The Life Of A Green Olive Tree

D. J. Speckner

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; 

I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. 

I will praise You forever, because You have done it. 

And in the presence of Your saints 

I will wait on Your name, for it is good.” (Psalm 52:8-9 NKJV)

Have you ever experienced one of those days when it seems like it can’t get any worse? 

This is exactly what was happening to David when he wrote this psalm. King Saul was chasing David through the desert, seeking to kill him. 

The king even had his henchman Doeg murder Abithar and other priests because they had helped David. 

Despite all the adversity and guilt, David closed his psalm with an interesting statement about himself and his faith in God.

David saw himself as being a green olive tree in the house of God. 

Because it was green, we know the tree was alive and flourishing. 

Even though death threatened David, he still had hope because of His God. A green olive tree would also be productive. 

A healthy olive tree is known to produce fruit; namely, olives. 

So the question becomes, “What fruit can a person of God produce?” David mentioned three.

First, he trusted God. 

Trusting God means placing our confidence in His mercy. 

This Hebrew word for trust carries with it the idea of running to God whenever threatened because we know He will protect us.

David also wanted to praise God. 

Some Bibles translate the Hebrew as to be thankful for all God's blessing. 

The image here is to lift one’s hands in prayer, as if we are casting our burdens on the Lord.

Finally, David was determined to wait on God, always expecting God to rescue him. 

It would be years before David was safe from Saul, but God was with him every step of the way. 

We can produce the same fruit in our lives.

 
D. J. Speckner is a freelance Christian writer. He and his wife, Ann, have three sons and one grandson. Contact