Psalm 52:8 – You are a flourishing tree

Psalm 52:8 - But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.

Have you experienced a dry season where you didn't feel God's presence? Has there been a period of time in your faith walk where you felt like you weren't growing?

I have 10 small trees planted across my backyard. While they're small now, these are Thuja Green Giants, which will eventually be massive. One of the trees is struggling. Its bottom limbs are limp and brown. It's lost its shape and isn't a pretty tree.

Although the tree is distressed, it's alive. It's planted well. I give it plenty of water. I even pray for it to revive! Despite its weak appearance, the tree is cared for, and its long-term prospects are still intact.

In Psalm 52:8, King David says he is like "a green olive tree in the house of God." We know about David's life, how he experienced seasons of weakness and distress, when he looked nothing like a beautiful olive tree. Yet, as a resident of God's house—and His forever presence—David could proclaim that he was a flourishing tree. And not because of his own righteousness, but God's never-ending faithfulness.

Do you know that because your life is rooted in Christ, you're forever flourishing? Do you know that when you feel dry, weak, and distressed, God is still doing a sanctifying work in you?

With God's help, by the Holy Spirit's prompting, you'll be reminded of the kind of tree you are, even when the signs say otherwise. Receive His joy and keep going.

Spend a moment in prayer. How is God currently sustaining you despite your challenges?