“As the outward man is not fit for work for any length of time, except we take food, and as this is one of the first things we do in the morning, so it should be with the inner man.”
George Mueller
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psalm 23:5
New Perspective
How many times have you read the 23rd Psalm? Most of you could quote it to my right now without blinking. However, like most things that are familiar, the words and ideas sometimes lose their affect on us. Sometimes it takes a new perspective to reignite the power of these words in our heart and soul.
The opening segment of verse five is “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” In the last couple of years I have completed a couple of Bible studies that referenced this verse in a way that was new to me. First, God is serving us and not the other way around. Second, the table is set in the presence of my enemies. God doesn’t wait until things are peaceful.
Feasting on the Battlefield
According to Susie Larson (2018), feasting is to be done before we go to battle, right there on the battle field. He is ready to take care of our needs as we prepare to face the battle. Jeannie Waters’ blog post describes this table of grace as one that is tailor made for each of us and provides everything we need.
Jennifer Rothschild (2019) says that the table is front of the enemy and not with the enemy; the enemy is not invited (Psalm 23: The Shepherd With Me, pp. 152-153). God showers us with grace and blessings right in the face of the enemy. If we get a mental picture of that scenario, I think we will have a very different perspective. Despite all of his trash talk, the enemy is on the losing side.
While He Fights
Susie Larson (2018) points out that not only does God prepare us for the battle, but he also fights it for us. This is why the enemy is trying his best to bring you down. He doesn’t want you to sit at the table. He wants you to starve spiritually mere inches from the bounty of God.
Jennifer Rothschild (2019) describes God’s table as “an opportunity to accept God’s provision, experience His protection, and enjoy His pleasure (Psalm 23: The Shepherd With Me, p. 143). He sets the table, but he can’t make us sit down and enjoy the meal.
Take Your Seat
This year as you sit down at the table for the Thanksgiving meal take a moment and sit down at God’s table as well. Fill up on the spiritual blessings He has for you. Take a moment to name ways this year that God has given you each of these things:
- Provision
- Protection
- Pleasure
Remember, a gift can only be appreciated if it is received. So, pull up to the table and feast while He fights for you.
What I’m Reading:
The following are affiliate links. When you purchase via the link, I may earn a small commission. I do not link to books that I have not read. I only link to books that I have found helpful and would like to share with my readers. Commissions help pay for my website and hosting.
For more discussion on a new perspective see my blogs on Mindset.
Amen. Happy Thanksgiving sweet friend.
Linda, thank you for this encouraging post. I enjoyed the Jennifer Rothschild study of Psalm 23, also. God indeed offers protection and provision at His table. Thank you for referencing my blog post. I’m glad it resonated with you because yours surely did with me.