September 17

Like Palm and Cedar

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. — Ps 92:12 BSB

These trees aren’t pruned or cared for by human hands—palms and cedars are “trees of the Lord,” and it’s by His care that they flourish. In the same way, the saints of the Lord are under His personal care. These trees are evergreen, remaining beautiful in every season. Believers are not sometimes holy and sometimes worldly; they stand firm in the beauty of the Lord through every trial. Like palms and cedars, they draw the attention of all who see them—no one can overlook their presence in a landscape. The followers of Jesus are visible to all, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.

A child of God grows like a palm tree, sending all its energy straight upward in one strong, unbranched column. It is a pillar that bears its fruit as close to heaven as possible. Lord, fulfill this image in me.

The cedar endures every storm, growing even in the cold near eternal snows. The Lord Himself fills it with sap that keeps its heart warm and its branches strong. Lord, let this be true of me as well. Amen.