“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” (AMPL Bible)
Pastor Colin Smith reminds us that God often uses physical things to speak to us about spiritual things. Here God uses 3 things: – a table, oil, and a cup to communicate how He sustains us. When someone prepares a meal for you, and it is ready; you come to the table, you sit down, and you enjoy the meal. While eating, your strength is renewed. The table reminds us that God sustains by giving us new strength.
In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil because God had given them a particular assignment. Oil reminds us that God sustains and refreshes us by giving us new purpose.
David wrote, “My cup overflows.” This speaks of our lives overflowing with abundant joy and contentment. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in youand that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). The overflowing cup reminds us that God sustains us by giving us new joy.
David’s life was filled with many challenges and battles. He had inherited a kingdom that was struggling and torn apart. This also affected his family life, so much so that David’s own son hunted him down to try and steal the kingdom from him. How did David manage? How will you manage when everything seems against you? God prepared a table for David even in the presence of his enemies. God can do that for you and me too. He WILL sustain us in a world of trouble and chaos, when we trust Him, even when Satan tempts us or tries to harm us. Psalm 121 assures us that God never sleeps, but He watches over us night and day. We are safe!
When we abide in Christ’s love and trust Him, He provides us with HIS plans and purposes for us. A sense of purpose rested upon David after he was anointed. If we lose sight of what we are called to do we will tire easily, but when God anoints us, we can walk in His purpose and destiny for us. He will sustain and help us.
Samuel had anointed David in the presence of his brothers. This anointing oil represented God’s purpose for David to be king. Very few were anointed with oil in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament we can ALL be anointed with God’s Holy Spirit who helps and sustains us.
Precious Lord Jesus, thank You so much that your life shows us how we can live with purpose and fulfil our destinies which Abba Father desires for us. Thank You for the blessed Holy Spirit who helps to sustain us and lead and guide us in Your righteous ways. Thank You that we need not fear the future because You are already there. Your Word says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh. 8:10) Thank You that Your joy within us, becomes a fountain of strength which sustains us through troubled times. Please renew and refresh us with Your Living waters and the Word you want us to read daily. We love and praise You. Amen.
Myrtle Turunen