Psalm 23: The Provisions beyond Green Pastures and Still Waters
Most of us are familiar with Psalm 23 whether we realize it or not. The famous first line has been quoted by pastors to presidents to actors, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” The imagery is beautiful and sweeps over us as it merges into green pastures and still waters. However, there is a lesser-known line of the Psalm that offers a comforting provision beyond green pastures and still waters.
The Preparation
In seasons of trials and pains, rarely do we look at these moments and say, “Thank you God for these moments.” Through our tears and weariness, we are often screaming at God to get us out of our pain and show us the green pastures and still waters, the place where He restores our soul. However, recently the Holy Spirit provided a different perspective for me as I endured such moments tears and weariness.
I recently was surrounded by what felt like “enemies” on every side. I felt as though I had no voice and no way to keep myself safe from what I was experiencing. It seemed like there was an all-out attack on my soul. Through the tears, I was reading and envisioning the first few verses of Psalm 23. And then the Holy Spirit nudged me, “Keep reading.” I hit verse five and there it was: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
The first word that captivated me was “prepare.” First, the imagery of Psalm 23 shifts from God as Shepherd and comforter in the first four verses to God as host and protector. In the Old Testament, a host would provide a meal to a visitor as a gesture of protection and respect. Having a meal was a sacred loving act that represented unity and fellowship. God is providing safety and security even in the middle of the turmoil.
However, another way I noticed preparation was God preparing me. While I did not like what I was enduring, God allowed me to see through these moments how He was preparing the table for what my heart, mind, and soul needed to receive clarity, insights, and truths for my growth. It is hard to see the benefit of this type of preparing when we are in the throes of it; however, if we are willing to receive the preparation offered, we have an opportunity to experience God’s protection in new and formative ways.
The Table
The table imagery provides so much for the imagination. For me, I envision the table amid the lush grass and beautiful waters. God placing provisions gently on a sturdy, robust table fit for royalty. He does not hold back from what he offers, and he invites me to join with him in the feast He has prepared while enemies watch.
At this table I am safe, secure, and strong. We are safe, secure, and strong. We have everything we need. Our Provider knows what we need for who and what we will encounter. We do not need to question God’s choice of provisions (although in our humanness, we may certainly be prone to do so) for there is nothing at his table that is without benefit.
Additionally, we do not have to keep watch of who or what is surrounding our table. God has assumed that position. He sees all that surrounds us and wants to cause us harm. And He protects us through his mighty hand and through the preparation of the table at which we sit. We can be still knowing he is fighting for us, even at the table (Exodus 14:14).
The Enemies
We live in a world with an enemy that daily “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He always has someone in his sights. Unfortunately, we can anticipate he does not work alone, and other enemies surrounding us as well.
Reflecting on verse five, God reminded me that we live in a fallen world, and enemies are part of the outcome of a fallen world. Therefore, the goal is not to not have enemies. The goal is to know who/what our enemies are and to remember who sets our table. As God walked me through this verse, he reminded me of what/who “enemies” are for me: anything that would distort God’s image, his love, his truths, or hurt another in Jesus’ name. These types of “enemies” may be present for as long as I am on this earth. And whether it be me that endures it or someone else, it will always be an enemy. Even so, I know I have a Host that prepares a table in the presence of my enemies. And so do you.
While all our enemies may appear differently, they all can be hurtful. What may be an enemy for me may not be for you and vice versa; yet, that makes no experience with enemies less hurtful or harmful. We are all prone to experiencing the harms of this life, but we can rest knowing that God is aware of what we need to overcome whatever enemy we face.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 23:5 provides a new insight for us to conceptualize the beauty of the table set before us. We are not alone surrounded by our enemies. Our Host prepares for us a table in their presence, not only so we may know He is with us and preparing us, but also so they may know we are not alone. Our Shepherd, our Host, our Protector follows us all the days of our lives that we may “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
Reflection:
1) What portion of Psalm 23:5 captures your attention? Why?
2) In what ways can you identify that God prepares a table for you? If you are unable to identify thing, what do you think you need?
3) Who or what are your enemies? How does this verse help you see you are not alone among whateve or whoever surrounds you?