PSALM 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

TO PONDER

For some of us the illustration used in today’s reading may trigger memories of family dinners, work parties, or for the introverts among us any social gathering but it is about so much more than sitting down at a table with people who annoy us…

Psalm 23 is a favourite for a lot of people and perhaps even one of the most well-known passages in the Bible.

The images and poetry used paint a picture of comfort, peace and tranquillity for us usually right up to the point of one who actually has to walk through ‘the valley of the shadow of death’. The tranquillity and comfort can be lost quickly, our joy stripped away when we find ourselves surrounded by our enemies.   

The Psalmist had faced the valleys, had stumbled, had fallen, he had been surrounded by countless enemies, had fled for his very life but as he contemplates all of these experiences and those to come he can say ‘my cup overflows’.

Just like King David had learned that God moved even during the times of plenty and the times of want we too need to trust that ‘In Christ emptiness becomes overflowing capacity.’

PRAYER

Almighty God, I thank you that you are always my good shepherd, you anoint my head with your oil of comfort and regardless of whatever I face my cup does overflow because you are faithful and true. Amen.

Today's devotion provided by Danny Brock, LifeWay Westside Church Planter