Scripture

Psalm 92:12-15 (New Living Translation)

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

Consider

Living in California, I am happily familiar with palm trees. A favorite sight of mine is a stand of four palm trees I can see from a distance. They rise tall above the surrounding trees, their distinctive heads clear against the blue sky.

The psalmist tells us that we who belong to God will flourish like palm trees because we have been “transplanted to the Lord’s own house.” To flourish like a palm tree means you will be noticed as different and distinctive in the landscape, impossible to miss. Your vitality will not diminish because you are rooted in Kingdom soil, and the Creator of life Himself nourishes and protects you.

You will rise straight and strong because living water flows freely to you from the One who loves you with unshakable faithfulness. You need not fear to draw from him all you need because his gifts are pure and wholesome—there is no darkness or corruption in him to hurt you.

Pray

FATHER, let me not be afraid to stand tall and distinct in this world, unashamed that I belong wholly to you. Help me to draw nourishment from the pure source of your goodness and mercy and not from the corrupted resources so readily available all around me. Thank you for your promise that my vitality will not fade and disappear but that I can look forward to eternal life with you, ever flourishing and fruitful.

Reflect

Psalm 1:1-3; 52:8; 1 John 1:5

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In the landscape of your life, what distinguishes you as one who belongs to God?