Friends in Christ Message for July 20, 2013

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Friends in Christ Weekly Message
July 20, 2013

[NOTE: This message was originally published July 19, 2001.]

But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house,
and I can count on his love forever and ever.
I will always thank God for what he has done;
I will praise his good name when his people meet.
Psalm 52:8-9 (CEV*)

This psalm, attributed to David, is set in a time when he was a fugitive being hunted by the king. But it is not a desperate cry for help, but rather a song of trust in God. While historically the psalm may not actually have been written at that time, it does appear to represent David's attitude.

The psalmist compares himself to a particularly fruitful and long-lived tree. This is appropriate because he lives "in God's house." His very healthy condition is a result of his close connection with God which provides rich soil for growth and protection against the storms of life.

The psalmist is confident, not because of his own human abilities and intelligence, but because he can count on God's love. Whatever the trials and tribulations of life, God's love will sustain him. He knows that his circumstances will pass, but God's love lasts forever.

So even in the midst of trials, the psalmist is thankful. He remembers all God has done, and rests in the assurance that God can be trusted. He is so grateful that he can't keep his praise only to his private times with God, but is impelled to bring it before the people.

Have you planted yourself in the rich soil of God's love, so that you may grow and be fruitful? Do you trust in God's love regardless of your circumstances? Do you live in thankfulness for all that God does for you? Do you openly praise God?

Bill Samuel