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Today, we’re talking about a fascinating symbol found all throughout the Bible—the olive.
The olive tree, its oil, and even its crushing process carry deep spiritual meaning. From anointing oil to the Garden of Gethsemane, olives have been used by God to teach us about endurance, faith, and His anointing in our lives.
“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” — Psalm 52:8
If you’ve ever felt pressed, crushed, or in a waiting season, the olive tree has something to teach us today. Let’s dive in and discover what God wants to reveal!
The Olive Tree – A Symbol of Strength and Endurance
Resilience of the Olive Tree
“The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” — Psalm 92:12
Olive trees are known for their endurance—some live for thousands of years.
According to (livelyroot.com), “An olive tree represents strength and endurance. This small, shrub-like tree features a sturdy trunk, resilient branches, and deep roots that help it tolerate changes in weather conditions, as well as resist pests and diseases.”
Their deep roots allow them to withstand harsh conditions, just like a strong faith in God keeps us anchored.
Spend time strengthening your spiritual roots through prayer and the Word, so when trials come, you remain unshaken.
How deep are your spiritual roots? Are you thriving or just surviving?
The Olive Press – Strength Through Crushing
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8
Olive oil comes from crushing—just like our faith is refined through trials.
Jesus experienced His own "pressing" in the Garden of Gethsemane, which means "olive press."
When you feel pressed by life, ask God, "What are You producing in me through this?"
Have you ever seen God use a hard season to bring something good into your life?
Anointed for a Purpose
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” — Psalm 23:5
In the Bible, olive oil was used to anoint kings, priests, and the sick—it represents God's calling and healing.
According to (aboutoliveoil.org), “Olive oil is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, signifying joy, health, and blessing. It was used for anointing priests, kings, and prophets, symbolizing God's choice and consecration of individuals for specific, holy purposes.”
Every believer is anointed by God for a purpose.
Ask God to reveal where He is calling you to serve and how He wants to use your gifts.
Do you recognize the anointing God has placed on your life?
The Olive Tree and Our Spiritual Walk
Waiting for the Right Season
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Olive trees take years to mature before producing fruit—spiritual growth takes time.
Just because you don’t see fruit right away doesn’t mean God isn’t working.
Trust God’s timing instead of rushing His process.
Are you in a waiting season? How can you trust God in the delay?
The Olive Leaf – A Symbol of Peace
“When the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak, Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone.” — Genesis 8:11
The olive leaf in Noah’s story represented God’s promise of restoration.
I found this interesting fact on (explorecrete.com): “Pruning yearly and severely is very important to ensure continued production. The trees have the unproductive limbs removed, ‘so that it will be more fruitful’ (John 15:2).”
Even after storms, God brings peace and new beginnings.
When you face uncertainty, hold onto God's promises as your "olive leaf."
What is one promise from God that brings you peace?
The Power of the Olive
“Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.” — Psalm 107:43
When my dad passed away, that grief and the healing of many things really pressed down on me. But God used it all to bring growth, healing, and new purpose to my life.
Olive trees can survive droughts and strong winds, and they grow well in well-drained soil.
Take a moment to reflect on how God has used challenges to shape you.
How have you seen God's faithfulness in tough seasons?
Living as an Olive Tree in Christ
“A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.” — Matthew 7:17
Just like olives take time to grow, spiritual fruit develops over time.
According to historical sources, “The olive tree has a dependable fruit production, and olive oil production requires stability over many years, since most ancient seedling olive trees required eight or more years before producing their first crop.”
The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, and more in our lives.
Ask God daily to help you produce the fruit of the Spirit.
What kind of fruit is your life producing?
The Olive Tree and God's Provision
According to (ilovemypickle.com), “The root system of the olive tree is so robust that it’s capable of regenerating itself even when the above-ground structure of the tree is destroyed by frost, fire, or disease.”
The olive tree is fully dependent on its connection to its roots, just as we are dependent on Jesus.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.” — John 15:5
Without Him, we can do nothing.
Large olive trees produce about 400 pounds of olives annually—a reminder that our connection to Christ produces abundance.
Stay connected to Jesus through daily time in the Word and prayer.
Are you abiding in Christ, or are you trying to produce fruit on your own?
Trusting God Through the Process
God is always working in us, even in the crushing and waiting.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished.” — Philippians 1:6
Just like olives go through a process before becoming oil, we go through a process before we see God’s full work in us.
Olive oil has long been considered sacred. Historically, the olive branch symbolized abundance, glory, and peace. The leafy branches were offered to rulers as emblems of blessing and purification.
Surrender to God’s process and trust that He is refining you for something greater.
What is one area where you need to trust God’s process today?
Today, we’ve learned so much from the olive—the tree of endurance, the pressing that brings purpose, and the anointing that comes from God.
God is using every season, even the hard ones, to bring out something beautiful in your life.
Like the olive tree, let your roots go deep in God, so you can stand strong in every season.
Stay rooted in Christ.