Year of Divine Flourishing: Flourish Like a Palm Tree

On the first day of 2025, a bold call resounded: this is a year of divine flourishing for all who are in Christ. Drawing from Psalm 92:12-14, Psalm 1, and 3 John 1:2, the emphasis is clear—flourishing is the portion of the righteous, not because of human merit, but by the righteousness received through Jesus. Like the palm tree that yields use and substance in every part, the promise is comprehensive: flourishing to the right and left, in home and work, in body and soul. Like the cedars of Lebanon, there is the assurance of towering growth—stable, rooted, and strong—especially for those planted in the house of the Lord.

The vision for 2025 is evergreen life: fruit in old age, freshness that does not fade, and resilience that endures storms. This is not a seasonal high but a steady life sourced by God’s presence. The pattern for this flourishing is Psalm 1: resist the counsel of the wicked, refuse the seats and paths that deform the soul, delight in the Lord’s instruction, and meditate on it day and night. Meditation is more than quick reading; it is slow, returning, chewing on the Word until it shapes choices, speech, and desires. Such a life becomes like a tree by streams—timely fruit, leaves that do not wither, and prosperity that flows from alignment with God.

There is also a public dimension: when the righteous flourish, light breaks out. The people of God become a lighthouse—dispelling heaviness, exposing darkness, and carrying grace, wisdom, and favor into every space. This year’s prosperity is holistic and God-given: spiritual first, and then mental, emotional, physical, financial, and relational—“not based on labor, but on favor.” And it is guarded by God’s presence. Like Moses, there is a resolve not to move without the Lord, and a hunger to see His glory in workplaces, families, studies, and ministry. As the community enters 21 days of fasting and prayer, there is confidence that obstacles will fall, schemes will fail, and blessings will be established.

The charge is simple and strong: live planted, live pure, live illumined by the Word. Expect divine help, divine enlargement, and divine fruitfulness. Whatever the enemy planned will scatter; whatever God has ordained will stand. This is the year to flourish like the palm tree, grow like the cedar, and prosper as the soul prospers.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Flourishing flows from Christ’s righteousness True flourishing is rooted in the righteousness received through Jesus, not in personal performance. That union reshapes identity, brings acceptance before God, and opens the way for grace-powered living. Confidence in Christ’s righteousness frees the heart from striving and anchors hope for growth. From that place, the promise of flourishing holds steady in every season. [13:14]
• 2. Planted lives stay evergreen and fruitful Being planted in the house of the Lord means consistent supply—like roots drinking living water. Such lives bear fruit in due season and retain freshness even in old age. The mark is durability: storms do not uproot, and dryness does not wither. This is the witness of stability that only God can give. [18:26]
• 3. Carry light; scatter surrounding darkness Those who flourish in God become visible lighthouses—joy, mercy, and favor follow their presence. Light does not argue with darkness; it displaces it. This year, speech, conduct, and decisions can become conduits of holy influence. Expect heaviness and confusion to lift where God’s light arrives through you. [21:46]
• 4. Reject the counsel that deforms the soul Psalm 1 warns that flourishing requires moral separation—no walking with the wicked, standing with sinners, or sitting with scoffers. Compromise always promises shortcuts but erodes spiritual stamina. Choose counsel that aligns with Christ’s character, and watch how your path clarifies. Separation unto God is the soil of true prosperity. [23:55]
• 5. Prosperity is holistic and favor-driven God’s will is prosperity “in all things” as the soul prospers—spiritual health first, then every other domain aligns. This prosperity is not anxiety and grind, but grace and guidance. Expect God to touch finances, health, relationships, and work as you prioritize His kingdom. Favor will do what labor alone cannot. [36:59]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [13:14] - Flourish like the palm tree
• [16:18] - Grow as cedars of Lebanon
• [18:26] - Evergreen life in God’s house
• [21:46] - Light of the world, salt of the earth
• [23:55] - Avoiding the counsel of the wicked
• [25:48] - Delighting and meditating in the Word
• [28:25] - Leaves that do not wither; prospering works
• [31:24] - Declarations of flourishing for 2025
• [34:03] - Evergreen decrees over one another
• [36:59] - Prosper in all things and health
• [39:23] - God’s presence and glory for the year
• [42:40] - Fasting focus, victories, and benediction

1. In Psalm 92:12–14, what two trees are named, and what specific qualities are highlighted about them (flourish, grow tall, planted, bear fruit in old age, fresh and green)?
2. According to Psalm 92, where are the righteous “planted,” and what results are promised for those planted there?
3. The gathering heard the promise “you will remain ever green.” What was meant by “evergreen” in that moment? [18:26]
4. Psalm 1 outlines a pattern for a blessed life. What are the three movements to avoid (walk/stand/sit), and what is the one delight to embrace? [23:55]

1. If flourishing comes from received righteousness and not personal performance, how should that reshape a believer’s sense of security and expectancy for the year? “I am not standing here today because of my righteousness… but… through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” [13:14]
2. What might “planted in the house of the Lord” practically mean for rhythms of worship, community, and accountability—and why would that lead to durability and freshness? [18:26]
3. If light displaces darkness, what posture should believers carry into heavy or hostile spaces (work, school, online)? “Wherever you show up… every darkness and heaviness… shall vanish.” [21:46]
4. How should “whatever he does prospers” be understood alongside “fruit in due season”? What is biblical prosperity when timing feels slow or hidden? [28:25]

1. Staying planted: What one concrete habit will you put in place to stay “planted” (weekly worship, small group, serving, daily Scripture)? When will you do it, and who will help you keep it? [18:26]
2. Meditating, not just skimming: Choose one passage to “chew” this week. When will you read it, how will you meditate (repeat, pray, journal, memorize), and what decision this week will you let it shape? [25:48]
3. Counsel audit: Where are you most tempted to “walk,” “stand,” or “sit” with unhelpful counsel (gossip, cynical chats, certain media)? What boundary or replacement practice will you set this week? [23:55]
4. Lighthouse map: Name three places you regularly show up (home, work, online space). In each, what specific shift in speech or action will carry light and lift heaviness? [21:46]
5. Favor over grind: Where have you been striving with anxiety? What would it look like to ask God for favor there and align your steps with His way (one prayer to pray, one obedience to take)? [36:59]
6. Presence first: What decision or move is before you where you will not “move an inch” without God’s presence? How will you seek His glory practically (fasting, counsel, waiting) before you act? [39:23]
7. 21-day focus: If joining the fast, what is your clear focus (a “Jericho wall” to fall, a “Haman scheme” to fail, a blessing to be established)? What fast will you take, what times will you pray, and what Scriptures will you stand on? [42:40]