Psalm 23 Paths of the RighteousSample

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)

Lillian Trasher was an American-born missionary who founded the first orphanage in Egypt in the early 1900s. “Mama Lillian” as she was known, cared for over 10,000 orphans in her lifetime, and the orphanage she began, is still in operation today.

By the 1940s the orphanage was home to over 900 children. World War II was shifting in favor of the Allies in the region, but inflation made the operational costs impossible to maintain. The children’s clothes were in tatters, and they were starving, eating only half a cup of lentils each day. Lillian pursued every normal avenue for help, but the entire country was suffering. One night at supper she announced that all school work and chores would be suspended for 24-hours so everyone could pray for God’s provision.

The next morning, Lillian received a telegram from the American ambassador to Egypt requesting to see her immediately. She had no idea what the dignitary would have to do with her, so she boarded a train for Cairo at once. Once there, the ambassador was bursting with news. He explained that Greece had fallen to the Germans, and a Red Cross ship carrying relief supplies intended for Greece was ordered to return to harbor in Alexandria. The ship was at risk for attack, and they were ordered to dump their supplies and head out to sea immediately. 

But onboard was a young Scottish sailor, whose mother prayed for Lillian’s orphans every day, and who had himself supported Lillian’s work in the past. Knowing their cargo would help the orphans, he begged the captain to unload the cargo instead of dumping it at sea. The sailor was adamant and unrelenting, finally, the captain agreed. 

The ambassador leaned in, “This is why I asked you to come here today. Miss Trasher, do you have need for food and clothing at this time? We have 2,600 dresses, 1,900 sweaters, 1,900 pairs of pants, 3,800 blankets, 1,100 towels, 700 kegs of powdered milk, 1,200 sacks of rice…” and the list went on and on. Lillian burst into tears. God had heard her prayers and those of the orphans. In the middle of a war, God had prepared a banqueting table overflowing with his divine supply.   

My Cup Overflows

Yesterday, Psalm 23:4 reminded us that our Shepherd is an able protector, and today verse 5 shows us he is an abundant provider. Even in the midst of war, and inside enemy territory, the Lord knows the needs of his children and delights to fill their cups to overflowing. Trust him today with the needs that are pressing in your life. He is an abundant provider!