by Robert Fudge

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 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.

As we consider this most familiar Psalm we could make a lesson from almost every phrase. This Psalm has been a source of strength and comfort to many over the years. What a wonderful blessing to know that God is ever present with us, that He cares about us and that He provides our every need. This is especially true as we face death either in our own lives or in the lives of our loved ones.

I want us to focus today on verses 5-6: "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."

We are the special guests of our God. He has served us with the wonderful wine of His love until our “cup overflows.” God has blessed us with more than we can possibly count or even recognize. We take so much for granted every day of our lives. As most of you know, I just got back from Houston, Texas where I spent 3 days with my 4 brothers and 1 sister. What a wonderful blessing that we had safe travels. We thank God for His protection. What a wonderful blessing to have this time with my siblings and to be able to share in a way that is almost indescribable. One theme that continued to resurface was the blessing of having parents who instilled in each of us a faith and complete trust in our God. But not only a trust in time of trial and problems but a trust in His will for our lives and thankfulness for His constant provision. Truly my “cup overflows.”

As my parents were (and are) a source of blessing in my life, so each of us can be a blessing to others today. It may be our parents, children, grandchildren or other family. It may be our co-workers, friends, or neighbors. One of the greatest blessings we can give others is the example of faith and commitment in our lives as we live for Jesus today. My prayer for each of us is that we will be renewed in our commitment to be like Him.

Dear God, thank you for the blessings you give each of us every day. We often take these for granted and we ask you to help us to not do that any longer. Thank you for providing our needs, for healing our wounds and strengthening our spirits. Thank you for our parents and grandparents that instilled faith in us. Thank you for others who show us in their lives how to live for you. Thank you for the joy of brothers and sisters both in our physical families and in your spiritual family. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your son and our brother.

May God be with you and keep you.