The word flourish means to grow and develop in a healthy or vigorous way, as a result of a favorable environment.  It also means to achieve, it means success,  to prosper, and to produce.  To flourish is to find fulfillment in our lives, accomplishing meaningful and worthwhile tasks, and connecting with others at a deeper level.  The palm tree and the cedar tree are mighty trees.  The stay green all the time and they are in a constant state of growth. To flourish like the palm tree means to stand tall and to live long.  The AMP says that the righteous will be: long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful. 

Because of its characteristics (size, diameter, lifespan), the cedar has become a symbol of greatness, of nobility, of strength and of incorruptibility.  However, to flourish takes more than just a good environment.  It must be intentional.  It starts on the inside.  In everything we do, God wants for us to flourish.

Jesus is calling us to acknowledge that we are spiritually in need of God pouring out the riches of his kingdom blessings into our lives. To be a human who is flourishing starts with us being aware of and acknowledging our need for God.   Jesus has made a way for us.  Everything He did on the cross is for us to flourish!

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