Every New Year, for better or for worse, Mark and I sit around and talk about resolutions for the upcoming year. Every year I say I want to be better about inviting others over for dinner. It has become somewhat of a joke as I continue to propose this annually, and Mark gently reminds me that to do so requires certain actionable steps that I do not heed. For instance, I need to invite guests before the day of said meal, the house needs to be in semi acceptable condition, and I need to find time to cook or acquire needed food. Of course, some of our best evenings with friends have been spur of the moment, even when the house is a wreck. However, being intentional about inviting and preparing is a vital part of hosting.
Today’s verse likens God to the best of hosts, preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies. God, unlike me, exhibits qualities of a superior host. In Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 23, he made the following notes about the Lord in this verse… I am paraphrasing but his points were as follows:
-God had food and drink available in His reserves, ready to provide
-God prepared in advance
-God prepared not only what was necessary, but showered him with abundance
Remembering God’s provision, his forward thinking, and desire to lavish good things on those He loves can help us draw near to His presence. Like we saw last week, the adversity may not be removed. The event depicted in verse 5 happens in the presence of his enemies. In the words of an anonymous Rector child, “that would creep me out.” But focusing on who God is, His presence, power, and provision sustains through our trials.
KK Thoughts
(Mom/ Editor/KK to my children)
“One thing that encourages me in this verse is that to sit down and dine implies one is relaxed in some way. To be able to do that in the presence of my enemies suggests that God gives me His Peace in hardship while He strengthens, encourages and provides for me.”
User Update
Tried to multi-task and cut my children’s toenails while doing the devotion. Didn’t land well. Will separate those activities next week.
See the artwork of the distressed below. Getting expressionism vibes.
Hope you have a wonderful week as we enter into Holy Week. May you fix your eyes on Him and what He has done for us through Jesus.
Anne
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