But As For Me

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

This week Californians have been on pins and needles. With the repeated government shutdowns and reopenings, rumor has it that our governor is about to make another announcement. We are eagerly awaiting once again to hear the newest mandates on the next phase of reopenings. With that being said, this has not been the only challenge that we’ve been facing over the last few months. Most of us are waking up every day to a plethora of news headlines that are shaking us to the core. From political hatred to racial violence to a select few in the medical field who are projecting grim forecasts for the next wave of the flu, it’s been nothing short of a season daily unrest. Are these truly unprecedented times? History tells us not so. Pandemics, racial violence, and political hatred have plagued our world and threatened our sense of security for centuries. The question is, as God’s people how do we then live? Who determines the narrative of our lives? Is it possible that these very elements that have every potential to destroy us, could actually grow us? Our bibles have something to say about that!

At times, King David had anything but a peaceful life. He was well acquainted with turmoil and tragedy, political conflicts, personal and public ridicule, and enemies at home and abroad.

In Psalm 52 we see a statement that is repeated throughout God’s word. It usually occurs abruptly after describing either the hand of the enemy doing his worst or the grim outlook of national and moral decay. This statement must hold true for every believer in order to obtain clear thinking, heart rejoicing, and faith thriving stability through the long haul of life. “But as for me!”

David declares with vivid and unapologetic truths regarding the words and ways of evil and mighty men and the sure judgment of God that in the end will prevail. In the meantime, his mind is made up, and his resolve is firm.

David says he is like a green olive tree in the house of God. “This lesson is heightened by contrast. How different the tree that is overthrown, and torn up by the roots, and the “olive tree” standing beautiful and secure in “the house of God” How markedly and utterly separate, the evil-doer judged and put to shame, and the godly man trusting, praising, waiting, rejoicing in the sunshine of God’s love, and the hope of his mercy forever and ever! W. Forsyth

Ladies, we can choose not to live on pins and needles. As women of faith the media, the news, and the actions or reactions of others should not determine how we react to what comes our way. We can in fact flourish as our faith and trust are in God and we daily proclaim “but as for me!”

See Psalm 92:12-15, Psalm 1, Psalm 73:28, Psalm 31:14-16