Stick Around

Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

The words of the 23rd Psalm are of course familiar to us all - but frequently something new stands out, even in the most familiar of verses. When the psalm was read earlier today, my attention was drawn to the overflowing cup in verse five.

How often have we been in a restaurant or a coffee shop and been all too aware of the staff member, constantly watching you, just waiting for you to finish your drink so they can clean up after you have gone?

Rather than simply tolerating a guest, the psalmist is showing us an example of our Father's generous hospitality, as He refills our cups to the brim once again. You don't have to go. Stick around for more! What a great image. He wants his honoured guests to make themselves feel at home. The anointing with oil? Another sign of extreme generosity. God the Father has so much that He wants to give us, and loves to give it.

Stick around. There's plenty where that came from...