The Table
“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.”
Psalm 23:5–6 (ESV)
The table has become one of our favorite places at home! Christy and I work hard to make memories with our boys around mealtimes. Jokes, laughter, and stories from the day fill the room at that table. If you’re ever a guest in our home and stay for a meal, we’ll invite you to sign the underside of the table — a simple way for your visit to stay with us wherever we go. The table really is that special to us—not just because of what’s on it, but because of who’s around it.
Psalm 23 has been heavy on my heart the last couple of weeks. I’ve recited this passage often and meditated on it for what feels like hours. As I’ve studied, one phrase continues to stand out:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”
I don’t know about you, but I’m not too fond of the idea of sitting at a table surrounded by people who could be called “enemies.” That’s the opposite of what Christy and I are trying to create in our home! Yet, the Bible doesn’t say we’re eating with our enemies—it says we’re eating in their presence.
What does that mean?
History teaches that when kings would conquer their foes, they sometimes invited the defeated enemy to stand and watch as they feasted—a public celebration of victory.
That’s the image here: Jesus prepares a table for you to celebrate victory in the presence of your enemies! The one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy has nothing on you or your family. The victory is already won—not because of who we are, but because of who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the cross.
The psalm continues: “You anoint my head with oil.” This symbolizes being chosen, refreshed, and healed. And then—“my cup overflows.” What a promise! Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
How exciting is that? We can celebrate now for the victory that’s already ours!
But maybe today, you feel like you’re still in the previous verse—walking through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s a whole devotion for another day, but let me encourage you: the Bible says He leads you through it. His path of righteousness goes through the valley. Wanna take a guess where it leads?
The Table.
Whether you’re sitting at the table now or still on your way there, know this—you can celebrate victory right where you are, even if it doesn’t feel like it. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Jesus came to give you life, and life abundantly.
Today, you have many reasons to celebrate. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, your name may not be written underneath the table He’s seating you at—but you can be certain it’s written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).
Prayer:
Jesus, I pray for those reading this today who are walking through hardship and challenges. Comfort them, encourage them, and bless them! Let them see Your goodness in their lives today. You go before them. You lead the way. You protect them on the journey. You seat them at the table of victory. Thank You, Jesus, that we’ve already won the greatest battle we’ll ever face because of the price You paid. In Your name we pray, Amen.
