Have you ever been physically assaulted by a tree? I have.
A palm tree attacked me as I crossed a multi-lane road while honeymooning in Mexico. (An overnight windstorm, a broken branch, residual gusts…you get the picture.) Yet, I do not harbor any resentment toward palm trees. To me, these beauties represent tropical destinations, the warm sun, and relaxing vacations (when you’re not running for your life from flying branches). Every winter, when the thermometer sticks at numbers well below zero, I begin to dream of hugging such a tree.
In the Bible, the branch of this tall majestic tree acts as a symbol of victory. King Solomon included carvings of palm trees alongside cherubim and open flowers on the golden walls and doors of the temple he built for God. Remember the triumphal ride of Jesus into Jerusalem? People lined the path with palm tree branches for the victorious Messiah.
The psalmist tells us we are meant to grow in our walk with God to be like the palm tree:
But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon (Psalm 92:12).
That means we should be victorious too.
What do you need God to do for you? Pray for victory in your situation today, my friend. The battle is yours for the asking, with God fighting for you.
Stand tall, mighty palm!
This short devotional is taken from my book Tickle Me with a Crowbar: A 30-Day Devotional for Busy People. Each message of encouragement is preceded by an illustrated joke to make you smile as you start your time with God. The title of the book is based on my Dad’s response to a groaner joke: “Tickle me with a crowbar!” This is usually accompanied by an eye roll. This joke qualifies:
What kind of plant might grow in your hand?
A seedling! If you thought a palm tree… well… have you ever seen a palm tree?!
Valda Goudie is a teacher and author of the Tickle Me with a Crowbar! series (available on Amazon and Kobo.com). Visit her site at https://valsstage.com/ and download Book 1 for free.
