You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies
Psalm 23:5
We all know what our enemies look like; we are all too familiar with those.
But what does that table look like?
In the midst of tired circumstances or broken dreams. What does it look like when the push and pull of relationships is wearing us thin, when illness holds on, when the enemy whispers dark words into our souls.
And why a table? Why not – an answer, a resounding victory, a miracle, a weapon, a rescue mission. Wouldn’t they be better? Wouldn’t any one of those work just fine – better than a table!
Yet you prepare a table before me – – – – right in the midst.
Is it that while I yearn for reprieve and rescue in the middle of my trouble that God yearns for relationship – – -? For being with us – our hearts knit to His. He made us for it. Communion with Him.
We want our answers – – – – He invites us to the table.
A table that speaks of rest and refreshment and of taking our ease. A place to eat and drink and have our fill – – – right there when we are hungriest and dying of thirst.
It’s a table that speaks of provision and place. See if we have a table to sit at and food to eat then we are not lost nor alone or unknown. Not beggars, not at life’s mercy. We are the invited, the honoured. We are the looked after and provided for. You and I!!
And that’s different to what our enemy would tell us, and more than we think we deserve. Like prodigals we aren’t expecting a feast, maybe punishment, maybe servitude but an abundance of love, and mercy and grace, a place at the table – – –
“The finest wine and the choicest bread – – – – and by His nail scarred hands we are fed” Wedding Feast of the Lamb – Kate Miner
Just the promise of it and we see our enemy differently. Not so big and bossy after all, not so much to say.
So how do we pull up our chair?
With Thankfulness
At our tables we say thank you – for the food, the roof over us, the air in our lungs, the privilege of living. It’s with the same thankfulness even as we feel the sting of life that we come to His table and begin the meal.
In Stillness
Our tables are where we stop – sometimes for the first time in the whole day – to eat and to rest even if it’s just for a bit. And yes we arrive worn out and grumpy a lot of the time but Christ say’s just come (Matthew 11:28) There’s something in the sitting down be it at our tables or in any quiet place – in his presence – there’s something that falls off. It’s a giving up and a giving in. A giving up our labour and giving in to grace. It’s not a fighting position, it’s not a stance you take before the starters pistol goes off, it’s a position of receiving and taking in. It turns us away from the demands of our circumstances and the tyranny of our thoughts and turns us toward the sweetness that is Christ – God with us.
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/Isaiah/30/15
In Gathering Together
Our tables are where we gather. Where we celebrate our wins, mull over our losses, share our dreams and tell our truths. A place where we can come clean and come close. – – – – and how much better a meal that’s shared. There’s something that bonds us in the sharing of food and the breaking of bread together.
We are at each other’s table. Were not sitting alone, it’s not a feast for one. When we gather together it makes us strong. The food we share is Jesus. We gather around His word and His truth “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. Fellowship, family, helping carry each other’s load, love poured out – that’s food and drink to the weary soul.
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. Hebrews 10:22-25 The Message
So come as you are, take your place, share the meal – the living water, the bread of life.
You are the beloved, Be loved
Strange, this familiar Father of prodigals
whose love, too much for one lifetime,
wills that we shall share the feast of forgiveness and joy
in the epilogue of eternity.
Strange, this daily advent of
EMMANUEL
J.F.Wilson (Source – The Greatest Gift – Ann Voskamp)
Love to you all today.
Tracey xx
Something to listen to:~
Highly recommended – this one is so worth the listen. A very favourite of mine and the song I chose for my wedding processional. It puts into song so much more than my limited words could express today. Just click on the link and hit the play icon and you can listen to the whole song.
https://thekateminerorchestra.bandcamp.com/track/wedding-feast-of-the-lamb-2
Friday Night Connect
For this week only we are at my place 6.45pm.