Psalm 52

6 The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, 7 "See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own de­struction!" 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. 9 I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. (ESV)
 
"He was bearing fruit, and would continue to do so when all his proud enemies were withered like branches lopped from the tree'.'
Thriving in adversity. There are those who trust in their wealth and believe they can do whatever they want in society (v. 7). Such a person "found a fortress, but not in God; he gloried in his might, but not in the Almighty'.' In contrast to this very limited security, David shows us how to live even in very painful circumstances as he did with Doeg. Though the psalmist was pursued and oppressed by his enemies he was able to flourish like a thriving olive tree (v. 8). Spurgeon disagrees with those who interpret the "olive tree" to be in the pleasant setting of the tabernacle. Rather, David is in the barren desert where he experiences the presence of God ("the house of God"). Even in times of adversity, we can be in God's presence and thrive. One sign of this is the ability to praise God. David could essentially say, "While others boast in their riches I will boast in my God." Such dependence on God and praise in adversity is something only the Holy Spirit can do in our lives.
​
Pastor Paris

​3 Month Reading Plan - Psalm 50