At the Table

I love big gatherings! All my important people together sharing a fantastic meal, what’s not to love?

We just hosted the celebration of me being cancer free and I’m grateful that my husband encouraged my sons to learn to cook. Here’s a couple of photos of Brent and Tanner. Everyone helps- either setting up or cooking. Also many friends arrived laden with treats and together we enjoyed yummy food and good company.

What if we were invited to banquet where the food never spoiled? Where instead of our tummies being full, our spirits were refreshed and our souls fed? Psalm 23 has long been a favorite of mine. V 5 came alive for me while fighting cancer, “You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.” David wrote this while literally hiding from enemies who sought to kill him and waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled that he’d be king. He was in the midst of inescapable difficulties. He found relief by internally sitting at God’s table while chaos reigned.

A friend shared with me what this verse meant to her. She saw herself sitting at the table with God while her fear and anxiety cowered under the table. Unfortunately those enemies weren’t gone but as she sat at the table she experienced God quieting her mind.

When sleep has eluded me I’ve taken to reciting Psalm 23 in my head. When I get to verse 5, I ask the Lord to show me who and what are at the table.

Sitting around the table are always Jesus, God the Father and the Spirit enjoying each other’s company and sharing their gifts with me. There is the Bread of Life and Living Water. Hope sits at the table with a shining face of gold, joy flits around with sparkly leaves of green like a dragonfly. Peace sits serenely and is ocean blue. Love is present and resplendent in crimson. Courage sits stalwart (and often looks like Wonder Woman 😆), Strength is there and sometimes looks like Samson. Wisdom sits on the edge of its seat ready to help.

Under the table cowers fear, anxious thoughts about the future, and lies. They have no place amongst God’s empowering gifts.

I am always invited to the table. I just need to accept the invitation and sit down to receive the sustenance provided. Dependence is the entrance fee. Forgiveness unlocks the door and is always granted when requested. God invites us to the table each day. He wants fellowship with us. Let’s sit, enjoy, and be filled with joy!

References: Bread of Life – John 6:35; Living Water- John 7:38; Hope- Heb 6:19; Love- Rom 8:38; Peace- Phil 4:7-8; Joy- Ps 16:11; Courage- Josh 1:9; Strength- 1 Ch 16:11; Wisdom- James 1:5; Forgiveness- 1 John 1:9.