Our lives thrive when we are rooted in the House of the Lord. Embracing Christ as our Savior and participating in His mission on earth deeply enriches us.
While engaging actively in a church does demand significant time and resources, it’s important to recognize that when we dedicate ourselves to God’s House, He revitalizes our strength to carry out His work. Being grounded in the House of the Lord brings vitality and abundance to our lives.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing. – Psalm 92:12-14
a. Who are the Rightoues?
The term “righteous” describes individuals who have a deep understanding of God and maintain a correct relationship with Christ. According to the psalmist, the righteous will thrive and bear fruit.
The palm tree and the cedar tree mentioned in the passage symbolize abundance and strength. Both types of trees hold significant value and require many years to reach maturity.
1. The Palm tree.
The palm tree is notably versatile and often produces fruit. In ancient biblical times, it thrived even in the desert. In arid regions, palm trees served as crucial rest areas for fatigued travelers.
Wherever a palm tree thrived, there was likely an oasis nearby, providing much-needed water. Travelers could find respite beneath the wide canopy of the palm’s leaves.
The dates from these trees were a significant source of nourishment for those on their journey. When the passage compares a fruitful individual to a palm tree, it illustrates the ways our lives can positively impact others.
2. The Cedar tree.
The cedar tree is valued for its aromatic qualities and its use in construction. While it does produce fruits, it is not these fruits that give the tree its worth.
The true value of the cedar lies in the tree itself, appreciated for its existence rather than its output. This tree illustrates a deeper understanding of fruitfulness, emphasizing that alongside contributing valuable things, we must also be recognized for our essence as individuals.
Some people find that their worth is only tied to what they can provide, leading to a situation where others appreciate them only for their contributions, not for their true selves.
This kind of productivity can result in individuals feeling used for the benefits they bring. Often, those who excel in their professional lives experience turmoil in their personal ones, achieving much in their careers while their home lives seem chaotic. God desires us to be fruitful not just in our endeavors but also in our true identities.
b. Where are you planted?
A fruitful believer is someone who is planted in the Lord and in His house. While being nourished by the waters (Psalm 1:3) is essential, it is equally important to be firmly established within the Lord’s house.
God’s blessings are closely tied to how well we are grounded in Him and in His dwelling.
1. We must be planted in Christ.
To be planted in the House of the Lord, we must have a very good connection with the Builder of that House – Jesus Christ. Our journey as Christians begins with Him.
It all starts with accepting God’s gift of salvation, made possible by Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Our acceptance of salvation relies entirely on God’s grace, which deems us righteous when we trust in the Savior.
2. We must be part of a community of believers.
After we have been planted in Christ, it is important for us to connect with others who share our faith.
While we each accept Christ on a personal level, our growth in Him happens alongside fellow believers within the Church.
The Church serves as both the Body of Christ and His dwelling place. It isn’t a flawless community; rather, it is a gathering of individuals who have encountered the grace of salvation and who help each other grow stronger in their faith.
3. We must be part of the mission of the Church.
The work of God is done in the House of the Lord. God expects every Christian to play a role in the Church. Each one of us must find ways in which we can serve Christ and get His work done. Don’t merely go to church; be active in the church and play a role. Those who are planted in the House of the Lord shall flourish
c. What are your fruits
1. They shall bear fruit.
A core principle of our faith is the belief that God rewards those who offer their gifts to Him. When we invest our time, talents, and resources in service to the Lord, He ensures that those investments yield abundant returns. The efforts we put forth for the Lord come back to us multiplied.
2. In old age.
There is no expiration date for a person who is truly fruitful. While aging may impose physical and mental challenges, it does not have to dictate our potential.
God has the power to overcome the limitations that come with age, enabling us to accomplish significant tasks even when society expects us to be less active.
The Bible recounts the lives of many individuals who remained productive in their later years. For instance, Abraham became a father at 99, and Moses guided the Israelites out of Egypt at the age of 80.
And consider Sarah, who gave birth to her first child at 90. Each of these figures exemplified fruitfulness in their age. Don’t let any notion of retirement constrain your divine gift of productivity.
3. They shall be fresh and flourishing.
As long as we have breath, God has a purpose for each of us. While our physical bodies may grow older and weaker, our knowledge and understanding deepen and flourish. When we are rooted in the Lord, His word continuously transforms our minds.
The Holy Spirit revitalizes our spirits, infusing us with new energy. In Christ, aging is an ally rather than an adversary; it enhances our lives instead of detracting from them. May the Lord God, the Ancient of Days, refresh you throughout the years.
