You Prepare a Table for Me

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“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.“
(Psalm 23:5, NKJV)

The shepherds of the psalmist days would travel to a high, flat summer range for the sheep to have the best land to graze. This may have been exactly what David had in mind when he used the word “table”.

The land would be cleared before the sheep’s arrival of any poisonous plants and jagged stones. The shepherd made certain his sheep would eat only healthy vegetation.

This should bring precious imagery to mind:

“Our great Good Shepherd is going ahead of us in every situation, anticipating what danger we may encounter, and praying for us that in it we might not succumb.”

(from A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller, page 107)

We know we have an enemy and our Shepherd is our constant protection.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

We cannot discount the reality of this enemy, but must remain ever alert to his strategies. Yet we find this precious promise and can anticipate times of joy, and feasting, in the middle of challenging times.

Even when facing enemies, or in the most adverse situations, we will not lack anything under our Shepherd’s watchful eye.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, NKJV)

As we come to the table He has prepared for us,
we remember we are loved deeply, are provided for abundantly,
and are under His constant care and protection.

 

Image by anncapictures from Pixabay