The palm trees of my former home survived hurricanes, and as the trunk of one grew, it began to move the nearby deck out of its way.

In our present home, last year’s freezing temperatures took its toll on the trees. We cut back the leaves and hoped for the best. Today healthy green fronds spout from the top of the trees.

Psalm 92 declares that the righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, and facts about palm trees gave that verse has new meaning for me.

The leaves of other trees collect wind and this force often causes the tree to break. Palm trees can endure storms because the wind blows through their leaves.

This allows the trees to spring back after the winds have passed. We are like the palm trees when we bounce back after the winds of adversity have blown through our lives.

Palm trees can survive drought because their thick, strong roots go deep into the ground and tap into nourishment not available near the surface. How strong we become when our roots go down deep and tap into the resources hidden in the Word of God.

Because the life of the palm tree is on the inside, outward abuse will not affect the palm or the quality of its fruit.

Sleek trunks produce ordinary fruit, while a scarred trunk produces sweeter fruit.

This fruit does not usually appear until the tree is mature, a process which sometimes takes up to 50 years.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and put into prison unjustly.

God later elevated him to a place of leadership.

Joseph’s response? “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 41:52

Whether we have suffered unjustly by circumstances that are beyond our control or our wounds have been self-inflicted, when we lean on God’s grace and refuse to become bitter, our lives can bear fruit that will provide comfort and direction to others.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.