Psalm 52:8, 9 
But I am like an olive tree 
flourishing in the house of God; 
I trust in God’s unfailing love 
for ever and ever. 
For what you have done I will always praise you 
in the presence of your faithful people. 
And I will hope in your name, 
for your name is good. (NIV)

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The average lifespan of an olive tree is 300 to 600 years, and they can live for thousands of years. A group of olive trees in Lebanon, called Noah’s Sisters, is thought to be about 6,000 years old. 

Olive trees are resilient. Trunks and branches damaged or destroyed in some way regenerate new growth from the roots. Olive wood is dense and resists decay. This makes it possible for a tree to survive even if the heart of the wood rots away. 

When King David sang, “I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God,” he did so in the full confidence and living hope that the hard times he was living through would not do him in. He would stand strong in the LORD his God for decades to come. Because of who God is and what he was doing through David, people would have a portrait of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

Deep roots and resilience empower us to live and thrive even during hard times. How do we grow deep roots and resilience? 

Walk with God every day. Seek him first thing in the morning, in the middle of the day, and the last thing at night. Commit to memory Psalm 55:17:

“Evening, morning and noon 
I cry out in distress, 
and he hears my voice.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Acknowledge God’s presence in all things at all times. Know him in the highs and lows, ebbs and flows, of daily life. Stay watchful for his gracious hand.

Trust that God is at work here and now in your life, and in the lives of those you encounter along the way. 

Learn and lean on simple prayers like “Jesus, make my heart like yours,” and “Please give me a pure heart and clean hands,” and one of my all-time favorites, “I belong to you.”

Sing your favorite worship songs as you walk, as you drive, and as you work on the projects and tasks of the day.

Commit to memory verses that remind you of how good God is. Lean into verses describing God’s purpose for your life. Remind yourself of verses declaring God’s promises. 

Fill your heart and mind with God’s truth and life. This will direct your steps and set your hands to work with purpose. 

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I will live a flourishing life by deeply rooting myself in the goodness of God.

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Our Father, empower me to flourish in every season as I turn to you in full dependence on your mercy, grace, and kindness. Teach me to trust in you in all things and for all things. Make my life a testimony of your loving care and provision. Amen.