Certain things cause an olive tree to grow and flourish.
As a non-gardener who doesn’t like olives, I have never wondered about how an olive tree grows. But since the psalmist compares me to one, I thought it might help to learn a little about them.
Growing an olive tree requires mild winters and long, dry summers. The PH of the soil must be exactly right, and good drainage and direct sunlight are necessities. Additionally, the tree must be watered, pruned, fertilized, and treated for pests.
In Psalm 52, God is the gardener who cares for the olive tree. He keeps the tree in His house where the temperature is perfect, and the conditions are ideal for growth. The tree not only grows, it also flourishes.
For me, expressions such as “getting by” or “hanging in there” are more accurate than flourishing. So what does it take to move from getting by to flourishing?
In the psalm, the gardener did all the work. He planted, watered, pruned, fertilized, and treated the tree for pests. The gardener had a master plan to produce an abundantly fruitful tree. The olive tree just had to remain where it was and let the gardener do his job.
Likewise, we need to stay close to God and allow Him to do His work. Our Master Gardener desires that each of us have a flourishing life. He will do whatever He needs to make it that way. Our role is simply to trust Him, stay close to Him, and let Him do His work.
Relax and enjoy God’s presence. Flourishing days are on the way.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Diane Furlong is a Christian devotion writer who is happily retired and enjoying life in Florida. She enjoys writing, involvement in church, volunteer work, and reading. She loves to walk outdoors and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. You can follow Diane on DianeFurlong.blogspot.com.