A table. Prepared for me. The first thoughts that spring to mind when I consider this is – Wow! A spoil! – That someone else would consider doing something for me. That someone else would use their time, effort and resources to prepare something for me. That someone would invite me to a feast!
As a mom and wife, I’m often the one preparing the table for my family – an important day-to-day occurance, but such a special thing. It’s an opportunity to create family memories and to initiate conversation. It brings us together! I’m also often the one preparing the food, although my husband is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. in the kitchen and regularly steps in and helps out. So back to verse 5…..You, God, prepare a table before me. You see me. You know me. You think of me. You consider me. You sustain me. You invite me to feast with you. You always want to make the most of moments where we can be together. Wow! What a spoil!
And it doesn’t end there. He prepares this “in the presence of my enemies.” So what exactly does this mean? Well, I’d like to think that not only does God sustain us, but he also protects us. His table, His presence, is a safe space for us. It’s a place where we can find refuge and sustenance, strength and courage, amidst whatever circumstance we are facing.
The verse goes on to read; “you anoint my head with oil” Back in David’s day, hosts would anoint their honoured guests heads with oil. This would often be infused with herbs and spices to refresh their guests, who had often travelled far on dusty roads. God not only sustains and protects us, he also refreshes us! Some days I can sure relate to a weary traveller, and the municipality recently revamped the road to my daughters school, so we were literally travelling a dusty road daily. The fine dust gets everywhere and our car was constantly covered in a haze of brown. How refreshing it is to arrive home, flop into a chair in the sunshine, and let the day slip away. Thank you God for your refreshing!
Finally this verse comes to an end with; ” my cup overflows” . I came across a meme once that goes like this:
Some people see the cup half empty.
Some people see the cup half fill.
The Bible tells me my cup overflows.
I love that! It speaks of the abundance, generosity and lavishness that our God pours over us each day. His goodness, His kindness, His grace, His love, His sacrifice. He has provided it all, made a way for it all, and given us His all. Our cups only overflow because of the overflow of Christ in our lives. I have because He gave.
So enjoy the feast you’ve been invited to. Enjoy the table prepared for you. Enjoy the protection over you. Enjoy the honour and refreshing bestowed on you. Enjoy the abundance of provision for you! You are loved!
hope of heart 