“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” Psalm 23:5a
A few months ago, my family and I were preparing to board an aerial tramway after a day filled to the brim with activities. As it was the only way back to our car, we had no choice but to stand in a long line while Jason hauled our four-year-old in his arms, and I carried the sleeping one-year-old. When our turn arrived, the worker asked for the number in our party, told us we would be the last on this particular tram, and secured the ropes behind us. Relieved, we ushered our children to the entrance of the tram, only to find that it was completely blocked with passengers who had already taken their positions for the ride. As we stood there facing them, waiting for a friendly gesture from someone… anyone… my husband and I each took our turns at making a joke about how the workers must have miscounted. No one thought it was funny. We were ready to turn around and go wait back in line- even with aching backs and arms. Anything was better than this looming confrontation.
But then, the driver walked up from behind us and told the people to make room. When it didn’t happen, he began pushing his arms against the crowd to clear a pathway. It worked. There WAS enough room. We just couldn’t tell because of the crowd at the entrance. Then, the driver looked at me and said in a gruff voice, “Ma’am, do me a favor and come over here.” I thought I was in trouble, until I inched my way to where he was and saw him gesturing for me to sit in his chair. He stood the entire trip while I was able to sit with my sleeping baby on my shoulder.
I have thought of that moment so frequently over the past few months, and without fail, Psalm 23:5 pops into my mind. This is a great example of what our Father does for us. Not only does He protect those that follow His commands, but He allows us to feast on His goodness all the while.
This is a choice, though. If I want to rest in my decisions and in all the circumstances around me, I must follow God whole-heartedly. I must be rising each morning and asking Him to reveal His direction for me, seeking His guidance in big and seemingly small decisions, while searching Scripture for a word from Him. If I’m doing this, then I can confidently stand before my enemies, knowing God goes before me.
When I read this verse, I picture myself in a forest, surrounded by opposing forces. Some are in trees, some are behind bushes, others are directly advancing against me. There are too many to fight off alone. These are the circumstances in my real everyday life, which may come in the form of illnesses, waiting on test results from the doctor, others disagreeing with my decisions or lifestyle, and even tough daily jobs that seem to squeeze out free time. Just when I feel like defeat is certain, out steps my Giant of a Father. And He leads me to a table He has set up with all kinds of chocolate desserts (my idea of a feast, I guess). Pulling out a chair, He tells me to sit and eat to my heart’s content. I can still see the enemies in all directions, but I know and fully trust my Father to diligently keep charge over me and handle the stuff I simply cannot. Let the enemy advance. I don’t have to be fearful or anxious of the outcome. I have only to enjoy the presence of my Father and the goodness He has prepared for me.
1″He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord yourdwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91
Father, thank You for being everything I need You to be. Thank You for keeping charge over me while allowing me the great privilege of Your presence and the blessings that flow from it. How good You are to those that love and follow You! Forgive me for those times I stray from You and go the way that seems best to me. Please guard my every footstep, that I may only go where You would have me go. Guard my mouth that I would only speak what pleases You. Reign over each big and small decision- right down to how I order my daily schedule. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.