You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Psalm 23:5a (ESV)
Of all the wonderful promises and word pictures that the Psalmist writes, this verse is far and away my favorite. As we continue being led in paths of righteousness that bring us to walk through the valley of the deep darkness, the Lord himself is there with us and we should have no fear. We should be fearless in this walk. It is at this point that the Psalmist desires for us to let this thought sink deep within us. It is at the point of walking through the valley of deep darkness that we learn that the Shepherd prepares a table before us. He sets the table in the middle of the valley, surrounded by our enemies. The Shepherd is completely unconcerned with our enemies. He is only concerned with enjoying fellowship and communion with the ones he is leading. The Shepherd wants us to stop and rest. He wants us to cast off all our burdens and dine with him. To be refreshed by him.
This verse has been and continues to be a tremendous source of encouragement as I walk this path of righteousness with Jesus. It is so easy to be discouraged in my walk and sojourn through this life. There is a constant spiritual battle for my heart, mind, and soul. The schemes of the enemy are like the waves of the ocean beating down upon me. It can feel as though there is no room to relax and let my guard down. Yet, here is Jesus telling me to come and sit at the table he has prepared for me. He is inviting me to rest and relax in His presence. To come and be refreshed through communion with him.
He doesn’t mean for me to separate from the world or to get my act together or even clean myself up to join him at this table. He prepares this table in the presence of my enemies. Jesus wants me to come just as I am and be with him. I often think that my most spiritually productive or spiritually engaging moments are when I get away from everything and everyone and solely focus on communion with Christ. This is definitely true and is something I should be about more regular and intentional in my planning. Jesus here is telling me that although these times of quiet solitude with him are special, we can have fellowship together at any moment. There is always a table prepared for me in the presence of my enemies. Fellowship and communion with Christ can and should happen all the time.
It staggers me to really ponder what it is saying. As I am walking through the valley of deep darkness, the difficult and lonely times of my life when I feel most defeated and most unworthy to be near my Shepherd, this is when my loving Savior tells me to stop and recline at table with him. It is in these moments of deep darkness, when I am surrounded by my enemies that Jesus knows I need his presence most. So he prepares a table before me. It is overwhelming to contemplate this wonderful news. In the midst of my trials, struggles, heartaches, pain, suffering, depression, apathy, and waywardness, Jesus simply invites me to join him for a meal. A moment of refreshing. A renewal of my spirit.
Jesus, forgive me for not truly understanding the implications of this promise in my life. I so often neglect to come and spend time with you. I listen to the whispers of this world that tell me of all the many ways I have disappointed you. I forget the deep love you have for me. I miss seeing the table you have prepared before me. Open my eyes and let me see. Give my heart an intense yearning to be in fellowship and communion with you. Let the things of this world begin to fade and dim in their importance to me. Show me Jesus and the love of the Father for his special child.