"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. Psalm 92:12-13 (NKJV)"
This evening, Psalm 92:12 took me aside like a burning bush and I ended up memorising it and verse 13, as well. I know not how then, but this particular serving of God's Word became alive to me and prompted me to meditate upon them. They became like heavenly bread for my spirit man.
Here then is a timely refresher for me from my desk calendar that it is the Holy Spirit who quickens the Word of God to become living and active: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 (NKJV)"
The righteous obeys the voice of God like a sheep that follows the Good Shepherd. By his action, the upright shows that he reveres and trusts the Word of God.
The flourishing of the righteous is like a palm tree which, according the the Amplified Bible translation, is "long-lived, upright and useful". A date palm, for instance, is known to be capable of reaching a height of over 20 metre with a primary root system that averages 4-metre deep and may extend further downward to 10 metre.
The righteous is steep in his love for God's Word as both a hearer and doer as well as deep in His fellowship with God.
In turn, this is how God has responded to him: "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. Psalm 91:14 (NKJV)"
As for the cedar tree, the Amplified Bible speaks of it being "majestic and stable". The righteous keeps growing in wisdom, stature, grace and the knowledge of God. He knows whom he has believeth and is confident that God is able to keep him in perfect peace internally.
The righteous person is rooted in a congregation of believers for edification and mutual relationship to advance the kingdom of God. With such unity of fellowship, there God commanded His Blessing in accordance to His Word such as the following:
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore. Psalm 133;1-3 (NKJV)"
""Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20 (NKJV)"
The earthly courts are no match for the courts of God -- where we appear in the Presence of the King of kings and LORD of lords.
God is awesome and His works are awesome, too!
Consider the following:
"And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned. Nehemiah 1:5-6 (NKJV)"
"Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. Psalm 66:3 (NKJV)"
May you flourish in the courts of our God as you feed on His Word daily, clothe yourself with the righteousness of Christ, confess your sins and be a hearer-and-doer of God's Word.
