Fall Colors and Growth

October is the month of color—beautiful color, brilliant color, dazzling color—color that we see in the leaves of the trees as the trees prepare themselves for the dormancy of winter.  One color which is often overlooked in the fall is green – although it can be seen year-round in evergreen trees.  God is a God of beauty and He delights in making all things beautiful.  As fall progresses we will see red, yellow, brown, and orange leaves on trees - but God is also interested in green.  I’m reminded of Scripture where the psalmist said, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house if 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” (Psalm 92:12-14).

Let’s examine a few aspects of these verses. 

1)      “The righteous.”   These are all people who have had a heart transformation by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  It is hard to realize that you and I can be righteous because the Bible tells us that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).  However, the Bible also tells us that “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (II Corinthians 5:21).

2)      “Flourish like a palm tree … grow like a cedar of Lebanon … flourish in the courts of our God.”  To “flourish” is to bloom, to break out, to spring up, and to spread or grow.  The righteous are not only durable like these trees, but they provide protection for the weary, they can stand tall and strong, they are majestic in their beauty, and they can still grow.

3)      “Still bear fruit in old age.”  Bearing fruit means being vibrant, active, energetic, and effective.  Notice, the righteous can still bear fruit – even those righteous who are elderly.  So, everyone can be productive—no matter what their age. 

4)      “Stay fresh and green.”  Something that is fresh is clean.  It is also new, vibrant, and vital.  To be fresh and green suggests an active lifestyle full of resilience and fruitfulness – even to the very end of life.

The green of summer will soon fade, but growth has not concluded.  Everyone can be bright and active for the Lord at any stage of life.  So, as you view the beauty of the fall colors this year—remember God wants to help you grow and be vibrant for Him.