Upon meditating on this verse, I noticed that perhaps David saw God as a gracious host at a table, celebrating a special day like we might celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or just a good dinner. He invites us to come to his table. God often uses material things to speak to us about spiritual things.
How do we keep going in the light of many pressures, burdens, conflicts, troubles and endless issues we face in our lives today? David had so many challenges he faced. He faced being despised as a shepherd boy by his brothers, being a fugitive, being alienated, Saul chasing after him. How in the world did David keep going?
David said to the Lord in Psalm 23:5a “You prepare a table before me…” This is not in the past or in the future. It is ongoing. God uses this picture to tell us that he will sustain us by giving us strength like a good meal through which we are sustained. He feeds us at his table when we feel tired, drained and spent by all these challenges of life. Just as he renewed David’s strength in the presence of his enemies, God will do the same for us.
God knows exactly how to prepare your table in the presence of your enemies, just like He did for David. David’s conclusion, in which he describes complete fulfillment, is: “The one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I seek most is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” Psalm 27:4a
What enemies are you facing today? Whatever they look like, would you trust the Lord to handle them for you?
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that when I’m facing my enemies, giants or difficulties in my life today no matter how challenging, you have already prepared a table before me and I can totally depend on You. Help me to trust you like David and know that you are in total control. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Throughout the Day: Read Psalm 23, considering how the shepherd cares for the sheep, and how David trusts in God’s care. As you face challenges or problems today, bring each one to God in prayer and thank him for his care for you in your situation today. He knows and cares for you!