Round About Thy Table

Psalm 128:1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Two of the greatest opportunities within godly homes revolve around time spent at the family altar and time spent together at the supper table. Both interactions help to develop a cohesive family unit and an unbreakable bond. The family altar helps the family to get to know the Lord while the family table enables the family to get to know each other. The psalmist speaks of the blessing of having children around the table (Psalm 128:3). Some may wonder if this is some other table, but the context of Psalm 128:2 is that of a meal. Families historically placed great importance upon gathering together around the table as much as possible. Today’s disintegrating familial unit usually has each person grabbing his or her own food only to rush off into some other room for work or pleasure. These times of gathering need to be given precedence in order to offer any hope of restoring the family unit.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Eating and drinking serves as one of the purposes of the home (1 Corinthians 11:22a, 34a). This is why mealtime is an excellent opportunity to bring together a distracted family. Job understood this and thought back to a time that made him happy (Job 29:2a, 5b). While at the table with family, try to keep the conversation pleasant. Do not spend time speaking of problems and troubles. When we eat with the Lord, it will be a happy time (Revelation 19:9).

(For everyone):How often does your entire family gather together around the table for a meal? Would you describe your family as close knit? Is it possible that the two are connected?

(For everyone):Do you hasten to finish eating to get away from the supper table? Or do you use this time as an opportunity to eat and enjoy the time spent with your loved ones? Are you willing to slow down and let God work in your home?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Thank God for giving you a family with which to eat.

Ask God to help you see the importance of family meals.

SONG

God, Give Us Christian Homes

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