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Flourish Like A Palm Tree, Grow Like A Cedar

As 2009 was coming to an end, in my usual style, I sought the Lord for guidance as to what 2010 would be like. By His Spirit, God led me to Psalm 92 and emboldened on my heart that not only 2010, but all through the new decade, there would be flourishing in the body of Christ. Yet, the word must be made clear. Even though flourishing is for everybody, there is a kind believers should be careful about!!!

There's a kind that Psalm 92:7 describes as the flourishing of the wicked! It lasts for a short while and may even draw accolades. But it quickly turns to destruction.

Then there's the more durable, longer lasting flourishing for (1) those who receive the righteousness of God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ; (2) those who choose to wholeheartedly serve God: through their local Church family, community or the body of Christ.

The Amplified Bible spells it out more clearly:

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age. They shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality], and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].
They are living memorials to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises. He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (Psalm 92:12-15, AMP)

Think about it. Would you rather suffer in the next ten years or with the help of God, find joy and fulfillment in what you do? Know first that you cannot attain to righteousness on your own. Righteousness is by faith in the justification of God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is how it goes: Your sins were underwritten on the cross. Don't hold yourself guilty, you are already made acceptable to your Father in heaven by the blood of the Lamb. Believe this in faith. What you can handle, and is a choice you make, is to serve God or care less. This is where you must decide to be on the side of God. To serve in your local church, community or just be a helping hand to someone in need somewhere. This is your key to flourishing like a palm tree and growing like a cedar in the new decade.