green tree

But I am like a green olive tree

in the house of God.

I trust in the steadfast love of God

forever and ever.

Psalm 52:8

Where is my strength? Where is my vitality? Where is my life shown to be meaningful and productive? The answers to these questions are found in this ancient psalm. As David celebrated that God kept him safe, fought for him, silenced his enemies, and kept him near His presence through David’s worship and trust in God, I too see that in Christ I find these needs met and these questions clearly silenced.

Christ is my strength. When trouble arises, when attacks start, when situations rise up to tempt me to try to resolve things by my own power, I turn to Jesus, Who has already overcome death and hell for me. What else could beat Him if He has already defeated that? He is my Defender. He silences the foe.

Christ is my life. I have been raised to new life in Jesus. He lives with me, for me, and by His Spirit, within me. And so I must decrease so that the life of Christ may increase. My Savior is my life. I will live for Him and in Him forever. His steadfast love remakes me and flows in me. May others be reached by Jesus living in me!

Christ is my purpose and meaning. Like Paul, I pray that my heart would declare: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. I pray too that this life that I have to offer Him might always display His love and glory to people around me so that His saving work and His kingdom advances in me.

Lord,

You have planted me, in You, like that green olive tree in Your house. Live now in me. Grow in me. Be my strength even as my youthful strength becomes less and I rely on Your care and power even more. May Your grace, love, mercy, and truth blossom and bear fruit!

Amen