Table For One
The Table Is Set Key Passage: Psalm 23:1–6 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” —Psalm 23:5 (ESV)
Lesson 1: Your Place Has Already Been Prepared There is something incredibly sacred—and deeply personal—about being invited to a table. Not just any table, but a prepared one. A table that’s been intentionally set, a place just for you. The plate, the cup, the chair—they are not leftovers. They weren’t added at the last minute. They were planned. Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in Scripture.
Many of us could recite it from memory. But too often we fly past verse 5 without fully tasting its richness. This verse doesn’t simply describe abundance—it reveals something breathtaking about God’s heart toward you in seasons of suffering, uncertainty, and yes, singleness. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” Here, David doesn’t say God takes him out of the valley or away from the presence of enemies. He says that God prepares a table in their presence. That word “prepare” in Hebrew is ‘arak’, which means to arrange, set in order, or lay out. It’s the same word used for setting out the showbread in the temple (Exodus 40:4). This isn’t fast food—this is sacred space. And here’s the beautiful tension: God doesn’t wait until your life feels good to be good to you. He doesn't delay the invitation until you’re no longer hurting, or no longer single, or no longer questioning. No—He prepares the table in the middle of your storm. In the presence of your heartbreak. In the presence of your doubts. In the presence of your singleness.
This table is where God meets you in your aloneness—not to fix you, but to fellowship with you. “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” In ancient times, to anoint someone’s head with oil was a sign of hospitality, honor, and healing. It wasn’t just ritual—it was relational. It was the host saying: "You matter here. You belong. I am not only feeding you—I am covering you." And the cup? Not halfway. Not barely enough. It overflows. This is the picture of God’s abundance in a season that often feels defined by lack. Singleness and Sacred Space Singleness can feel like a space marked by absence. An empty chair. An unshared meal. A quiet home. It’s easy to see what’s missing and forget what’s present.
But Psalm 23 reminds us that God does His best work not in the absence of struggle, but in the presence of it. You may be navigating a life you never expected—one where you’re figuring out how to handle the broken dishwasher, the silence of a Friday night, or the awkwardness of going to church alone.
But Sister, God hasn’t just left a spot at the table—He’s pulled out the chair and called you by name. Let’s not overlook the beauty of the table simply because of who isn’t sitting across from us. The King of Glory is at the head. And you’re seated beside Him. Dig Deeper: Cross-References John 14:3 – “I go and prepare a place for you…” Jesus doesn’t just prepare a heavenly home—He prepares present comfort. Isaiah 25:6 – “On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples…” God is in the habit of preparing feasts for those who feel forgotten.
Luke 10:38–42 – The story of Mary at Jesus’ feet shows that sometimes the best place we can sit is at the table He prepares, even if others don’t understand why we’re there. Closing Prayer Lord, Thank You for being the kind of Shepherd who doesn’t just lead me—you feed me. You prepare a table for me when I’m weary, when I’m wounded, when I feel unworthy. In this season where I sometimes feel overlooked or left out, remind me that You have set a place with my name on it. Help me to sit, receive, and believe. I am not alone. You are here. And this table is holy ground. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
