Feast

Read |Psalm 23: 5 - 6|

A Reflection on Psalm 23: 
They hurled stones 
You caught them 1 by 1
They hurled stones 
You gathered them in your arms
Not one was made to shake me
Not one did you permit to destroy me.

You made your hand a hammer 
You hewed each one 
Made a table--sturdy
Placed it firmly on the ground
Spread Eden's banquet.

They came--a greedy crowd
They did not bear your Name
Therefore, they could not be entertained
Amidst their mouths agape
Amidst their tongues lapping air
​You called me to sit with you there.

As we walk through Psalm 23 we encounter the God who is our all in all. We see the God who provides; the God who leads; the God who restores; the God who sanctifies; and the God who protects. In verse 6 we are invited to feast by the God who prepares: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." (Psalm 23: 5, ESV).
 
We have just been expertly shepherded through the darkest of valleys. Doubt, condemnation and fear joined to cast shadows to overwhelm us, but the Lord took a stand on our behalf. Now we are emerging from the valley floor, ascending a gentle slope, and are greeted by a well prepared table anchored in the rock that is the peak of the hill. The surface of the stoned table glistens under the brilliant light of His countenance. We are invited to sit and feast. What a delightful spread!

Up high on the hill the view is breathtaking. We see the diverse terrain we have traversed. We see rightly how small our enemies are, because we see how great our God is. In the corners of our eyes, we catch the most stubborn of them scurrying up the hill. But, the air is different on high. There is need for supernatural favor, so that one may breathe with ease. They are starved for air. They are stopped in their tracks, and pushed under the weight of gravity back to the low place. From there they watch as we feast on heavenly bread that has no birthdate. We are satisfied with the wealth of heaven. We grow fat. They grow perplexed, as the silent witness of the blessedness of the righteous way goes forth. 

The oil of His presence He pours, thick, over our heads. We are soaked. We smell like Him. What a sweet fragrance!  We feel like we are made to soar. We blossom--almost immediately--as we are assured of His eternal goodness and love. (Psalm 23: 6). We are made courageous, truly loving and ready to serve.

Beloved, if you are still in the valley this week, be encouraged that what lies ahead is the promised victory of God on our behalf.  Rejoice in this victory even now. It is certain, that He will establish you. It is certain that even now, as you traverse the low places, He is establishing you.