Flourish

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree (Psalm 92:12a).

There are many different kinds of palm trees, over 2,500 species. Most of them grow in warmer climates, but they are remarkably diverse and flourish from rainforests to deserts. Palms are some of the best-known trees and have a long history of cultivation for their foods, medicines, wood, and large leaves. If we choose to live the righteous life God wants, He promises that we will flourish like the palm tree.

he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon (Psalm 92:12b).

The cedars in Lebanon could grow large - 130 ft. tall and over eight feet in diameter. Most of the massive building projects in the Bible used cedar wood from Lebanon (such as Solomon's temple) because it was the best. These trees grew straight and tall, just like we should stay on a straight path, growing toward the Lord. They were substantial, deep-rooted plants; and so should our faith be.

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God (Psalm 92:13).

When we belong to the house of the Lord, God promises that we shall flourish within His courts. It is a privilege and joy to be part of His family and to share the gospel message. We should be so full of His love and presence that it naturally flows from us for all to see. We should be a living testimony to our Lord.

They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing (Psalm 92:14).

Our faith will produce fruit. It's what real faith does, and it comes naturally. When we love God and follow His will, good works come naturally. As James points out, faith without works is dead (see James 2:14-26). And as we mature and produce much fruit, we'll be blessed. Such a strong relationship with the Lord is a blessing in itself. So flourish in the Lord!

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