⁵You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Psalm 23:5

Our best worst year was 2016. The months leading up to it were filled with some really great moments, but some really tough dynamics as well. Then in March, my husband was let go from a company he had worked with for almost 34 years. It was a dark valley.

In the midst of this dark valley, the Lord set a feast before us. We grew exponentially as a couple; we enjoyed season tickets at the Chicago Cubs and then they won the World Series; our first grandchild was born. In so many ways, it was the best worst year.

Anointing with oil was an ancient sign of choosing someone. Samuel anointed Saul as king before he had been publically chosen. He later singled out David as the second king and anointed him years in advance of actually reigning as king. I believe our Father also figuratively anoints our heads with oil as a symbol of choosing us.

Two years after my husband was let go, he received a call inviting him to come back to the company. After careful consideration, prayer and conversation he accepted the invitation. That was two years ago. This week in an unprecedented event, his cup overflowed with blessing as the CEO and the president of the company restored his seniority (he’s #20), awarded him his 35 year anniversary award (a milestone he would have reached in 2017), gave him back the two years he was not employed there. It was the most redemptive act he could have ever imagined taking place.

I believe God is in the business of redeeming. He takes really difficult situations and turns them around for his good. In the midst of the darkness, he sets a feast before you. When others push you aside, he prepares a banquet. He shows your chosenness by anointing you with oil, he pours the blessings out until your cup overflows.

Ask him for eyes to see the banquet table, ears to hear his words of choosing, open hands to receive the blessings. And then walk like you already have it!