I'm not sure if you've ever been to the Garden of Gethsemane. It's a beautiful and memorable place to visit. If you were to go there today you would find some very, very old olive trees. Some are believed to be from the very time period when Jesus prayed in this now famous garden, the night of His betrayal.

In my study today I read a passage of scripture from Psalm 52. David is being pursued by King Saul, a man who by now is totally out of control. Saul has ordered the death of the people of Nob, including the men, women, children, infants and animals. 85 priests of the Lord were slain that day. Saul's reason - because he believed the people were siding with David against him.

In Psalm 52, David began to turn God loose on this despicable man. He spoke of the ruin that would come his way. A man who trusted in his wealth which was obtained by destroying others. In vs. 8, David drew a stark contrast between King Saul with himself.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Where did David place his trust? - In God!
Where did David place his hope? - In God!
Who did David give all of his praise? - To God!

He described himself as an olive tree. Do you realize that the olive tree is one of the longest living trees? There are many olive trees in Israel today that are 1600-2000 years old. The most fascinating thing about these trees is the fact that they are still producing fruit! Was it any coincidence that David chose that tree to describe himself? Absolutely not!

He was being pursued by a madman, and yet his unwavering faith in God was on display for all to see. In the midst of horrendous heartbreak over the death of the priests of Nob, the innocent women and children, David continued to trust in God. The more David exercised his faith, like the olive tree his roots grew deeper. Instead curling up in the corner of his cave in the fetal position refusing to come out, David's faith became more resolute. In fact, it flourished.

Even today, some 3000 years later, that olive tree of faith planted by David is bearing fruit in the lives of those who read his many Psalms. Where are you putting your hope? Are you like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God?

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Blessings - Lisa