11-28-2022

Good Morning All,

    Psalm 52:8; “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.  I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”

    The Psalmist speaks of trees.  We, who live in South Dakota, should really appreciate the Psalmist use of trees.  Trees are about as plentiful in the land of Canaan as they are here.  There are a few places where they grow, like along rivers and streams but for the most part, they need to be planted and tended to.  Trees don’t just happen; we need to make them happen.

      The tree listed, an olive tree, is especially a lot of work.  Yet if tended properly it would produce olives for years to come.  If it didn’t, it would be uprooted and burned then replaced by a new tree.  So, notice how the psalmist describes it.

      I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.  This last spring, I planted four new trees here.  With the drought and the wind, it has been a constant battle trying to keep them going.  Right now, I am not sure they will make the winter.  It would be nice to see them green and supple and full of leaves.  They look more like beaten sticks.  In many ways, we are like that.  Without Jesus’ saving grace, we are just beaten-up sticks which will not survive the winter.

    But because of God’s grace, we are green, supple, and healthy trees.  We have the leaves and are producing the fruit, not because of what we are but because of the loving care which the Father gives to us.  He feeds us, He waters us, He weeds around us, and He keeps the soil fresh and mellow.  We are protected from the harsh elements under the protection of his wings, safe in his loving arms.

    We have a haven, a place which we can find safety, solace, and peace.  We can trust in God’s steadfast love (mercy) to save us from all harm by the devil.  When the droughts and cares of this life would want to drain the life from us, we have a Savior who is tending to our every need.  We can grow strong in the safety of his house.  We can grow to produce fruit because of his saving will.  God guards us and provides for us.  We do not have to be like the tree rooted up, rather, we are blessed by God to be kind of tree that the Master wishes to keep. 

     The winds will howl, and the droughts and insects and all the challenges of this life may come our way, but we are safe in God’s loving arms; protected from all that the devil will throw.  Through him we have all good things. In Him we have eternal life and the holy rest. His love for us never ends and His protection never wavers. We can cling to Him in all situations, and He will keep us secure.

Father of mercy, you give to us all that we need to support this body and life.  Keep us mindful of the wondrous gifts which we receive daily.  Keep us watered and nourished by your Word.  Lead us to produce fruit so that we may help to feed others.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret