“Palm Trees Teach Us to Sway With the Wind but Stand Our Ground.” What an excellent quote! I came across it while observing the storms several weeks ago and reflecting on their aftermath. I noticed how the palm trees seemed almost defiant in the face of the storm.
Although they swayed and bent at incredible angles as the winds raged around them, they didn’t break! They made me realize that this is how I, as a believer, should respond in a storm.
Reflecting on the quote inspired me to research what causes palm trees to endure extreme weather. I learned they need most of the same conditions as believers in Christ to withstand storms. I identified FOUR essential qualities contributing to palm trees’ resilience: Good Soil, Strength, Flexibility, and Determination.
One important factor often overlooked when planting and caring for palm trees is the type of soil used. Using the wrong soil can negatively impact the palm tree’s growth and health. They cannot grow in hard soil; they need and thrive in moist, fertile soil, to establish strong roots.
#1. Be Planted in Good Soil:
For us to stand and not collapse during a storm, it is imperative that we also must be planted and rooted in the right soil. God’s word is the only soil that won’t sink during a storm. It is the foundation that ensures a strong, and solid stand, and successful outcome.
One of God’s highest desires is for His creation to know Him. And to those who do know Him understand, that we are created to withstand AND overcome every storm and force sent to hinder and destroy us.
“Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation. When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation.” (Matt 7:24-25)
“Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.” (Col 2:7)
Aside from their captivating beauty and the imagery of serene tropical settings, palm trees stand out because their strong trunk, or body. Which is unlike that of other trees, it is primarily composed of a resilient material that provides them with strength.
#2. Be Strong:
Some of us may not have the physical appearance of someone strong in natural strength; however, looks can be deceiving. We can withstand and overcome life’s storms, as with the palm tree. But it’s not our human structure that causes us to be strong. As believers, we have been given supernatural power, the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Strengthener, and a Heavenly armor protective covering to wear for whatever type of storm arises.
“Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].” (Eph. 6:13)
The most notable characteristic of palm trees is their ability to bend and sway in the wind. Although there are many species of palms, there are those which have unbranched stems. These stems grow from the top of the tree. There are no branches, or stems on the trunk’s middle or lower parts, making the tree more resilient during storms. This unique structure allows the tree to straighten back up, regardless of how extensively it is bent.
#3. Be Flexible:
Excess baggage. Just as the palm tree doesn’t have branches on it in certain areas that would obstruct or restrict its movement, reminds me of trying to carry unnecessary baggage with me on my journey. We need to be ready and able to move freely and quickly to make necessary changes. In this season I’ve decided to take inventory of my baggage more often to see what I need to let go.
We should never forget that God has a purpose for us. Part of fulfilling that purpose is surrendering our will to His will, regardless of how we feel about it or if it doesn’t make sense. Only God knows for sure what will happen tomorrow in our future—being flexible means being willing to move with God.
“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” (Prov. 16:9)
When you observe a palm tree, you can’t help but notice the attached enormous fan-like (fronds) leaves blowing in the strong winds. They contend back and forth with the harsh winds, but they remain attached to the stem.
#4. Be Determined:
Unlike the palm tree, we are made of flesh and blood, and we have the freedom to choose, and we can think and speak. God has predestined and equipped us to stand firm, bend and not break, be firmly rooted, and stand our ground. Choose NOT to give up or quit!
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.” 2 Cor. 4:8-9)
Suppose you are damaged or uprooted; quit because your soil (your heart and mind) has become contaminated with waste or weakened by fear, unbelief, or uncertainty. There is still Hope and restoration. God gives His people peace even amid and after the storm, and that peace stabilizes, energizes, encourages, and keeps us safe.
“The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Ps. 29:11)
“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” (Isa. 41:10)
Be who God has designed you to be, where He has planted you to be, then you will be all He has called you to be.
Know Jesus, know stability. If you don’t know Him, get to know Him by asking Him to come into your heart and life. Jesus loves you. Thank you for journeying with me. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Sincerely,
Jacqui
