The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Օրինակ

A Table Prepared for You 

By Elisabeth Dunn 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life ... .” Matthew 6:25 (ESV) 

Growing up in a missionary family, I had the privilege of sitting at dinner tables all over the world. Each table was uniquely set, and the food prepared ranged from mouthwatering pastries to homemade pasta and bread. Occasionally, we were served something we couldn’t quite identify, but in the end, we decided it was chicken ... at least the foot in the dish looked like a chicken foot! 

From country to country, each of these tables had one thing in common: each one was prepared with intentional thought and care. In every case, the family preparing the meal considered who was coming to dinner and how they could make my family feel welcome and loved. 

Just as each of those tables were lovingly prepared for my family, the Lord prepares a table for each of us. I have often imagined the Lord’s table to be an extravagantly set banquet table, with food and drink as far as the eye can see. And while I love imagining this banquet in all its glory, I know that the table the Lord has prepared for me is actually His presence. 

It wasn’t until I began traveling on my own—first as a teenager and then as a young woman—that I started to understand Psalm 23:5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies ....” I had seen and experienced the Lord’s provision in so many miraculous ways, but I had yet to sit at His table (in His presence) while in the presence of my enemies. Although I traveled alone a lot, my physical safety and escalating political situations (including a revolution!) weren’t my biggest concerns. No, my biggest concerns—my enemies—were fear and anxiety: Fear that I wouldn’t have enough money to buy supplies for basic needs. Fear that I had made a mistake and somehow misheard the Lord, and maybe I wasn’t supposed to be on the mission field. Anxiety that my visa application wouldn’t be approved. Worry I wasn’t doing enough or working hard enough. And sometimes I was afraid something terrible would happen to me, and I would never make it home. Many of these concerns were irrational, but in the moment, they felt very real and scary. 

Although I was often with a group or an organization during my travels, there were times I was really and truly alone—just me, myself, and I fighting all my fears and worries. Bleak, I know. But in those moments when I felt the most alone, I now know the Lord was drawing me closer to Him. 

It often took me longer than I’d like to admit to bring my fears and worries to the Lord. But the minute I did, the way I viewed my circumstances changed. I’d immediately feel His presence surrounding me, and I knew it didn’t matter what fear was trying to tell me or how anxiety was trying to cripple me. Those things were not invited to sit at the Lord’s table with me. 

All it ever took to access the Lord’s table (His presence) was a simple prayer—one I prayed a lot: “Jesus, I can’t do this without You. I am worried and scared. Help me today because I am struggling.” The Lord was faithful to answer me every time, and I know He will do the same for you—even if you have to pray that prayer every day. 

At His table you will find peace that surpasses your understanding, hope that strengthens your faith, rest for your weariness, and a place to lay down your burdens. Your confidence in the Lord will be restored, and you will know—no matter what—you are never alone. 

PRAYER 

Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Even when I am struggling, I know You have everything under control, and I can trust You will take care of me. Thank You that I can always enter Your presence and sit at the table You have prepared just for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION   

• Ask the Lord if there is an area in your life you need to bring to His table.   
• Practice sitting in His presence and giving Him your worries and fears.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSE

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Psalm 23:5