Flourishing

The righteous will flourish like palm trees;
they will grow like the cedars of Lebanon.
They are like trees planted in the house of the LORD,
that flourish in the Temple of our God,
that still bear fruit in old age
and are always green and strong. (verses 12-14)

Read Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15

‘The righteous will flourish like palm trees.’ These words remind me of Palm Valley in Central Australia’s Finke Gorge National Park – a beautiful oasis in the middle of the outback. Here beautiful, exotic palms and cycads, nourished by rock pools, flourish in a breathtaking valley, creating a unique environment.

Nourished by the ‘water of life’ (God’s word), God’s people flourish like these palms, creating a unique environment as they reflect God’s love in the world around them. The psalm writer says they ‘still bear fruit in old age and are always green’.

As God’s people we can continue to reflect his glory and love as we invite others to share the beauty of our unique environment in his church. Pray that you will always remain green and fruitful, and that many more ‘trees’ will spring up and grow.

Dear Lord, nourish me with your word so that I can flourish and bear fruit for you. Help me to reflect your love in everything I do. Amen.

by Grace Bock, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)

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