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

This psalm of David was written during the time when he was hiding from Saul. Even though David was being persecuted and circumstances looked bleak, he trusted in “God’s unfailing love.” He compared himself to an olive tree that had sunk its roots into God’s house. Throughout the Middle East the olive tree is known to thrive. No matter the conditions: hot, dry, cold, wet, rocky, or sandy, this gnarly, evergreen tree will live and produce fruit. Even when cut down or burned, new shoots emerge from its roots. Some trees grow from roots that are over 2,000 years old. The olive tree was a symbol of steadfastness and fruitfulness in Israel. Where other trees would die, it thrives. This is what David declared, that with his life rooted in God’s unfailing love, he would thrive in spite of his circumstances. Instead of asking God to change our circumstances, let’s sink our roots into His living water and thrive where we’re planted!