Invitation 4

Psalm 23:4-5

While in Haiti working at the orphanage we were told not to walk the streets by ourselves since Port-au-Prince is a dangerous place. But one day we had no choice. We had to get from one house to the other and there was no ride and no escort. So we began walking the half mile back to the main house, and we were admittedly a little afraid.

Yet, as we stepped outside the gate to begin our walk, someone called to us and ran to catch up with us. It was a local artist, a friend to the family operating the orphanage. He accompanied us all the way from one building to the other and we were quite safe.

What comfort is offered in Psalm 23:4? Where does that comfort come from? What does God offer us?

It may be a challenge to trust in the goodness of God at times. It may seem that we are confronted with hopeless situations, a sure and definite hardship. Yet, if we can trust in God, we will find protection and comfort. We need not fear evil.

With God’s presence surrounding us there is no harm that can befall us. We must trust and accept the invitation from God to be protected and kept safe.

And more than just safety and assurance, God invites us to partake of His table. In spite of our enemies and foes, in spite of hardships and challenges, God sets a table for us. We are invited to be a part of His plenty, to enjoy His good gifts.

And these gifts come in abundance. Our heads are anointed with oil. Anointing is an act to mark a person as special, as set apart, covered, in a sense, in holiness.

And our cup of goodness is not just full, it is full to overflowing. The love and mercy of God pours out in such abundance that there is not room enough to hold it all.

God prepares and invites. We must simply accept and come to the table.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What valley are you walking in? Can you trust God to walk with you?