Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

An Olive Shoot

Have you ever seen an olive tree? These trees can get to be very large and can live and bear fruit for a very long time. According to a quick internet search, the oldest living olive trees can be found in Lebanon, and scientists believe they might be at least 6,000 years old. Legend claims that Noah received an olive branch from these trees via the dove while he was on the ark. While these legends can't be verified, it is crazy to imagine that something that might have been around during the time of Noah is still bearing fruit!

Read verse 3 again. One of the coolest things about an olive tree is that new shoots constantly grow at the base of its trunk. Oftentimes, when a tree gets old, it will stop bearing fruit the same way it used to in its youth. The olive shoots will become larger and larger, and as the old tree ages and loses strength, the younger trunks will support and help the fruit of the larger tree.
So what does that mean for us? As teens, we can be the olive shoots that support our friends and family.

GO DEEP: What steps do you need to take today to become an olive shoot? Do you need to grow stronger in your prayer life? Study your Bible? Serve your community? Find someone to mentor? Spend time today asking God to show you areas where you can grow spiritually which will help you become a stronger leader for your friends and family.

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?