Psalm 92 tells us: ‘The righteous will flourish like a palm tree’ (v. 12 NIV).

Today let’s continue to learn more of the characteristics of a palm tree:

• The palm tree can resist the abuse of the strongest winds – remember, Jesus took the force of all abuse upon Himself for us to be victorious over the storms of life – ‘but He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV). God did all these because He so loved the world, and He had you and I in mind.

• The older the palm tree the sweeter it’s fruit – the psalmist tells us: ‘they shall still bear  fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing’ (Psalm 92:14 NKJV). The more we grow in relationship with Him, the sweeter our fruit will become and influence others around us. My hope is that by all of us spending more time in God’s presence, we will start to be transformed into His very image as Paul reminds us (see 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). May God help us to display the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23).

• A group of palm trees form an oasis – together we can make a difference in our world today, especially during these unprecedented days. Paul reminds us of the importance of ‘endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:3 NKJV). Psalm 133 reminds us that in unity ‘the Lord bestows his blessings’ (Psalm 133:3 NIV) and when we group ourselves together in unity, we provide shade for those weaker than ourselves. This is why this verse is so important to us: ‘not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together’ (Hebrews 10:25 NKJV).

• The palm tree is forever green – the evergreen speaks of life, and as children of God we have been given everlasting life: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 NIV). Jeremiah 17 reminds us that our leaves will be forever green (see v. 7-8 NIV). Green speaks of life: Jesus came that we may not just have life but life ‘to the full’ (John 10:10 NIV).

‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9 NIV). He who has conquered the world lives within you. Therefore, in Christ we are able to do ALL things!

So don’t forget: ‘the righteous will flourish like a palm tree’ and that is you!