When I looked up the characteristics of palm trees, this is what I found:

Palm trees are characterized by their tall, straight trunks, large, compound leaves (fronds), and often bearing fruit like coconuts or dates. They are monocots, meaning they have a single seed leaf and their growth is unique, with new growth occurring from the top of the stem. Palms are also known for their resilience, ability to withstand strong winds, and long lifespans. 

I also looked up the features of the cedar of Lebanon, and this is the result:

The Cedar of Lebanon is a majestic evergreen tree. It is a significant cultural and historical symbol, particularly for Lebanon, where it is featured on the national flag and is known as the "Land of the Cedars". These trees are known for their impressive size, often reaching over 100 feet tall, and their durable, fragrant wood. 

I have personally examined palm trees and have observed their strength and resilience. I may be wrong, but I cannot remember seeing one that has died based on drought or other adverse soil circumstances. Palm trees are grown in windy weather environments like Florida in the United States, and they always withstand hurricanes and other storms, whereas other trees are easily fallen and uprooted by the same storms. Palm trees may be bent by storms, but they cannot be broken; they go right back up.

As for the cedars of Lebanon, they are large (you can look them up) with massive trunk and wide horizontal branches. Even so, those branches are strong and can withstand adverse weather conditions. The cedar’s wood is used in construction and was used in shipbuilding in time past by Assyrians and Egyptians. The cedars are a symbol of strength and resilience and is national identity for Lebanon.

In Psalm 92, the Bible declares in verses 12 - 14:

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

This comparison tells us many things about the righteous, but in particular, it says that the righteous shall flourish. Nothing will stop the righteous from growing, from making progress or from breakthrough. It does not matter under which conditions the righteous lives, he or she shall prosper. Look at what the Bible says in Job 5:22-24:

You shall laugh at destruction and famine, and you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss.

When there was severe famine in the land of Gerar, the Bible says this of Isaac, in Genesis 26:12-13:

Then Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper and continued prospering until he became very prosperous.

The righteous is strong and resilient. It does not matter what setback he or she may face, the righteous will come right back up. The dream of the righteous cannot be killed. Any setback is a condition necessary to do things better. The righteous is not afraid. He or she is relying on the Lord, the unfailing Source. According to Psalm 1 verse 3, the righteous shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he or she does shall prosper.

Are you righteous? Do not worry about any adverse conditions that are always temporary. God always opens new opportunities for His elect. He shall not let the enemy to laugh over you. The devil thought that he had won when Jesus was crucified, but alas, it was the fastest way to his downfall. God has a surprise in the Bag for you, and He shall bring it out soon. You will flourish, for the Mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

What to Do?

Do not worry in adverse conditions. The palm tree springs back. The cedar grows strong. The righteous stands tall.