Psalm 23 | I Shall Not WantSampel

Verse 5. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” [AMP]

This is the beautiful experience of serving an Almighty God who cares for the needs of His children. Resting in God's presence, provision, and protection is the six-course dining experience that your Good Shepherd has prepared for you in the presence of your enemies. Your enemies may not have faces right now. But it’s possible that your enemies look a lot like a non-stop, won’t-quit, no-mercy family, work, and church calendar. Your enemy may look like a husband that wants to keep loading up your life’s plate because he’s driven and he needs your help. Your enemy may look like a total depletion of your health, or looking in the mirror at a face you don’t recognize anymore. Your enemy may be a loveless marriage, an empty house, or disappointment in your family life. But in the presence of your enemies, <deep breath>, come to His table.

“You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil”.

This was a customary practice in biblical times, to offer the guest some scent-infused olive oil to refresh themselves after a long day of travel through the dusty, dry, desert-like conditions. It provided moisture for their dry skin and perhaps a little fragrance to improve their body’s scent. The abundance of refreshing water overflowing their cup to drink and bath in was the ultimate welcome mat.

The feast that God prepares for each of us as we "pull up a chair" at the table He provides is worthy of intentional setting aside of our time to indulge. The enemies fade into the background. His abundance overflows as we allow His Spirit to refresh our hearts, restore our souls, reset our minds. Physically, we begin to breathe more deeply in the depth of His presence as we seek His face and pour out our hearts to Him in worship and prayer.

It is only as we empty out ourselves that we make room for more of Him. This is the pinnacle of His refreshing provision.

Dig a Little Deeper:

1. When's the last time you stopped long enough in your daily routine to "pull up to the table" that your Shepherd has prepared for you? What does that look like for you, practically speaking?

2. Who or what are your enemies in your life right now? Do they have faces? Is it possible for you to seek the face of God and allow their "faces" to become less apparent?

3. Allow time to experience overflow in your Table Time with the Lord at least once this week. As you read through Psalm 23 again today, pause after each verse and meditate on its value for today's needs and demands.