Come to the Table

Psalm 23:5-6 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Dear One,

How are you today? How are things going in your life? Are you experiencing the goodness and mercy of the Lord?

Certainly, we’re all feeling the heavy emotions that living in our world today can bring. The headlines in the news and social media do a good job at reminding us of all that is wrong in the world. In most of California, and in many areas of the Pacific Northwest, we can’t look far beyond our own front doors to see the smoke filled skies and wonder if we’ll ever be able to breathe in fresh air again. The political campaigns and uncertain outcomes of the upcoming election, the religious divides and the continual presence of lines that divide and bring disunity…..it’s enough to bring one down into the pit of despair and hopelessness.

It can be difficult to walk in the discipline of self-control and limit our intake of such negative feedback and allow ourselves to stay reminded that even in the midst of all that appears “wrong” in our world, our God is still good and His Mercy endures forever! Jesus is our One True Hope!

As one who has spent a large portion of her life struggling with the effects of depression and learning to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word, I can say that I truly know the struggle it is to deny the voice of the enemy and the oppression worldly circumstances can bring. To resolve our hearts and minds to believing in the goodness and mercy of God, no matter the circumstances, requires a heart that is willing to accept God at His Word as we surrender and trust our lives to Him.

Psalm 23 is a beautiful Psalm to remind us of this faithfulness of our God. Even though “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” Why? Because, “He is with me”.

God serves as our Protector and our Comforter. He prepares a table for us to come and sit and dine with Him! What do we typically do when we have friends or family over for dinner? We fellowship with them. We share our life together, what good things are going on and what hard things we may be facing, we pray together, we laugh together…we enjoy each other’s company!

Friends, that is what God is calling us to….He’s prepared a place for us at His Table! He’s inviting us to come, brining our sorrows, our joys, our prayers and our praises to Him. He longs to enjoy company with us!

Are you accepting His daily invitation to join Him at His banqueting table? He has much He wants to share with you! He longs to anoint your head with oil and refresh your cup so that you might leave encouraged and equipped with a cup that is running over, ready to pour the love and goodness of God onto others. His promises are true and He will be with you all the days of your life….He simply asks you to “Come”.

Father, Thank You for these beautiful friends that will read this post. May You use the Words of Psalm 23 to bring comfort to those who are feeling weary today. May they be reminded of the invitation to come to Your banqueting table and may You grant them a longing in their hearts to spend time with You each day. Thank You that You never stop pursuing us, Father, and that You promise to be with us all the days of our lives. May we spend today recounting all the ways that You are good and giving You praise for Your unending Mercy and Grace. Amen.

Blessings of Grace,

Stacey