A Flourishing Olive Tree
Psalm 52:8-9
But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever. I will praise You forever for what You have done. In the presence of Your faithful people, I will put my hope in Your name, for it is good.
The Message Bible records the first part of this passage in this way: And I’m an olive tree, growing green in God’s house. In both translations, we see an olive tree growing to full capacity and fruitfulness. Indeed, those who flourish in God’s house are the happiest of people because they are able to reach their full potential in Jesus Christ and lack no good thing in reaching maturity.
The green olive tree is a symbol of beauty. Romans 11 uses the olive tree to describe Gentiles, who are grafted into the root and become a part of God’s chosen people. Under the lordship of Jesus Christ, God’s people flourish and produce fruit that establishes His kingdom on earth.
In order to flourish in God’s house, you must first come before Him in humility, which requires admitting your sin, turning away from it, trusting His mercy, receiving forgiveness, and surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ. While you may encounter struggle, trial, and storms from time to time, you can still flourish in His blessing and favor. Without doubt, in the house of God and within His will is the safest and most satisfying place to be.
In the verses prior to this passage, the psalmist describes the proud who will not submit to God. They are a people who will not humble themselves, and they trust in their own riches. God will crush them and bring them to nothing. No one has the power to stand before Him in his own strength and avoid judgment! Any blessing the wicked man has can be brought to nothing in the hands of Almighty God and Creator of the universe!
I don’t know about you, but I want to be on God’s side and in His house. I cannot function without His favor and His blessing, and neither can you. Within His house and His will, however, we can grow, flourish, and be all God created us to be. May we find comfort and peace today in knowing we are a vital part of His kingdom and a symbol of beauty. Pray for a spirit of humility to fall upon our country and that God’s people will put their trust in His unfailing love.
Have a blessed day!