Palms down!

Palm trees are pretty awesome. As much as they remind us of nice, sunny places, we can also learn a lot about ourselves and God from them. They're mentioned more than thirty times in the Bible, probably because they grow prolifically in that part of the world. They provide a pretty good example of the endurance God offers to us.

When there's a huge storm and the winds are high, most trees are at risk of snapping or breaking. Not palm trees. They're adapted to bend like the ultimate limbo competitor and, afterwards, where that bend is becomes stronger than it was before. While God may not necessarily give us a supernatural ability to win a limbo competition, whenever we face a 'storm' God will 'strengthen [us] by his glorious might with all the power [we] need to patiently endure everything with joy' (Colossians 1:11 GWT). He not only gives us the strength to get over the challenges thrown our way, but we're made stronger and 'bendier' through learning that God is bigger than any 'storm'.

And another thing: a palm's roots can search hundreds of metres for water, making what it relies on for survival much deeper and bigger than it is. Good analogy!



So what now? Find a big tree and a little spade. Reckon you can dig all its roots up in 30 seconds (or even 30 hours)? Doubt it. Roots are essential for life and not easily destroyed. God continually offers you the chance to grow your roots in him.





— SCRIPTURE —

'His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough.' Colossians 1:11 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Sam 12:1-14:20, John 2:12-25, Ps 89:1-14, Pro 23:10-14