“Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.”
— Psalm 128:3 (NLT)
Mamas, what a beautiful picture Psalm 128 paints—a godly household, blessed by the fear of the Lord, with children like “vigorous young olive trees” around the family table. As Christian mothers, we often wonder what it truly looks like to raise children who flourish in faith, character, and purpose. This verse offers both encouraging truth and a vision.
Let’s take a look at how!
1. Rooted in Legacy
Olive trees in the Bible are symbols of peace, anointing, fruitfulness, and longevity. They are not fast-growing plants. In fact, they take years—sometimes decades—before they produce their best fruit! But once rooted, they endure. They are known to live for hundreds of years and still bear fruit in old age.
When Scripture says our children are like “vigorous young olive trees,” it reminds us that our role isn’t just to manage behavior—it’s to nurture legacy. As we raise them in the Lord, we’re shaping lives meant to impact generations.
2. Vigorous with Life and Potential
That word “vigorous” isn’t in the text by accident. It means strong, growing, full of potential. Our children may be young and immature in their faith now, but the Holy Spirit is already at work. Even in their wobbly prayers and curious questions, God is planting seeds that will grow into something powerful.
As mothers, we can water these tender shoots with prayer, the Word, and loving discipline—trusting God to bring the growth.
3. Close to the Table, Close to the Heart
Psalm 128 places these olive shoots around the table. This isn’t just a picture of physical provision, but of relational closeness. The family table is where hearts are shaped—through conversation, laughter, correction, and blessing—and, yes, even in the midst of spilled milk and “mommy, I don’t like broccoli!” It’s around the table that children learn what it means to belong, to be heard, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Even in our busy days, don’t underestimate the power of gathered meals, open Bibles, and sincere conversations. These are sacred spaces where olive trees grow!
4. Planted in the Fear of the Lord
The entire psalm flows from a single source: “How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways!” (v. 1). A household that reveres God creates the kind of soil in which spiritual growth thrives. When our children see us seek God in both joy and hardship, it sets a pattern they can follow.
This doesn’t mean being perfect moms—it means being surrendered moms. Moms who depend on grace, who model repentance, and who faithfully point to Jesus.
A Prayer for You and Me
Lord, thank You for the precious olive trees You’ve entrusted to us. Teach us to be faithful gardeners—patient, prayerful, and rooted in Your Word. May our homes be places of peace and purpose. Help our children grow strong in faith, and bear fruit that lasts for eternity. Amen!
Keep tending your olive grove, mama. Even if today feels slow or unseen, the Lord sees every seed. And in His time, it will bear fruit.
