Feasting In Front Of Fear

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:5

ONE OF MY favorite tables in the world is George and Lisa Loper’s table. They are a couple we know who constantly welcome folks over and turn simple ingredients into masterpiece dinners. If you are at their table, you’re in for a treat. They tell fantastic stories, challenge your thinking, and fill your plate.

Whenever I read today’s verse about tables prepared in the presence of enemies, I have to stop and think. Friend, do you see this?

David is describing a very hospitable table in his Jewish culture, where the host is refilling his cup constantly as a way to say: Stay. You are welcome here. There is plenty here for you. But this is not a jolly dinner party of friends and fun. This table has enemies at every seat.

Feasts and full cups in front of enemies. Does David mean that he feasts with God while his enemies, fears, sufferings, diseases, and demons are right there?

This is not the Loper table—where friends join up and fires are started and laughter rings in the hallway. This is not a banquet where you are surrounded by your dearest, most fun, and boisterous friends.

No. This is a table where the enemy is present. Still hoping to take you down. Still prowling. Still surrounding you.

David is describing an incredible gift of grace in the valley. Even though you are surrounded by enemies in your dark valley, you can still feast. God is saying that He will prepare a table before you, He will anoint your head with His blessings, and your cup will be filled even though your enemies are still here.

Because we so often think, When my enemies are gone, then I will feast.

When the darkness subsides, then I will enjoy a full cup.

When everything calms down, then I will know goodness and mercy.

When I finally get that raise or a new boss, or when the test results show progress, or when life seems like it’s getting better, then I will be content.

But the gift of grace from God in the valley is even better than that. God says you can be content now. He has prepared a table and a place for you with Him, while your enemies are still in sight.

God isn’t making you wait to enjoy His presence and His goodness until everything gets better. He plans to sustain you for the entire duration in the valley.

He has prepared a table for you now. But you have a choice: You can sit down and join Him at the table, or you can go your own way. Won’t you accept His grace and pull up a chair?

GRACE REFLECTION: Are you prone to think you’ll feast once you’re past a certain hurdle? How can you sit with God right where you are today, in the middle of your struggles?