“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.”  Psalm 92:12

Most would rather be compared to a towering tree than a sheep.  But that does not mean that there is nothing to be learned from this metaphor. It is full of instruction and meaning that we can sometimes just gloss over, forget about, or ignore.  God, through the Psalmist, chose these words carefully.  These trees are beautiful, large and strong.  They withstand storms, droughts and difficult climates.  So what was the Psalmist saying about God’s followers?

Firstly. These trees were (and still are) a blessing to people.  Their wood was used to make timber for homes and furniture.  Various parts of the tree were used to make necessities in day to day living (from baskets to ropes).  Their fruit fed people and livestock.  Their leaves offered shelter from the sun.  As God’s people, we are to be a blessing to others, using our resources to help those in need, and encourage those who are struggling.

Secondly, these trees are hardy.  They endure extreme climates and live for years in drought and windy conditions.  The climate around them does not cause them to dry up and shrivel, or to move to a more hospitable climate.  Instead, they send down deep roots and flourish in the harshest of environments.  So too, we are called to be steadfast in difficult times.  Instead of keeping our eyes on the problems, we are told to put down deep roots into Christ, and to flourish in Him.

Thirdly, these trees grow were they are planted, which is in the dry, unfertile soil of the desert.  With limited resources,  continue reading