Bible: 5 Poetic Books

Lesson 3: Psalms, part one: POSITIVE Power and Passion

Prayer

92:12

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree...

PRAYING THE PSALMS? HOW ABOUT PRAYING THE PALMS?

Lord, hear my prayer: I want to be a palm tree!

The book of Psalms is filled with symbols of the steadfast Christian life. My favorite, though, remains the palm tree. For Christians young and old, there's no better representation of the life we are called to lead as Christians. So here's what we stand to gain if the Lord hears our prayer:

Nourishment:

The type of soil a palm is planted in determines how much water and nutrients it can receive. New Christians need to have a firm foundation in the Bible, and must surround themselves with good teaching and solid Christians. They must be open to receiving from others in this network, in order to be firmly GROUNDED in the Word.

It's also important to remember to "water in" new palms. A newly planted palm should be watered at least twice a week for the first six months, to ensure maximum moisture penetration. So too must the Christian be regularly exposed to the LIVING WATER of God, His Word, and His ways. It is only then that "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree" (Psalms 92:12). This will lead to

Growth: A properly cared for date palm can reach heights of over one hundred (100) feet. Not only that, but the trunk of the palm will be sturdy, yet flexible enough to withstand the elements. No matter what beating it may take from high winds or searing heat, the flexible palm will survive to grow straight and tall.

Properly cared for Christians are much the same: "They are upright as the palm tree" (Jeremiah 10:5). As they become more and more strongly ROOTED in the Word, they also stretch skyward, coming closer and closer to God. It's important for Christians not to be too rigid, for the taller they grow, the greater the attacks will be from outside elements. Christians must be resilient enough to bend when the winds of controversy rise up, so that their faith is not broken. Only then will they discover the true purpose of their lives as Christians:

Provision for Others:

An adult palm has fronds that provide SHELTER from the sun's damaging rays. Its leaves provide solid material that may be woven together into items that are useful in the day-to-day lives of others. Better yet, it also provides FRUIT, from which others may gain strength.

Mature Christians understand that there is a call to disciple others and to care for their needs. it is no longer "all about me". As they grow, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and nourishing" (Psalms 92:14). The more we pray, the more we make Christian habits our habits, the more we see the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT become part of us: ". . .the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22).

So the next time you gaze upon the image of a palm--whether it is in a travel magazine or in your own backyard--be reminded of those words:

Lord, hear my prayer. I want to be a palm tree!

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