“The Lord as a Host” - Psalm 23 (Day 4)
Yesterday, we read Psalm 23:4 and witnessed how those green pastures and still waters gave way to King David walking through a dark valley. Instead of letting the threat of trouble overwhelm him, David found comfort in God's presence. He recognized the size of his problems paled in comparison to the greatness of his God. Today, in verse five, David still finds himself in that same ominous valley. Yet, something unexpected occurs - a feast breaks out. Before we explore how we can flourish rather than flounder amid adversity, I want to give you space to pause and thank God in prayer for being a generous host who provides for all of your needs.
As you read the words of Psalm 23:1-5,, consider the valleys in your life (either past or present) - those spots where you’ve encountered uncertainty, trials, or resistance. Then, play close attention to what God invites you to experience while the chaos in the valley unfolds.
Psalm 23:1-5 says this:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Up to this point in Psalm 23, David has described God as a caring shepherd who leads and watches over his flock. Then, in verse 5, the imagery changes from a loving shepherd to a gracious host who throws a victory feast. But, it's not just an ordinary party; it's a celebration in the presence of our enemies. The conquering king invites his honored guest to the table not in a giant banquet hall, but on the battlefield! David's foes, who mocked and belittled him for his faith, love, and trust in God, now look on at God’s gracious provision even in the middle of their opposition. And God doesn’t simply satisfy our hunger pains. As we feast on God's faithfulness, we actually find ourselves beyond full. We can sit down at the table with confidence - our cup overflows-and it's precisely that abundance of love we share with those around us.
Take a moment and consider…WHAT MAKES YOU RELUCTANT, CAUSING YOU TO DOUBT THAT YOU ARE AN INVITED AND HONORED GUEST AT HIS TABLE?
Read today’s passage one more time slowly.
Psalm 23:1-5 says this:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Later in the Gospels, another victory feast takes place - this time, Jesus Christ, the one who called Himself the Good Shepherd, invites His disciples to the table, including Judas, who would betray Him. The bread and wine they consume serve as symbols of Jesus' body and blood shed on the cross. Yet, as chaos unfolds in Jerusalem a few days later, all hope seems lost for those same disciples. Their friend and teacher is arrested and crucified as the fiery crowd mocks, scorns, and belittles. A movement they had given their lives for has seemingly stopped. In a way, the disciples and others who followed Jesus were walking through their dark valley. It's not until the empty tomb and an encounter with the resurrected Jesus, they recognize that what their enemies attempted to use for evil, God used for good. His victory becomes our victory and the foundation of our hope. He put to shame our greatest enemy - death itself. We might not know when our life's path will take us through green pastures and still waters or have us navigating dark valleys. Still, we can be confident and, like David in Psalm 23:6, proclaim, "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
As we begin to wrap up our time together, we want to provide you some space to respond to what we read and maybe to what God is starting to say to you through Psalm 23. First, take a moment to consider this question…HOW HAS CHRIST’S VICTORY BECOME YOUR VICTORY?
Another question to consider is this…WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE FOR YOU TO WALK VICTORIOUS IN THOSE PLACES WHERE YOU’RE FACING ADVERSITY AND TRIALS?
PRAYER
Father God,
Lord Jesus, You prepare a table before us.
We don’t deserve an invitation, but You welcome us anyway.
You invite us to eat, enjoy, and remember that we stand victorious.
So, we will head to the table
with empty hands and a hungry heart,
knowing it is here that life is found. Amen.