My dad’s stepfather (grandpa) owned a small restaurant. He was an amazing cook and always spoiled us with too much delicious food. Grandpa also had a big, soft chair and foot stool I loved to sit in. When he passed away in the 70s, I was given this chair. Sitting in grandpa’s chair was always a comfort to me.
The devil does not want me to be comforted. He wants me to live in turmoil and strife all the days of my life.
But…
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
I was thinking about this precious Psalm when it dawned on me again that Jesus is the table that keeps me in the very presence of mine enemies. Jesus anoints my head with the oil of the Holy Spirit – The Comforter – and my cup runs over with all that He is as He prepares more of His love, peace, rest, joy, grace and mercy for me to dine on and to be deeply satisfied with. At this table, there is never a need to fear any evil – No evil dares to approach this strong Shepherd’s rod and staff.
While at His table, Jesus fills me with all that He is. The Good Shepherd continues to restore me – over and over.
For His Name’s sake…Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
Mmmm…His goodness, mercy and peace are so delicious. And, He always has more for me.
His Word – Who He is – is the food that “keeps” me full, yet somehow always wanting more of Him as I stay near Him in His green pastures and fresh, still water.
And I will dwell in the safe and abundant house of the Lord for ever. Thank You, Lord. Thank You, Father. Truly, nothing compares with being Your child.
God bless,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.