Setting the Table

Psalms 23:1-6 NIV “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

This is King David expressing his personal relationship with God. David was a shepherd boy and throughout his life, he saw God’s guidance, provision, and protection.

That’s what was on David’s table, set by the Good Shepherd Himself.

Similarly, when the Lord is said to prepare a table for us, it symbolizes His abundant provision and care for us. The fact that this table is set in the presence of our enemies, highlights the protection and security that God provides. Even in the face of adversaries or difficult circumstances, God ensures that His people are cared for and provided for.

So there is spiritual nourishment on the table, peace, joy, wisdom, and all the needs of the believer. The table is set with everything that God offers to sustain and bless His people, both physically and spiritually.

God prepares a table for us as a demonstration of His love, care, and covenant relationship with us. It is a sign of His favor, how He honours us and wants to assure us that, even in the midst of trials, He will provide for us. 

So we have a table. Step 1. Now we need to set the table, right? We want to set the table Family, with our response to God’s graciousness.

I’d like to suggest that our response to what God has prepared should be one of trust, gratitude, and worship. He invites us to sit at His table and partake in the blessings He offers, trust in His provision, and live in the confidence that He will meet our needs. 

These are blessings upon blessings upon blessings at this table God has set before us.

And so as we receive an overflow, our response should be to continue to trust in God’s provision, express gratitude to Him, and share the blessings with others. 

Now that’s the nice and rosy part.

Because we know that life comes with challenges and while we have before us, on our tables, all of these blessings, life happens. We struggle ever so often in our spiritual walk and we face all sorts of health, financial, relationship and other issues.

Much like a table set for a meal, where each item (the cutlery and the food itself) represents different aspects of life—blessings, challenges, opportunities, and emotional battles.

As Christians, we are constantly faced with spiritual and emotional challenges.

We only have to look at the current political and economic climate. Our leaders are jostling for power so much they are neglecting to put proper programmes in place for the masses and we see poverty, unemployment, social ills, non communicable diseases seemingly out of control.

There are rapid changes in society, leading to personal struggles. And sometimes our faith walk is negatively impacted.

Now it is important to note that not everyone is struggling to get by. Many people are thriving. Good health, great jobs, managing their money well, enjoying beautiful relationships.

But for both classes of people, the question still remains - what are we putting on our table? How is our table being set? Spiritually. For that’s what’s ultimately the most important thing.

Here are some items.

1. Spiritual Challenges on the Table - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare:

- Ephesians 6:12—“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

These spiritual challenges manifest in everyday life—temptations, doubts, spiritual dryness, and the attacks of the enemy.

And so we need to stay connected to God through prayer and daily devotion.

Remember, even Jesus retreated to pray in times of great need. Luke 5:16 says “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Of course we also depend on Christian fellowship to help us deal with our challenges. As we fellowship and hear testimonies, we receive encouragement to go on.

What else is on the table?

2. Emotional Battles 

Life’s challenges can stress us out if we allow it. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness can set in. These are real feelings and Christians experience them. But we don’t dwell there. We seek professional help and most of all look to Jesus, who tells us in Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

When God sets a table for us Family, in spite of anything negative that creeps in, it’s always more good than bad. So…

3. Change and Transformation are on the Table

No matter what challenges we may face, we must have faith in God to see us through. Life is fickle, change is inevitable, circumstances will change.

  

But if we allow Him, God can use these changes for our growth and transformation.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

Finally, as we look at the table set before us, it is importance to consider:

  

4. The Choices We Make at the Table

These choices affect our spiritual and emotional health. We are encouraged to trust God even in the face of uncertainty.

  

Deuteronomy 30:19 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”.

Let us remember that when we allow God to set our table, we can overcome any spiritual or emotional challenge.

  

Romans 8:37 “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

AMEN

aub - 20Aug24

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