In Every Season

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
- Psalm 92:12-15

As we're thinking about the different seasons of life it's important to know that there are certain things that make all seasons better (whether it's raining or the sun is shining!). When the poet who wrote this psalm uses the term "righteous" many times we think of goody-goodies or legalists or prudes - but that's not what it means. The righteous are those who are connected intimately to God, who are embracing the God-life, who are living out God's teachings from the heart. 

For those deeply connected into God, each season just goes better. Not that it's easy - just better. The 'cedars in Lebanon' that this passage refer to all face Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter - and yet they are huge and beautiful and strong. The key in the poet's image is that the righteous are "planted in the courts of the Lord." That's what makes them thrive - regardless of whether it's a seasons of hardship or fruitfulness, they have their roots in God. They are deeply connected.

Take time today to ponder how deeply you are connected to God. Ask God for the desire and the path to connect more deeply.