A Picnic in the Valley

Back to Psalm 23...

So, how many of us like things which are tailor-fit, personalized with our initials and fit-us-to-a-T? Can I just say this? God knew we would. He also knew it would be a necessary thing. After all, one-size-fits-all doesn't exactly work for most situations. Especially dark valleys.  

God prepares a table specifically set for and laden with exactly what we need in order to be nourished and ministered to during the difficult, hard seasons of life. My table isn't meant for you, and your table won't meet my needs - it's a personalized banquet. 

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." vs.5

Can you just stop right here and imagine with me...we're smack dab in the middle of a valley, sitting at a delicious feast prepared for us by our Good Shepherd. Amazing! If that isn't enough, we can "see" in the distance, the beady, blood-thirsty eyes of our enemies peering in disdain from behind rocks and crevices all around. They're the devilish imps anxiously awaiting our demise. They hate us! Their assignment is to assist in the stealing, killing and destroying of our souls. Scared? Do you feel threatened? Hopeless? If you do, take heart for here we sit, right in the middle of this valley - being nourished and refreshed - and the enemy can't do one single thing about it but watch.

How else would we ever make it through those dark nights and seemingly impossible circumstances without the Lord providing for us in the middle of it all? Say it with me, "Our God IS my Provider!" He knows how frustrating and hopeless the valley can seem at times, so when we feel we can't make it another step, He sets up a picnic just for us. Bring it on, Lord!!!

He not only prepares the table, but He anoints our head with oil. He refreshes our spirit. You know as well as I do, we can look really rough on those "valley" days. Talk about "bad hair" days! However, if we'll allow it, God's Spirit comes in and does a perfect work of holding us together- even when we're weak in our spirit. Remember, it's not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit that we are refreshed and able to carry on. 

Not only does He prepare a table and anoint us to carry on, He causes our cup to overrun. He gently reminds us that our valley has an ending. As we tip our heads back to take a sip from that strengthening, joy-restoring cup, we again spot our enemies and realize they cannot interrupt this divine banquet. They are still. Quiet. He kindly reminds us that we need only to depend upon Him. And as our cup runneth over, He is glorified. He gets the glory every time!

As we endure the treacheries of the valley, we are
 growing a testimony to bring Him praise! 

Remember, our journey doesn't end here...there is more beyond. There is a "rest of the story" about how we made it over. It's all about the journey, isn't it? We're all going to face a valley in our lifetimes, but will we allow God to do what only He can do while we're in it? Will we allow Him to order our steps? To be everything to us He desires to be? Will we allow Him a moment to prepare us a Kingdom Picnic? Will we be still long enough to be nurtured? Will we allow Him to anoint us for a future work and testimony? Will we look up long enough to drink from an overflowing cup? God help us be still!

I don't know about you, but right now, I'm enjoying this delightful picnic set up right in the middle of the darkest valley I've ever been in. Yes, I'm still struggling some days. Yes, I'm still crying some days too. There is hope in knowing that this valley isn't void of God's presence and that gives me hope. If you're in one of those moments, close your eyes and visualize yourself with a table spread before you. Everything you need is here, because God is here! He covers it all! Here's a bonus too - no rain will cancel this picnic and ants (enemy attacks) aren't allowed. Be encouraged~