Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Shepherd who prepares the table

Bible Reading: Psalm: 23

Key Verse:  5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (Psalm 23:5)

DEVOTION

Psalm 23rd is a well-known passage written by David, and it illustrates God as a caring Shepherd host, providing protection, provisions and comfort to his people. It emphasizes a personal relationship.
In the beginning of Psalm 23:  we the representation of God as our Shepherd, and now in Psalm 23: 5 we see the representation of God as an attentive, and cordial host. Here in this portion, David is an honored guest and is his magnanimous, caring host and we too are the guest at God’s table. Here in the context of a table being prepared, it represents a banquet, showing God’s bountiful supply for His people, it is just like a host carefully sets a table with a feast, God assures that His children have all they need. It represents His faithfulness to meet our emotional, physical and spiritual needs, even during adversity and hardships. 
The presence of enemies in this verse suggests that we may come across trials and tribulations, and spiritual battles. However, God's provision and care are not sustained by these adversaries. By preparing a table for us in their presence, God manifest His power and sovereignty over our enemies. It symbolizes His ability to protect us and grant us peace during turmoil, assuring us that no matter what we face, He is with us.
My Cup Overflows: It represents God’s overflowing grace in our lives. A cup runs over when it can’t hold all that is being poured into it. Worries can make us feel like we are exhausted and lack what we need in our life. 
All of us have worries, and it can make us feel exhausted and lacking what we need in our life. But our God is bountiful host, and He wants you and me to understand that when we come to His table, He has abundance of wealth to pour over us but also abundance of the Holy Spirit. 
Remember when you feel overwhelmed with worries, God has prepared a table before you. Take your eyes off from the circumstances that cause you to worry, trust in the goodness of God and submit everything in His hands, He will give you comfort and peace. 

PRAYER

Heavenly father, thank you for preparing a table for me even in the presence of my enemies. May I rest in your provision today, trusting that You are my shepherd and defender. In Jesus name, Amen. 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 Feast in the face of fear: God does not wait for your battles to end to bless you; He prepares a table of comfort and abundance right in the presence of anxieties, worries and your opponents. 


Mrs. Mariamma Abraham , Immanuel Mar Thoma Church , Houston, Texas 

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