The Table

Awhile ago one of our daughters shared something God showed her in Psalm 23 and I was able to to share it with a friend recently and wanted to share it with you because it fits in so well with our conversations lately. We have been talking about trust and being still before God so let’s take a closer look at Pslam 23:5:

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

Picture a lavish tablescape with all your favorite and yummiest foods. You are so excited to sit down and enjoy every bite. As your sitting there, you notice someone sneaking up with a dagger. Then you notice another person shouting lies about you. A diagnosis comes you weren’t expecting. A friend no longer wants to be your friend. A family loses their battle with a disease.
Then you feel uneasy and restless in the attacks and turmoil going on around you.
You can no longer eat. You lost your appetite. All the good things that are in front of you are veiled by the pain of what’s happening.
You can no longer rest, you want to run, hide, get numb and distracted from it all.

So, why in the world did God say He put this beautiful table in the middle of chaos and turmoil?

In Verse 1 of Psalm 23 we are reminded that “The LORD is my shepherd…” Shepherds care for, protect and lead their sheep. The sheep follow the shepherd up the steep mountains and on thin trails with complete trust in him because he has always been there and been faithful to care for them.

Even when an attack comes they trust the shepherd.

What is the amount of trust we need to be able to sit back and enjoy the delicious meal in front of us without worry or wanting to hide or run away?
We need to truly believe that God is there in the middle of the adversity and difficulty we are facing. That He is Good. That He will protect us. That He will provide for us. That we can rest in His love for us.

“…no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”
Isaiah 54:17

I also felt to share this with you. You have a promise from God. You have God - the One who created e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. - on your side. Yes, you will face hard and even devasting things BUT you are not alone!

Can you rest in that? I want to!
In the middle of night when I can’t sleep because of the weight and worry of a situation.
During the day when my body is in an autoimmune flare and I feel betrayed by it.
When my kids hurt.
When the overwhelm of life, lists, and the calendar threaten to overtake my peace.

I want to be able to fully trust in my God, my Father and my Shepherd so that I can find rest and enjoy the good things He has prepared for me.

One last thing, the last part of Psalm 23:5 says:

“You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.”

The oil represents God's presence, blessing, and empowerment and the overflowing cup symbolizes God's lavish provision and grace. When God says He will anoint us with oil, He is saying we will have His presence, blessing, and power. And who doesn’t want the goodness and grace of God to the point it overlows our cups?!

Psalm 23:5 speaks of God's steadfast love and provision for us, even in the middle of trials and opposition, assuring us of His presence and care in every circumstance.

So, whatever you’re facing, rest in Him. Rely on His presence, protection, and provision. Be still and know that He is God.
Easy to say, but can be hard to do in the moment. Let’s try it. The worry and overwhelm isn’t working out so good.

Have the best day resting in the Presence of your Shepherd.

All My Love ~
xo Jodi

Don’t forget you can subscribe below to receive our emails. xo