WHEN GOD BLESSES

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." - Psalm 23:5

The Christian life consists of hills and valleys; pain and joy; trouble and peace.  There are times when God seems so near and other times when He seems so distant.  There are moments of celebration and times of grief. 

We'd love to stay on the mountaintop with God all the time.  It would be glorious to rejoice & bask in His love throughout endless days.  Such a time will come, but not here on earth.  Our world is contaminated with sin.  Evil abounds in our culture.  Despite the advancements made in technology and medicine, our world is still sinful and selfish.  Mankind's rejection of righteousness is yet another indication that this world is not our home.

Nevertheless, there are times when God visits His people in a special way.  Some may refer to it as revival.  Others may call it a season of refreshing.  A few may label it a special dispensation of grace.  Whatever label you wish to use, there are times that God sovereignly blesses His people in a wonderful way.  That is the description that David gives in Psalm 23:5:  "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

Notice three things that David refers to in this verse:

1.  EXALTATION

First, there is exaltation.  God exalts His people before their unbelieving enemies:  "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies."  The Lord graciously causes His people to enjoy the bounty of His grace while the pagans look on in disbelief.  During a mighty move of God, even the pagans recognize what is going on.  In Psalm 126:2, the Bible says, "... then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them."  What a blessing it is when the Lord lifts up His children for an unbelieving world to see.

2.  CONSECRATION

Secondly, there is consecration.  David wrote, "... thou anointest my head with oil."  Usually, the anointing with oil was reserved for the coronation of a king or prophet.  Figuratively speaking, oil represents the work of the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes believers need a fresh anointing of the Spirit.  The unction of the Spirit is not given for our edification, but for our consecration.  God anoints us so we may serve Him with effectiveness.  When God blesses, His people are fruitful in His work.

3.  CELEBRATION

Finally, there is celebration.  David wrote, "... my up runneth over."  When God blesses, His people rejoice.  There is not a feeling in the world like the blessing of God.  Perhaps your heart has been weary and cold for a long time.  Yet in a moment, God can cause your heart to warm to His presence and bask in His love.  When a person rejoices, he doesn't need to be told to smile --- it comes natural.  A rejoicing person doesn't need to be led to sing.  Singing flows from his heart of joy.  Notice that David's cup was more than filled.  His cup ran over.  The showers of blessing can fall in such abundance that it causes a flood.  The tide of God's blessing can come in and cover the shore. 

There is nothing like those moments when God blesses His people in a special way.  We cannot manipulate God into providing this experience.  He freely gives these experiences to those He wishes, at a time He knows is best.  We need such blessings, don't we?  While we can't produce blessings, we can come humbly to the Lord and seek those blessings. 

Perhaps such a season of refreshing may begin in your life & mine today.  Lord, let it be so!!!