Be Like The Olive Tree

Be Like The Olive Tree

I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love. Psalm 52:8

Have you ever had the privilege of sitting under an olive tree? If you ever have the chance, I encourage you to soak up the experience.

When Karen and I visited the California wine country, we sat on a bench under an olive tree and had a picnic. It was a sunny afternoon, and the breeze that gently filtered through the branches cooled us. I watched as the sun’s rays glistened on Karen’s golden hair, making her look more radiant than ever. Sitting under the olive tree with my wife felt like a brief taste of heaven on earth.

As I breathed in the scent of olives all around me, I reflected on how important the olive tree has been to humanity. Throughout the centuries, the tree’s branches have represented peace. After the Flood, the dove brought an olive branch back to Noah as the first evidence that man was once again reconciled with God.

The fruit of the olive tree has special healing properties that were well known in the ancient world and are being rediscovered in our day and age. We are beginning to realize that including olive oil in our diets can help prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries. Some say that olive oil is one of the healthiest oils to cook with.

From the Old Testament, we learn how olive oil was used to fuel the lampstands in the tabernacle. Jacob poured it on the stone pillar that he’d set up to mark the place where God had spoken to him. Olive oil was also used to anoint the sick, bake bread, and sanctify grain offerings.

No wonder the psalmist uses the olive tree as an image for thriving. The olive tree represents peace and calm, but also purpose and meaning. To live in the house of God as an olive tree would be an honor and a blessing that could be passed down for many generations. I pray for this for you as well as for myself.

TODAY’S RX

Whenever you use olive oil, remember its health benefits, along with how it was used in Old Testament times to glorify God.

Lord, help me to stand fruitful and pure, like an olive tree, in your sight. Use me to bring good news and light to others so that you may be glorified.