While the Enemy Watches

"You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies."

Most of us have memorized Psalm 23.  We have recited it by heart many times.  And as often happens with rote recitation, sometimes the beauty of the words gets lost in the regurgitation of it.  I had the first half of Psalm 23:5 rolling around in my head just now...

David, who wrote this Psalm, was a warrior.  He had been in many battles and knew what it meant to have enemies.  And here he is, writing a song about sitting down to enjoy a feast while the enemy is there.  The enemy has closed in and is ready to attack.  The enemy is right there, in his presence.  But instead of calling the troops to defend this attack, he sits down to a feast, prepared for him by the One who has promised to give him all that he needs.  The One who has promised to comfort and protect him.

If you are being battered by the enemy, stop trying to defend yourself.  You can't.  You only have One Defense.  Sit down at God's table and rest in His comfort and protection.