Psalm 23:5, “Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.” I came across a clip while scrolling through YouTube the other day presented by a young man who shared a message about a sermon he had heard. The message was from Psalm 23:5. In ancient times an overflowing cup at a meal was a powerful gesture. It meant the host was not just providing sustenance, but encouraging the guest to linger and enjoy their company. Psalm 23 is well-known. I’ve read it many times. These verses bring me strength when I am weak or struggling. The message this young man talked about made me re-read Psalm 23. I read it out loud and listened to the words. “The Lord is my shepherd.” God will provide all I need. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” In times of chaos in my life, He provides peace. “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness, for His name sake.” I have been redeemed back to God through Jesus Christ. He recovered me to God by the payment of His death. “Even though I walk through the valley of death, I fear no evil, for Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” A shepherd watches over his sheep to keep the enemy at bay. Jesus keeps me and guides me from all harm. “Thou dost prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.” God has prepared a table. He has invited me to join Him and most of all He has poured my cup to overflowing. He wants me to stay and spend time in His presence. I’ve been invited to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords’ table. All I need is laid out before me, in the presence of my enemies. Then, God lets me know He wants me to linger in His presence to enjoy His company. The gesture of overflowing my cup let’s me know, He wants me there. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” Yes, the Lord is my shepherd. He keeps me and guides me. He protects me from harm. I have no reason to fear. All of the verses before verse 5 tells me of God’s power and his loving kindness. Verse 5 tells me I am accepted by God to be there. I feel like shouting when reading this. My cup overflows. Psalm 23 I see in a new way. I have heard preachers talk about this verse, relating it to blessings God provides. That’s not what I think of the verse now. I see it as the Lord showing me, He wants me to linger at the table He has prepared. He has shown my enemies that I am not just invited to the table, but that He wants me to stay and enjoy His company. He wants me to know I am welcome there. Hallelujah! My cup overflows.