Thoughts for the Day

Why do you boast, O mighty one,
of mischief done against the godly?
All day long you are plotting destruction.
Your tongue is like a sharp razor,
you worker of treachery.

But I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
for ever and ever.
I will thank you for ever,
because of what you have done.
In the presence of the faithful
I will proclaim your name, for it is good.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Outside my back door is an olive tree in a large pot. Its leaves are green and healthy. It gets partial shade in the afternoon and sun in the morning, with protection from the sea winds. In Israel these trees are a common sight and David uses it as an example of those who grow spiritually healthy and strong, that is those who are faithful and steadfast in their worship of God.

This psalm takes us back to a time when David had yet to become king and Saul was seeking to kill him. David flees to the city of Nob where some priests help him, not realising that the king has turned against David. When Saul finds out he has all the priests killed as well as women and children with the help of a foreigner called Doeg the Edomite. No-one else including Saul, was prepared to carry out this dreadful task. David expresses anger towards the godless Doeg, but rather than blaming God for letting this happen he affirms his belief that God will ultimately deal with the man.

He also uses the lovely image of the green and flourishing olive tree to describe himself - in God's house he is nourished and consequently he flourishes like a green olive tree. He, and those who follow in God's ways will praise Him in His house. May we too have such confidence in God's promises, and be nourished in our worship.

Heavenly Father,
when our world seems dark and dangerous,
when there is no certainty,
and when there seems little peace anywhere,
may we turn to You in worship and praise,
knowing that You keep Your promises,
to Your faithful people.
Amen.