May 17, 2012 ~ Flourishing in our Faith

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
         I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

I will give You thanks forever, because of what You have done,
         And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

Psalm 52:8-9

Thoughts~

How David can compare himself to an olive tree was my first observation as I read this verse. How can I? I love to research and spent a lot of time learning about the olive tree (way more than a blog will permit) and thought it might be an interesting book to write someday. It’s on my bucket list. Two of the many facts I found are that olive trees persevere: some are hundreds and even thousands of years old.  In fact, there is one in Crete that is 5,000 years old!

David wisely used the olive tree as a metaphor, showing how people who have strong faith will survive anything. Like an olive tree, they are steadfast, they do not wither or shrink when times get tough, they survive in desert experiences, they offer beauty to those around them, and they bear fruit that is used for the edification of those people whose lives they touch.

As a result of my little research project, I came up with a mission statement with the olive tree as my symbol:

*Like an olive tree that stands strong, I will trust in God’s love no matter what happens to me.

*I will thank Him forever for all He is doing, often behind the scenes, in my life.

*I will wait on Him: I will wait for His guidance and stop trying to take matters into my own hands.

*I will share my faith with others about His love, goodness and salvation.

Action~

Trust in God’s love.

Live a life of faith and have full confidence in His love for you.

Thank Him forever.

Live a life that is filled with thankfulness and praise to God.

Wait in God’s name.

Live a life with sweet expectation and dependence on God, not yourself.

Create your own mission statement. 

It will certainly change the way you view life.

Pray~

Lord, I want to thrive in my faith, in my ability to fully trust You and stand strong as I wait in a manner worthy of being Your child. Thank You for your blessings in my life.

Trusting in Him,

Becky

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