July 19

Psalm 92:12 has a remarkable word of encouragement to the believer. It says, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Throughout the Middle East, palm trees are among the only lush vegetation. They grow in an adverse climate where little plant life thrives.

The cedars that grow in the mountainous country of Lebanon are noted for their stately splendor. Believers are supposed to be like these trees—thriving, even in less-than-optimum circumstances and standing tall and noble. They are to be above the fray and beyond the common.

How can they be, when they are subject to like passions as others? How can they be strong and noble when the winds of life assail them and the dust and drought of those winds have choked out others? Like the palm, they must have a deep tap root that goes in search of ground water. The believer must tap into Christ, our Living Water.

When we do, then we, like the palm will wear a crown of victory! We will be like the cedars of Lebanon that stand strong and emit a lovely fragrance, even when the mountains are rugged and the winds are averse. Christ, our strength, supplies all we need when we tap into the soil of His grace and reach heavenward for the power of His truth.