A Seat At The Table
In November, I went through a lot of transitions. I left a community that I have been a part of and thought was home, and changed jobs. I stepped into this season by going on my dream vacation to Waco, Texas with my best friend. As we entered Magnolia Table, the restaurant I saw be built on my TV screen by Chip and Joanna Gaines, my eyes filled with tears as above a large communal breakfast table adorned the words: “Where Everyone Has A Seat At The Table”.
I had just come out of a season where I felt as though I didn’t have a seat. It was a sweet moment that touched my soul and was such a special gift from the Lord. My time in Waco, with a dear friend who has always saved me a seat, was the beginning of a journey where God would do so much healing, draw me closer, and teach me much about my worth.
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” -Ephesians 2:6
“For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God.” -Ephesians 2:8
I have always wanted to be a part of something more. Much of my high school and college years, I desired to be known, loved and included. I believe the greatest human longing is to belong. I used to believe that I had to earn my seat at the table. I have always been a seat saver, the girl who got to church or conferences early and saved a seat for everyone. When a seat wasn’t saved for me, I used to believe it was a reflection of me and my worthiness. It was a reflection of them, whoever them was throughout my life.
As I journeyed through last year, I was told that I had a seat at the table within my community. I fought to find my way to the table, the one adorned with flowers and laughter, where people seemed to be apart of some inside joke and inner circle. I wanted to be invited and a part of all the things. It was after I left that table and house, that I realized that I already had a seat saved for me.
I fought for worthiness from others (even in the Christian context) when God called me worthy, known and fully loved. I recently realized that the enemy uses wounds of social rejection to make us feel as though we are unwanted, unloved, and left out. I was listening to a sermon last week where Tiana Spencer said:
“He’s been using the moments of rejection to speak lies over me. I have realized that I have cared more about the adoration of social circles than about the acceptance of God. I desire to dethrone the authority of man for the acceptance of God.”
Her word spoke to me so clearly and I hope that truth settles deep within your heart and takes route.
So this is for you, dear brother or sister:
I pray that you realize you already have a seat at the table and start living as such. He has saved you a seat. I had this realization as I journaled through my therapy journey. Seated on High is where your place is.
I learned that seated men and women radiate the beauty of the Lord. They abide and already have access.
You are already seated. You don’t have to wait for a seat, there is already one with your name on it.
No matter what seat you are in, it provides all the power, presence, and provision.
Remember, you already have a seat. It doesn’t matter where the seat is, you won’t miss a thing.
Your seat has the perfect view to see God work (whatever it is) in your life.
Take your seat, darling or sir, He is waiting.
Lord, we thank you for moments of clarity. Thank you for helping me realize that I already have a seat. May I know my worth and identity in you.