On my first trip to the Holy Land, I marveled at the date palm groves that grew in the Judean Wilderness. Acres of lush green palm trees would randomly appear in the middle of that ancient and barren landscape. During my visit, I learned much about the greening of the desert through the complex irrigation designs that allow date palms to flourish in dry and desolate conditions.

It was a real-time illustration of Psalm 92:12-14 – where the righteous are compared to the palm tree. I am inspired by the psalmist’s promise that, like the palm tree, the righteous person will flourish (Vv. 12,13) and still yield fruit in old age. Flourish in this passage means “to be vigorous.” To still yield fruit means “to prosper, to bring forth.” What a great analogy and motivating charge for those of us in the empty-nester season of life. I long to be vigorous and to prosper, and I want to finish well. What does it require?

Just like the date palm groves in the Holy Land, we also need irrigation to flourish as we get older and life gets tougher. God waters us as we maintain our faithfulness to His Word and live in righteousness. As we depend on Him, our increasing years bring increasing spiritual determination. We are rewarded with fruitfulness and vigor as we grow into our old age.

Whatever season of life you are in, I encourage you to remember the stately palm tree. Commit to remain green and fruitful into your old age. I am inspired by the words in the anonymous poem made popular by Elisabeth Elliot: 

“Many a questioning, many a fear, many a doubt, hath its quieting here. 
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven, time, opportunity, and guidance are given. 
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King, trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.”