But I am like an olive tree
    flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
    for ever and ever.
 For what you have done I will always praise you
    in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
    for your name is good.

Psalm 52:8-9

Recently at church, we had a potluck send-off for a 98-year-old woman who was moving to another state to live with a daughter. People got to come up one at a time and share their memories of her. Everyone who spoke mentioned the love and grace that flowed from her. Some spoke about how she befriended them when they very much needed a friend. The evening was one beautiful celebration of the fruitfulness of this woman’s life. A fruitfulness that was still present at 98 and no doubt would be for how ever many years she remained here on earth. It was inspirational to me as I am a senior citizen and would love to finish my course with the passion for Jesus and others that she demonstrated.

When I read this verse from Psalm, it reminded me of her. The olive tree is a strong and resilient tree. It can live a very long time. One commentary said that there are 1000-year-old olive trees in Israel still producing fruit!

David who wrote the Psalm compared himself to a green olive tree flourishing in the house of God. David and my friend from church knew the pathway to longevity and fruitfulness and that is staying connected to God, allowing their roots to grow deeply into the character of God, trusting forever and forever in His unfailing love and always praising Him.

David was being pursued by Saul when he wrote this which is a wonderful reminder that regardless of what adversity comes our way, when our roots are strong in the Lord, we can still choose to flourish and produce fruit, trusting that God is with us and He is worthy of our trust.

I want to be like my friend from church when I grow up! I want to be fruitful for the kingdom of God and make a difference in the lives of those around me and this verse tells me how. I hope you will join me!

Father in heaven how I love You. I want to be fruitful and productive until the day You call me home. I trust in Your unfailing love. Help me to sink my roots deeper and deeper into Your character and Your goodness and Your unfailing love. I ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

pic credit: encircle photos