For every tree in this planet we can come up with an analogy about that tree you can be applied to us. I lived in Florida for about six months, and everywhere you go all you see is Palm trees. As believers, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith and unashamed of the Gospel, even when faced with unexpected challenges. This can be tough, but not impossible, when the Lord is our anchor.
I want to draw a parallel between the resilience required in our spiritual lives and the nature of a palm tree, as described in Psalm 92:12-13.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.”
Learning to Bend Without Breaking
1. Our Connection to God is Paramount
Reflecting on the uniqueness of palm trees, I noticed how they thrive in hot and humid climates. Unlike many trees that wither in the heat, palm trees flourish because their roots dig deep enough to find water, even when there’s no rain.
This teaches us that our surroundings—our life circumstances, family situations, or past events—are beyond our control. While we cannot dictate others’ actions, we can ensure our roots are firmly planted in God.
People come from varied backgrounds—some from abusive or broken families, others from seemingly healthy environments but still feeling empty. Regardless of your situation, I encourage you to root yourself deeply in God. When your roots are deep in Him, you can flourish even in the driest, most challenging seasons because God is with you. As Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, deep roots will protect you from drought.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
When I moved to the United States at 13 without knowing English, I faced bullying and felt isolated. During this time, I found solace in the Lord, turning to Him in prayer. This relationship with God became my source of strength and allowed me to thrive, no matter the season.
2. Wounds Won’t Destroy You (Ephesians 4:32)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.”
Sticking with the palm tree analogy, consider this: many trees die if their bark is cut because their life depends on both their roots and their bark. However, palm trees can survive such cuts because their source of life is internal. What truly harms a palm tree is a cold environment. Similarly, we will face wounds in life—betrayal from friends, family, and loved ones. Without a close relationship with God, these wounds can fester and lead us astray.
Here’s how not to handle pain:
- Medicate it: Using addictions as a temporary escape.
- Motivate it: Keeping busy to avoid dealing with pain.
- Meditate it: Obsessing over the pain without healing.
Instead, handle pain the right way:
- Face it: Acknowledge the pain and reality.
- Forgive: Release grudges and bitterness.
- Follow Jesus away from it: Embrace His healing path.
- Seek professional help: Get expert guidance for deep issues.
3. Growing Means Breaking Chains (Exodus 23:30)
“By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
Unlike other trees, a palm tree won’t let a rope or chain grow with it; it snaps the constraint as it grows. Similarly, as we grow in our faith, we must break free from the chains the enemy tries to place on us. Early in our walk with Jesus, we may struggle with recurring sins, feeling stuck. But remember, don’t accept these issues as part of your identity.
Continue battling until the Lord grants you victory. You are meant to walk in freedom, purity, and righteousness. Grow stronger in the Lord, and let the chains fall away.
4. Bend Without Breaking (Job 1:20)
Another lesson from the palm tree is its ability to bend during storms and rise again once they pass. When Job faced his storm, losing everything, he worshipped God despite his pain (Job 1:20). Like the palm tree, when storms hit us, we can either try to fight on our own or bend in prayer and worship.
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.”
Storms are temporary, and if we bend in faith, we won’t break under pressure. After the storm, we will stand tall again, our faith intact and even stronger. Each trial we face prepares us for greater blessings. Stay rooted, remain resilient, and keep growing in faith, for through these trials, we remain unshaken.
