Held (5)

Intro:

We’re continuing to explore Psalms 23 with rich insights gained.

May it continue to be life-giving for you again today.

Opening Prayer:

Thank you Mighty God, that even in the presence of my enemies I can relax; I can sit down. And not only that Lord, thank you that in the presence of my enemies you provide a banquet for me and anoint me with your Holy Spirit overflowing my life with protection, peace, joy and thanksgiving. Thank you Holy Spirit. Thank you Father God.

Amen

Bible Verse:

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 valley of the shadow of death
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.

Surely your mercy and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

(Psalms 23 NIV)

Reflection:

Wow. This is powerful. Even when we have enemies around us, or people that mean us harm, God promises to not only protect us but also to provide for us and to anoint us with His Holy Spirit. This brings us peace and even joy.

In a practical way, I wonder what that means to many friends in some countries when they as Pastors are persecuted for their faith. When they may be beaten, thrown in prison or worse. When their church is burnt down and they can’t meet as a church community. I bet this passage strengthens them beyond what I can know.

What does it mean to you? When people speak badly about you or ignore you and freeze you out of friendships or opportunities. It’s so easy to react. To fight back. But God says here in His word to sit down. And that He will provide for us. He fights for you and me. He does it so much better that you and I can.

And then, even beyond that. He anoints our head with oil. This speaks of the Holy Spirit being poured out upon us. Ever had an experience where you were in a place of fear or danger. Can you remember the feeling? I have and I can. But remember when you cried out to God and asked for His help. Do you remember what happened? I do. Overwhelming peace. And an incredible sense of His presence. I pray that you will experience that any time you face enemies around you, however they appear.

Prayer:

Incredible and Mighty God, thank you that even when we are in the presence of our enemies, even there you tell us to just relax, to just trust you and allow you to provide us with your overwhelming peace and presence. Thank you Holy Spirit.

Amen.