THE JOYS OF TOGETHERING

“All the believers . . . broke bread together in their homes,
sharing meals with simple joy”
(Acts 2:46 (J. B. Phillips).

It is not God’s intention for people to live alone. It is not His intention for people to eat alone. God planned for us to live and eat together. He sets the solitary ones in families (Psalm 68:6). He does not want old people to live lonely lives on their own. He wants them to be part of a family. He wants them to eat with a family.

God knows how much we need one another. God calls us His “sheep” and sheep always stick together as a “flock.” You always see sheep together. Isn’t it amazing that there is not a singular word for sheep? It is a plural word. On the odd occasion a sheep farmer will have a “hermit” sheep that continually strays away from the flock. They usually eliminate the “hermit” sheep.

Psalm 107:41 says: “He makes families like a flock.” The word “flock” is “mishpachah” which means “a circle of relatives with strong blood ties.” It includes the extended family.

The table brings the family together. It is a gathering place. It is a focal point that draws us all to sit around the One we honor, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Unseen Guest. He waits for us to come to the table. He wants to be included in our conversation and fellowship.

The table is communal. It promotes oneness, not independence. This is why Psalm 128 paints the picture of our children “all around the table.” In days past a table was always filled. There were more than the 1.6 children per family of our modern society sitting around the table. There were grandparents and extended family. And often there were friends and even strangers. Each one came with expectancy, ready for new dialogue. The place hummed with conversation. No one was lonely. They survived on togethering. It’s the way God planned it.

And did you know that eating and sharing together at the table releases the “feel good” chemicals such as oxytocin, serotonin etc. Why are so many people depressed today? Why are so many on antidepressants? You don’t need antidepressants when you are part of a lively family meal table. Come to the table. Gather your family to the table and take your daily DOSE—of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins!

Who creates this environment? The woman of the home. The women of past generations labored with love to prepare every meal. They kept the family together by drawing them to the table. Mothers, this is still our task today. We keep the generations alive. Our men are the providers but we are the nest-builders and nurturers. We keep the family together by cooking and gathering our family and friends around the table. It’s our privilege and responsibility to make it happen.

Did you think that cooking was insignificant? Oh, no. It is the secret for “togethering.” It is a powerful and anointed task. Don’t keep your table to yourselves. Share it. At least once a week (more is better) invite some folk to join your table. Invite the grandparents. How they will love it. Invite someone from your extended family. Invite friends. Invite those who are lonely and need to be encouraged.

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV): “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling”

The NLT says: “Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”

Make your table a hub of joyful togetherness.

PRAYER:

“Dear Father God, I thank You that You are a hospitable God. You love to say “Come.” And because You live in me, You want to show Your hospitable heart through me. Help me to open my heart more and more to reach out to others with hospitality. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I love inviting God to come to my table, and I love inviting others to meet God at my table.