Like An Olive Tree

 “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.” Psalm‬ ‭52‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

‭‭ Hmm, am I like a green olive tree? What exactly does that mean?

I recently learned some interesting facts about olive trees. Their root system is incredibly robust, capable of regenerating from its roots even after being destroyed by fire, frost, or disease. They have a long lifespan and are known for their resilience. As a generous tree, they produce olives, olive oils, and their wood can be used for construction.

It’s their resilience that truly strikes me. I’m not sure I possess the same level of resilience as an olive tree.

Resiliency is defined as “the ability to adapt, cope, and recover from difficulties, stress, and trauma.”

Proverbs 24:16(ESV) states, “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

It’s not always easy to get back up after being knocked down for various reasons. Sometimes, it’s tempting to simply give up or fade away.

James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬(ESV) advises, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Depending on the translation, whether we “meet” or “face” trials of various kinds, rest assured that challenges and difficulties will come. The key lies in how we choose to respond.

We can try to avoid them, take the easy way out, or run away, but God’s way is always through.

Isaiah 43:2-3 emphasizes that when we pass through or walk through, it doesn’t mean avoiding them. Instead, God’s promise is that He is with us!

Romans 5:3-4 further explains that we rejoice in our sufferings because they produce endurance, which in turn produces character, and character ultimately leads to hope. 

Rejoice, not because of the circumstances themselves, but because we are not alone. God walks with us through the trials of life. Instead of complaining and griping about our problems, let’s learn to rejoice. Through these trials, we can learn the lessons the Lord is teaching us. We will not be overcome or consumed; we have no need to fear. Because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness and perseverance. So, we can “count it all Joy” because we know God has a greater purpose and a plan for this “trial,” whatever it may be. 

So even though I’m not there yet, I pray one day I may be like that olive tree in the house of God, trusting in His steadfast love forever:)