The Table Set Before Me: Choosing His Invitation
- hilannycastrejon
- Oct 25, 2024
- 4 min read
PSALM 23: 5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
YOU MADE ME A TABLE.
Instagram Post By @AnthonyGurrola https://www.instagram.com/anthonygurrola?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
"You made me a table.
I think I made you regret.
You offered me a seat.
I offered you indifference.
You set out the finest cloth.
I brought out my worst inhibitions.
You sent me an invitation.
My insecurities couldn’t bear to open it.
You told me to invite my friends.
I only shared with anxiety.
You spent all day working on this.
I spent my whole life worrying about it.
You said “just open the door”
All I saw was an exit.
You said “Don’t worry”
I heard “don’t come”
You said “Take your time”
I heard “you’re late.”
You said “I’ve been waiting for you!”
I heard “you’re in trouble.”
Until I didn’t hear anything…
I felt something.
I felt.
You.
I felt fear flee.
Insecurity drain.
Anger extinguish.
I couldn’t hold on…
You said “it’s okay. I will.”
My Lord,
I haven’t been good to you, yet you met me with goodness.
I haven’t been kind, yet you washed me with kindness.
I haven’t been present, yet you never withheld your presence.
To your table I brought fear.
You set out love.
To your table I brought pain.
You set out purpose.
To your table I brought nails.
You set out the cross.
To your table I brought a crown of thorns.
You set out a touch of grace.
My Lord I have been running as your enemy.
But by way of kindness,
I choose to sit as a son.
I may still want to leave,
But thankfully,
You never want to let go.
(caption and post by Anthony Gurrola )
THE TABLE
Song By Yaz Williams
It challenges my heart
When I'm reminded that
The first place he led me to was the table
Why would a King invite me here?
Would He eat with me or would He leave?
Insecurity and anxiety
Fiercely scrawled questions on my heart
Until His presence at my side spoke rest to my soul
A weighty comfort settled
And I leant into it
This Father Friend
This Royal Lover
Wanted to remain
And his invitation to me
Was to do the same
Every breath my lungs had ever held
Was placed inside only to be released before the King
As a deep and trusting, 'Yes'
My acceptance at his bidding to dwell at the table
And after all this time
Whether it's been a day or a forever
This one thing I have discovered
Sitting with the King was all the nourishment
My heart ever required
This next part is from a song from The Greatest Showman,
(HEAR ME OUT I HAVE A POINT I'M GOING TO MAKE)
From Now on
Song from The Greatest Showman:
"I drank champagne with kings and queens
The politicians praised my name
But those are someone else's dreams
The pitfalls of the man I became
For years and years
I chased their cheers
The crazy speed of always needing more
But when I stop
And see you here
I remember who all this was for.
And from now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the lights
From now on
What's waited 'til tomorrow starts tonight
It starts tonight
And let this promise in me start
Like an anthem in my heart
From now on
From now on
From now on
And we will come back home
And we will come back home
Home, again!"
When I was 15, the Lord promised me that He would open doors beyond what I could ever imagine. He assured me that He would place me in rooms and allow my words to touch hearts—all for His glory.
In this past year, He has opened doors I didn't even know existed. He’s brought me into internships and scholarships I could have never dreamed of, placing me in rooms where I was the youngest, least experienced, and most unqualified person there. He’s given me the chance to travel, to make connections, and to attend events that I’d never even heard of.
And all I had to do was be still.
The Lord fought for me and opened every door.
All I had to do was show up. All I had to do was trust.
A few weeks ago, I accompanied my boss to an inspiring event. Everyone there knew her, recognizing and praising her hard work. People were curious about my thoughts as a college student, wanting to know my perspective and ideas. I listened as community leaders discussed plans for the future, and I couldn’t help but think about how I was witnessing God’s promises unfold in real-time.
But as I reflected on this, I prayed. I prayed that no matter how many doors I walk through or tables I sit at, the most important ones I seek are His—walking through the door to His throne room, sitting at His table.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for every door you’ve opened, for every person you’ve placed in my path, and for your endless provision and grace. All that I have, all that I will ever achieve, is because of You, and for Your glory. Remind me that the highest place I could ever reach is at Your feet and that true success is defined by knowing You and being known by You. Help me to fight the good fight so that one day I may see You face to face. Remind me that I already have a seat at Your table—that my fears and insecurities will never cause You to rescind the invitation to sit with You and be in Your presence. Amen.
May we never forget that the most important seat we could ever have is the one at His table.
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