Psalm 92:12-15, (NIV) The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright, he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.”  

Every hurricane season I think of the palm trees as I see them bending nearly to the ground and not breaking.  The palm is an incredible tree; the tap root goes deep into the ground to anchor the tree and to reach the source of water to provide nourishment.  Its deep root sustains it in all seasons and it is even able to grow in the deserts.

The palm tree in the desert is a welcome sight to weary travelers, and signifies rest, shade and refreshment.  The tree is a symbol of constancy, patience, uprightness and prosperity.  It can grow from 40 to even 80 feet tall and lives from 100 to 200 years.  It will begin to bear fruit at age 6, but is most productive in later years.  

The tree produces over 360 products for use, such as food, sugar, wine, seeds crushed for camel food, leaves used to make baskets, bags, wax, oil and dyes, parts used for fences, roofs, ropes, brushes, couches, and is able to supply a village with all they need.  

The plant is an endogen, meaning it grows from within.  It is built to withstand winds up to 200 mph.  It is a symbol of Victory!  Wow, when I studied that, all I could think of was my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Over the years since I have been firmly planted in the house of the Lord, I have been developing deeper roots as I am daily watered by the Word of God and growing deeper in my knowledge of Him.  We have had many storms in our life, but God’s strength has allowed us to bend and not break with the force of them.  His power has held us firm and allowed us to stand straight again after the storms.  

My desire is to be a godly helpmeet for my husband and a godly mom, grandma and great grandma to our family.  I want to be available to help meet their needs as they occur.  I want our home to provide shelter, rest and refreshment to our family and guests, to be a haven for them to come and be refreshed.  God has put that desire in my heart and continues to show us ways to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

The palm tree is a symbol of constancy; it is not bent out of shape by every little storm that comes its way.  It has patience and stands upright through it all.  Its deep root holds it firm.  So should ours.

The palm is also more fruitful in old age; it yields its best fruit last.  God reminds us throughout the Bible the importance of wisdom.  We are built up with the knowledge He teaches us, but the most important thing we can do with it is to use it wisely.  Having used what He has taught us over the years, we are building up wisdom and strength and growing stronger.  We need to stay “green” in our relationship with God and keep feeding our souls with our study of the Bible. 

The palm tree is a symbol of victory.  As a Christian, my victory is in Jesus, my Savior.  Just as the palm tree continues to grow upward in spite of the fruit it bears, so Jesus helps me continue to grow upward, closer to Him, in spite of the problems of this world.  I like the way the Living Bible says it in Psalm 92:12-15, “But the godly shall flourish like palm trees, and grow tall as cedars of Lebanon.  For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden, and are under His personal care.  Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.  This honors the Lord, and exhibits His faithful care.  He is my shelter.  There is nothing but goodness in Him.”