The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pasture,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
For his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
Through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
For you are with me;
Your rod and your staff,
They comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23 NIV

Surely this psalm is one of the most beloved psalms. Anyone who has ever been to church at all would have heard it or been familiar with it. It is used at most funerals, maybe because it paints such a beautiful picture of Abba God’s love and provision.

When we eat at a restaurant or a public event, we make every effort not to sit near someone we believe doesn’t like us. And we certainly try to avoid that person we have defined as an enemy. When we sit down to eat, we need to be in a place of safety or security. Or do we?

One day when I was reading this psalm, the phrase “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” I was struck HARD. What? Abba would prepare a table for me to eat at in the presence of those who hated me and wished me harm? I could sit down in perfect peace with them standing behind me? In front of me? Beside me? I could eat and not choke in fear?

This picture of a lavish table of food is even more profound when we consider that middle eastern people “reclined” at the table. There was no built up table with chairs around it. Rather there were cushions or mats around the “table”. One had to recline or sit “Indian style”. If danger were to present itself, you are in a very vulnerable position. Who with a sane mind would allow an enemy to stand behind them or in front of them?

This idea was huge to me. That there is a table I can partake of with full confidence, safe in Him. It was prepared for me by my Father. I can sit and eat at that table with no fear because he protects me. My enemies can surround me as I eat but I am kept safe by the Father.

We can have full confidence and a heart full of faith in Him…in His provision…in His protection…in His hesed love.

Amazing.