olives of grace

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. -Psalm 52:8

The Lord is my portion. -Psalm 119:57

I poured soda from a can into four glasses. Eight little sets of eyes carefully examined and assessed the volume of each container.

No one wants to get less than their fair share.

I look around at my family, my home, my city, and I wonder how our today will fill over into all of our tomorrows.

There was a time I cautiously, relentlessly eyed my life, looking for any sign of lack.

Was I good enough?

Was I brave enough, pretty enough, giving enough?

If tragedy were to strike, were we prepared?

Was I seeking God enough?

Did I have enough in me to make it if a storm descended?

Perfection and security are vaporous dreams that slip between the fingers when we to grasp for them.

Oh, but to trust in God. To remember in the deepness of soul-need that all our true need is met in Christ. That changes everything.

The fruit of faith will sustain the trusting heart.

We flourish and blossom when we remove our eyes from ourselves and look to the cross for all we need.

The world and its favor lose their luster and pull, and my heart roots deeper and deeper into the knowledge that:

I am blessed. God is good to those who love and obey Him. I have nothing to fear.

There is no knowledge as precious as that. No truth could ever be more joyful.

Thanksgiving week starts and my heart is full of His grace.

Hallelujah.