The Invite

 In 2 Samuel, we find the story of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and Saul's grandson. David was looking for someone - anyone from Jonathan's household to bless now that he's king. Someone told David about Mephibosheth, who was "lame in his feet." When the nurse grabbed him to flee after Saul and Jonathan were killed, she fell and crushed his feet while saving his life. Here he is now, grown and has a son of his own! But he is still bothered by the injury from all those years ago. I'm sure if modern medical treatments were available back then, it was probably something that could have been fixed. 

David invited Mephibosheth to come eat at his table. He also ordered all of Saul's land to be restored to Mephibosheth, but the invite was specifically to sit and eat at his table. Mephibosheth accepted gracefully. 

Remember that they didn't have ADA back then! In fact, those who were lame or had physical flaws were often prevented from coming into the king's presence. But David invited Mephibosheth into his palace and welcomed him with open arms. 

Sometimes, caregiving can seem like it makes us lame. Our walk is a bit messed up - just not quite normal - you know what I mean? We carry a lot each and every day, and it can be emotionally debilitating, even if it's not something others can see easily. However, there are a few discerning hearts in the world that get it, at least now and then. 

This morning, I found comfort in this passage as I feel like my walk is so messed up. I'm so messed up. Okay, for real, sometimes I am a mess. But the King still issues the invite to come to His table that He spreads before me, right in front of my enemies, too! (Psalm 23) Of course, our enemies are not always people, even though that can happen with caregiving, too! We battle fear. Doubt. Pure soul exhaustion. And sundry other things that dig at us, trying to cripple our souls. Yet, here is God extending the invitation to come and partake of His grace, His mercies, His love, and His peace. The invite comes anyway with no consideration of our inadequacies or limping souls. He just invites us to come and eat perpetually at His table. 

Today, I will make myself sit down and eat from His table. I'll remind myself that His mercies were new just for me this morning! (You too!) I'll let those words He spoke to Paul ring out in my soul - My grace is enough.  I will move in closer to Him and choose to eat from His table, for that is where I'll find restoration, hope, and peace enough for today. While I'm sitting perpetually at His table, I can find it in myself to trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

Check out my latest release. Command Your Morning is a 31-day devotional that is focused on taking charge of your soul and day in the morning and trusting God that the rest of the day will follow suit! You can get the eBook from my shop at Buy Me A Coffee. Or the print and Kindle versions are now available in my Amazon Shop.