Sweet Fellowship

(Psalm 34:8) “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
(Philippians 4:6) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
(Matthew 11:28-30) “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
(Psalm 1:2) “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

I watched my sister struggle for 6 years with a loss of taste and smell after suffering with a severe case of pneumonia. The mouthwatering taste gradually disappeared, and an unsettling  offensive smell and taste became the norm.  Even the memories of the taste of foods disappeared. The joys of “sweet fellowship” with family and friends around the table decreased and the church fellowship meals were of no interest anymore, the memories of feasting and rejoicing ceased.

BUT THEN, 6 years later I hear the words, “I CAN SMELL YOUR TEA! ” she said to me from across the table “I CAN TASTE!, she said. I knew from the expression on her face that the taste was SO GOOD!
This battle came to an end after many prayers through the long years, and then being led to a 2 day acupuncture procedure, which caused the joys of “sweet fellowship” to return as the smells and tasty flavors exploded.
I thought about our Jesus calling us to “sweet fellowship” as well, (Philippians 4:6) to come and sup with Him around the table. Even during our deepest disappointments, He is still at the table yearning for “sweet fellowship” with His children. He is ready, desiring to hear the prayers of our daily needs and our supplication which is our deepest yearnings, dreams, and many times, our brokenness. Here we find Him tenderly waiting with undivided attention on His Children. The ones He prepared the table for.
Yes, even in our struggles He bids us to come (Matthew 11:28-30) continually. Even if we desire to pull away during the toughest times, He bids us to come closer, (Psalm 34:8) to taste and see that He is good! Some struggles are long and tiresome and so tasteless that the sweetness of yesterday’s joys have gone and the joyful memories begin to cease.
But THEN, as you wait, and linger in His presence, meditating (Psalm 1:2) on His every Word to you personally, the taste explodes with joy unspeakable and mouthwatering delight causing “sweet fellowship” full of His Glory!
What about you, would you come to the table and sup with Him today? Your Savior awaits.
By Deann Dolan