Unexpected Detour 2: The Surrounded
Table
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” (Ps. 23:5, NKJV).
Throughout our lives, we will inevitably bump into some enemies.
How do you deal with them? Have you ever lain awake at night, tossing
and turning, dreaming up ways to take revenge on those who are trying
to hurt you or destroy your work? It can be hard for Christians to know
how to handle enemies.
What types of enemies have you had in your life? How have you
responded to those who have tried to hurt you or those you care
for? How well did you follow Christ’s words to us in Matthew 5:44,
or Paul’s in Romans 12:18–21?
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In Psalm 23:5, David shows us an interesting way of dealing with
enemies. He obscures their presence by looking instead at what God
is doing in his behalf. And God is there preparing a banquet for him.
In David’s culture, when an honored guest came for a feast, the
host would anoint his head with oil as the guest was about to enter
the banqueting hall. The oil was a mixture of olive oil and perfume.
Then the guest would be seated in front of far more food than one
could ever eat.
How could the three items (table, oil, cup) in Psalm 23:5 help to remind
us about how God provides, even when we are in the valley?
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As Paul reminds us, “our struggle is not against enemies of blood and
flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic
powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, NRSV). Our enemies include those we
see and those we don’t. Whether we like it or not, we are surrounded.
Yet, when we are with the Shepherd, not one enemy, visible or invisible,
can steal what He has provided for us.
Reflect on how the Shepherd has treated you when you have been
surrounded by enemies. What can you see in these times that can
enable you to give thanks even during such difficulties?
