Psalm 92:12 – 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
I grew up a lot like many children nestled in the hills of Appalachia in the way that I was a Believer. I knew the Lord. He was a center in my life. And while I knew Him and I knew His word, I don’t know that I truly knew Him. I don’t believe that it was until I had newfound independence of being out on my own that I came to know His word and not only think of it more in my day-to-day life, but yet, embody it. I like to think of this as though when you eat as salty snack. You can’t just have one chip; you get a taste and it leaves you wanting more and more. As much as I think I know his word, I find myself learning and interpreting it in new ways almost daily.
While I love Appalachia and the way it helped shape me into a person, I was so very blessed to travel as a child. I think some of my fondest family memories include activities on a beach in the Caribbean. I cling to those memories because they can turn any bad or sad day around. And I think that’s partially why I love the beach and palm trees so very much. I find happiness in those things.
In Episode 13 of The Modern Esther, Danielle and Amy discussed the significance of the palm of Deborah as wells as the palm throughout scripture. I believe that message as a whole was one that I personally needed.
I believe it’s a consensus when I say palm trees are often associated with beaches, warm weather, and just bliss. That’s the connection I personally have had tied to them my entire life. Just solely because they were attached to things that I loved. Yet, we know because of scripture that God too has such a special regard for palm trees. They were etched throughout Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29-35; 7:36) and will be in God’s future temple.
In today’s day and age, society’s vocabulary and mentality are full of fear, doubt, unbelief, and uncertainty. However, this should not be the case in those who are believers. They carry words of faith, trust, and hope. Much like palms have distinct and recognizable appearances, Christians do by their actions. There should be something about us that is distinct compared to the rest of society. There should be something within us that nonbelievers just do not have, but yet they desire it. We can think of this much like the chip reference I mentioned earlier. If we are able to show nonbelievers that we as Christians have this special kind of chip. There’s nothing quite like it. If they eat they chip it can open a whole new world of everlasting love and happiness that no one else can offer. I think they eat they chip and too, ask for more.
We have God’s grace. We have God’s presence. We have His peace. His word is in our heart, allowing us to rise above the rest. With Him, we are able to flourish much like the palm.
No matter which direction a palm is planted, they will always grow towards the sun. This means they sometimes grow and contort themselves in untraditional fashions. When an individual is grounded and rooted in Christ, they will always be attracted to the Son. They have a desire in their heart to grow closer and closer to the Lord and His word. This sometimes means that they have to make difficult decisions and resist things are seen as an easier route or are able to give instant gratification.
I encourage you all to become rooted in the love and faith of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to grow tall and strong towards the Son.