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 (NRSV)

I gave short shrift to this verse in my message last Sunday, and I thought I would follow up here.

I noted that Psalm 52 is a “bargaining Psalm,” where the author is offering up loyalty to God as a carrot for God striking down the “Mighty one [who] …trusted in abundant riches” rather than in God. But bargaining or not, the use of the olive tree as a symbol is a special one.

In Greek Mythology, the olive tree was given by the goddess Athena to the city of Athens, so it came to symbolize wisdom in their culture. In the Bible, the olive tree is invoked for peace and hope. When Noah sends the dove out to patrol for land, it brings back an olive branch, and hope springs alive! Olives can be eaten, so the tree is sustaining, and the oil can be burned for light.

The Olive Tree is a Gift that gives in many ways

It’s a hardy plant that can survive on little water as long as it has access to plenty of sunlight. In this way, it reminds us of strength and consistency. I believe this is the sense the Psalmist is probably using when comparing themselves to the tree.

The image in Psalm 52 is invoked in an unsettling time. Someone is getting away with a lot of mayhem when this Psalm is written, and it looks unlikely they’ll be brought to justice. The Psalmist is buffeted by this revelation, and feeling very much adrift.

Sometimes the only way to combat outer stress is with a tree-like inner calm.

A Quick Meditation

Close your eyes, and find this thought: “What pain am I in right now?” Scan your body, and reflect. If you are in pain, and it is great, then manage that. But if you’re not, here’s an opportunity. to offer thanks for the grace of that freedom from pain. From this point of gratitude, we can better reflect on the things that overwhelm us: whether it’s the news cycle, or the passing of someone important to you, or a painful interaction. When you can find a more stable mind, you can better deal with the challenges as they come.