How many of us are at our wits end with the evil we see all around us? Guess what? Our times are not much different from the days of old—the days of the holy, written Word of God. In Psalm 52, David confronts the wicked of his day (verses 1-5) and then shifts his focus to the Lord and states his confidence in Him (verses 6-9). In verse 8, David stands firm in the assessment of his life when he says, “But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the faithfulness of God forever and ever.” Can you and I declare the same thing about our lives, that we can live a green olive tree life?—a life that flourishes no matter the trials, tribulations or troubles we face? It’s not about what the olive tree is as much as where it’s located—“in the house of God.” David was safe and secure in the midst of the wicked, because he lived in the presence of God. You and I, like David, can stand above the wicked ways of our culture, too.
What does it mean to be like a green olive tree?
When we are deemed a green olive tree, our desire is to be a peace-loving, alive and fruitful person—flourishing and thriving.
“The olive tree and olive branch have been symbols of peace and reconciliation ever since the account of Noah’s flood. When the dove brought Noah ‘a plucked olive leaf in its beak,’ the olive branch represented new life sprouting on the earth (Genesis 8:11). The olive tree was alive and growing. The promise of the dove’s olive branch was a new beginning for humanity, peace and reconciliation with God, renewal, and revival. The slow and hearty growth of the olive tree also implies establishment and peace. Furthermore, the flowering olive tree is a symbol of beauty and abundance. The tree’s fruitfulness and ability to thrive suggests the model of a righteous person.” 1
4 Steps to Living a “Green Olive Tree” Life
1.Live in the presence of God
David declares, “But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God” (Psalm 52:8a). You and I, like this tree, should be rooted in the depths of God where nourishment is found. The more you draw near to Him, the closer He will be to you (James 4:8). When we live in His presence, we will have a more godly perspective over a worldly viewpoint which will impact the way we live out our day.
2.Trust in the steadfast love of God
David declares, “I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever” (Psalm 52:8b). To trust in the Lord means that you have complete dependence and reliance on Him. He loved you before you loved Him (1 John 4:19). If He loved you enough to show the ultimate act of love (laying down one’s life), you have no reason to doubt Him, His Word or His plans for you. He is for you, not against you (Psalm 56:9).
3.Express thankfulness
David testifies, “I will thank you forever, because you have done it” (Psalm 52:9a). An attitude of thankfulness fosters a grateful heart. David’s focus was on who did it, not what was done. This focus on the Lord enabled him to give thanks even through the trials. As we mature in the Lord, we will see difficult events as ones that strengthen us and prove our faith (1 Peter 1:7). Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
4.Wait on the Lord
David announces, “I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly” (Psalm 52:9b). Lamentations 3:25 encourages us that, “the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” Although these verses bring us hope, waiting is still difficult. Waiting is hard. But, as you embrace the wait, what you learn can be the catalyst of His future design. With a grateful heart, be thankful for all He teaches you in the waiting room, which will prepare you for each next step. In the wait He will clarify His purpose, develop patience, build anticipation, transform your character, and increase your intimacy with Him. As today unfolds, you may need to adjust your thinking, look straight ahead at Jesus, and let Him write your story. Release your expectations of what you envision happening and how you think it should unfold. Your days are in His hands, and He knows the best path in front of you. “For you are His workmanship, created in Him for good works, which He prepared beforehand that you would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Which of these steps will you need to embrace in this season of your life in order to live as a green olive tree—peaceful, flourishing and thriving? If we skip one of these steps our lives can become out of rhythm with God’s ways. If that is where you find yourself, refocus your gaze on Him with a grateful heart and trust Him with the day in front of you.
Journeying with Him,
Jessie
- GotQuestions.org. “HomeWhat Is the Significance of the Olive Tree in the Bible?” GotQuestions.org, 25 Apr. 2019, www.gotquestions.org/olive-tree-Bible.html.