...God's abundant blessings...

“5 You prepare a table before Me in the presence of My enemies.

          You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

          and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” Psalm 23:5-6.

In the second half of Psalm 23 the Lord is the host at a banquet prepared for His child. The “table” is filled with food and drink. Before sitting at the well-appointed banquet table, the host would anoint the honored guest with oil made by adding perfumes to olive oil. The “cup” symbolizes the gracious and generous manner of entertainment, as the “overflowing cup” pictures the Lord as giving most abundantly to His child. It symbolizes the complete care of God, previously expressed by “green pastures” and “quiet waters.” But look! The Lord vindicates His servant “in the presence of (His) enemies,” expressing both how hard life is as well as God’s demonstration of His love toward His own. In the presence of God, the fragrance of His rewards (“oil”) and the abundant generosity of His banquet (“cup”) makes us forget our troubles and pains. His is “the cup of salvation” (see Psalm 116:13) that pertains to both body and spirit.

Can we not all see the constant comfort of God’s love and presence? “Goodness and love” reflect the qualities of Yahweh, the love of our faithful God. The “goodness” of God is demonstrated in His abundant care and promises, and these are evidence of His blessing. The “steadfast love of God” ( hesed ) is God's covenant and commitment to bless His people with His goodness and promises. The Psalmist, most likely David, expresses deep confidence in God’s loyalty. Instead of being pursued by enemies who seek His death, God’s “goodness and love” follow him. You and I have nothing to fear, because God’s care will always show up in His abundant love and protection. God’s loving care always follows the psalmist — and you and me — throughout life. The psalmist does not say that our cup will always be full or that our heads will always be anointed with oil, but we do have the promise that God’s loving presence will be our lifelong companion.

So take time today and pray through this most beautiful Psalm. Make it personal! Change the pronouns into personal pronouns so that you will realize how much God is speaking directly to you.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.