A cedar in Lebanon (Psalm 92:12-14)

 


Read Psalm 92

Psalm 92 is a psalm of praise, written to be sung on the Sabbath. It is a psalm of worship and declares God's great works (Psalm 92:1-5). The author makes a comparison between how the righteous flourish and the destruction of the wicked. He compares the wicked to grass. The wicked may seem to flourish and be everywhere, but they are weak like grass, and in the end, they will perish (Ps 92:7). In contrast, the author compares the righteous to a palm tree or a cedar of Lebanon. They are flourishing and will continue to be productive and useful, even in old age (Ps 92:14).

Psalm 92 is very encouraging for us. When we look around and see unbelievers prospering, it can be hard to watch. Our text reminds us that this is only temporary, and the righteous shall flourish and prosper in the end, whereas the wicked are "doomed to destruction forever" (Psalm 92:7).

Another thing to note is that the righteous do not get their strength and life in and from themselves. "They are planted in the house of the Lord" (Psalm 92:13). The reason they flourish is because "they flourish in the courts of our God" (Psalm 92:13). God is the source of life and vitality for the righteous. We must not despair when we see how the world seems to prosper,  but instead, look to God, who is our source of life and strength.

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