Day 2 - Psalm 23:5 "Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over."

In the Psalms there are many references to "enemies."  David was usually writing about real, true-to-life, enemies...people who were pursuing him, threatening his life, or challenging his leadership.  

But when I read the Psalms and apply them to my life, I view their references to "my enemies" as the forces that are attempting to separate me from relationship with God...Satan and his demons, his schemes, his deception.  

When we have gone through a trial or tribulation and know that Satan has been at play in our lives, and are now through the valley, high on the tableland, seeing the banquet table set before us, we can certainly take delight in knowing that Satan is getting to watch us as we are comforted and blessed by our Father.  

I don't know about you, but it really makes me smile knowing that Satan gets to watch us as we dine in abundance at our Father's table, that he watches as we are anointed knowing that we are certainly out of his reach, sealed for eternity.  (Ephesians 4:30)

Satan loses...we win....God saves.  Blessings overflow.

Day 1 - Week 90 - Out of the valley!

Psalm 23:5  "Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over." (KJV)

"As the geography of Psalm 23 progresses, we have now reached the high plateaus and tablelands where the shepherd's muscles are put to the test.  There are rocks to disgorge, briars to clear, pastures to cultivate for the flocks, water to be channeled, and mountain lions to be driven away.  Our Shepherd provides for us even in remote places, even in the presence of predatory foes.

"Sometimes we encounter human enemies scheming coworkers, unpleasant neighbors, or hostile family members.  Worse enemies lurk within us---selfish thoughts, filthy minds, jealous attitudes, or bitter spirits.  Most dangerous of all are satanic spiritual forces prowling around like roaring lions looking for sheep to devour.

"Our Shepherd delivers us from all foes.  Jesus said, 'My sheep hear My voice, I know them and they follow Me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish---ever!  No one will snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28)"  ~ Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart, [Holman Christian Standard Version of the Bible]

This is good for me to ponder on tonight, knowing that no matter the enemy, my Shepherd is fighting for me and preparing a table for me in their presence.  While the enemy may think they have us, my Shepherd is saying, "not so fast --- this one is Mine."  The table is being spread for the victory feast...the victory that comes after the struggle.  

After the struggle, the feast is the sweetest, the anointing the most meaningful, and the blessing most appreciated....then, in recognition of our Shepherd's provision, we can most sincerely say, "My cup runneth over."