Saturday 4 May 2013

The Palm Tree


It was in May 2013 when I attended the "Manna Conference" at "Church On The Way" in Bradford, England. I heard Cathie Simpson, wife to Pastor David Simpson of Calvary Motherwell, teach a sermon on encouragement.

During her talk she mentioned the Palm Tree and how it bends in the wind and doesn't break like other trees. In contrast, the Palm Tree is flexible, digging it's roots deeper during a storm and after it's been through some turbulence it becomes stronger than it was before.

Cathie used this analogy to compare the tree in a storm to our "storms" of life. She encouraged us to dig our roots deeper into Jesus when we’re going through tribulation, knowing that He will give us the strength to weather the storm and will bring us out at the other side stronger than we were before. I thought this was a lovely picture and felt inspired to write a poem.
Let me be like the Palm tree
That bends with the storms of life
When billowing winds have descended
And I'm pounded and beaten by strife.

Let me bow in the force of such fury
Though I'm challenged right down to my core.
Like the Palm tree I'll dig my roots deeper
Seeking depths that I've not sought before.

Though the storm keeps on forcing me lower,
My security will be approved
For I'm rooted and grounded in Jesus,
So I know that I will not be moved.

In my weakness His strength will be proven
As my life remains rooted in Him,
So I'll bend but not break from this onslaught
As He comforts my soul from within.

Though it feels like there's terrible damage,
This hardship has purpose and reason
For I know that my Saviour is with me
And this trial is only a season.

When turmoil at last has blown over
And the calm of the day is restored,
I'll stand taller and stronger than ever
Having seen through the storm with my Lord.

For a faith that has met with resistance
Is a faith that is stronger and true.
So when storms come again, I know Jesus my Friend
Will be there and His love will shine through.

2 Corinthians 12: 9

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Download a PDF of this poem to keep and share