July 25
Tree-Like Faith, Psalm 52
The Tree of Salvation
“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.” (Psalm 52:8-9)
The third and final tree we see in this Psalm is the tree of salvation. Think of the significance of it being an olive tree. Olive trees are not the biggest of trees. But the olive tree is a tree that endures. Olive trees live to as long as 2000 years. It is a tree with staying power – the fruit of the olive is oil a picture of the Holy Spirit in us. “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” ( Is. 61:3)
The tree of salvation Bears the fruit of trust. “I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.” We try to make our own fate, devising our own plans.If things don’t go according to our plans we change course and rely on our own “riches” to make things happen. David’s trust was in the Lord. Like the tree trust God to provide the rain. David trusted God, we too need to trust God! “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Ps 18:2)
The tree of salvation Bears the fruit of praise “I will praise thee forever” Like the olive tree that lives a long time– David said he would praise God forever. “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” (PS 17:7) When you are planted in God as a tree of righteousness trust and praise will be the fruit you bear.
The tree of salvation Bears the fruit of steadfastness “I will wait on thy name” David didn’t look for a way out, he makes like a tree and waits. If a tree needs more water it doesn’t uproot itself and move closer to water. If a storm is coming a tree doesn’t relocate to calmer places. A tree simply waits, it puts its fate is in God’s hands. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (IS 40:31)
Which of these trees are you? To whom is your trust? What of your fruit?
