When Pain has a Seat at the Table: A 30-Day Devotional to worship in the presence of pain

by Erik Gaylo

In Psalm 23, David writes, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows...” It’s fascinating that David didn’t say that God prepares a table, this picture of bounty and community, within a fortress where it is warm, safe, and secure. Instead, he paints a setting where unknowns and even potential danger surround him. As a Western culture, we idolize comfort. We flee the simplest inconveniences, let alone willingly choose to face pain.

What if in the upside down world that is following Jesus we live in a painful reality, experiencing things we wish weren’t part of our stories? It’s where the Master himself is known to say, “The greatest among you will be the least,” and, “The first shall be last.” It’s the loss of a loved one, a cancer diagnosis, an abusive relationship, a child who breaks your heart, a spouse who leaves you, or just simply any broken expectation. These are where we find an invitation to come and encounter Jesus. It’s in the story of our pain that He sets the table, inviting us to come and sit with Him.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2025