“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Devotional - Luke Humphrey
Last week we saw where the Shepherd leads his sheep. This week, we see the way he provides for his sheep. He does so as our host.
He prepares a table.
To be God’s sheep doesn’t mean that we don’t experience hardship—we saw in verse 4 that God leads us through the valley of the shadow of death. And it doesn’t mean that we don’t have enemies. But it does mean that God will provide for us in the midst of our enemies.
Here David rejoices in experiencing the provision and blessing of God—God sets a wonderful banquet before his people. Even in this life when we have trials and tribulations we can feast at God’s table. God provides physical food and most significantly spiritual food to nourish us along the way. And he does so with generosity.
He bestows honor.
David says that God anoints his head with oil. God doesn’t grumble or complain about his guests but he honors them—that’s what the anointing would have communicated. This honoring is all the more significant when we think about how difficult we can be as sheep. And yet God—being the source of all glory—bestows honor upon his people.
He dwells with them.
David concludes this amazing psalm by pointing to the greatest of blessings for the people of God: the presence of God. At the end of the day we should not ultimately desire God’s protection or God’s provision—those are lesser blessings. We should desire God’s presence. Dwelling in the presence of God forever is the place of highest and greatest joy, which means that God himself is the greatest gift that he gives to his people.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 )
“What is idolatry?
Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.”
Fighter Verses
© Truth78, fighterverses.com
New City Catechism
© Crossway, newcitycatechism.com